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== Start Writing == | |||
As you begin writing, do not get bogged down with anxieties you might have about writing. Get the<br>information, stories, feelings, and outcomes recorded. Don’t worry about style, grammar, and punctuation at this<br>point; you can polish your writing later. The following suggestions may help you if you are writing a book for your<br>family history: | |||
*As you include stories and statements from family members, don’t overly edit their words. Sometimes it is very effective to include unique speech patterns, grammatical errors, and the style of the speaker. You should be careful,however, to avoid making someone look less educated. | |||
*Consider a possible three-part format for each chapter: | |||
*Stories and accounts about the family or individuals. | |||
*Photographs and illustrations that document events. | |||
*Additional documents that supplement your stories. | |||
*Discuss sensitive material with anyone you think may be concerned or affected by the material before you include it in your writing. | |||
*Tell the truth, but don’t be offensive or defensive. | |||
*Try to understand the choices and challenges your ancestors faced. Try to get your readers to empathize with each character. | |||
*Ask questions and get answers as you write. For example: | |||
*How did your ancestor get his property? Did he homestead? Did he inherit it? If he bought it, how did he get the money to purchase the land? How did he finance it? | |||
*Did he have to clear trees, dig irrigation ditches, or build a road to his property? | |||
*What was your ancestor’s profession? What was it like to have the job he had? | |||
*What was an average day like in his profession or trade at that same time? | *What was an average day like in his profession or trade at that same time? | ||
*Did your ancestor have to contend with hostile neighbors? Did they fine neighbors who were helpful and supportive in times of need? | *Did your ancestor have to contend with hostile neighbors? Did they fine neighbors who were helpful and supportive in times of need? | ||