"How to Write Ancestral Stories Your Relatives Will Want to Read" with Pam Vestal

Program Description: 

Part of the thrill of genealogy is sharing our discoveries with those we love, so it can be disappointing when our family members and friends have no interest in the subject. However, with good research, thoughtful planning, and a dash of ingenuity, we can create engaging stories designed to entice even the most reluctant readers. Topics include how to breathe life into dry genealogical facts, choosing a compelling story structure, making decisions that enhance the quality of the writing, and presenting what you’ve written in an appealing way. Creating a captivating ancestral story from our ancestors’ names, dates, and places is like turning fish eggs into caviar: the facts don’t change, but the way we describe them makes all the difference.

About the Presenter: 

Pam Vestal is a professional genealogist and speaker who turned her focus to her longtime love of genealogy after a 20-year writing career. Her articles have appeared in the National Genealogical Society Magazine, the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, and FGS's Forum magazine, and her lectures take her from coast to coast. Pam specializes in conducting genealogical research and then transforming that information into illustrated stories that even non-genealogists can enjoy.

Advanced registration is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.