One of my favourite motivational books that I’ve read in recent years is The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. Mr. Pressfield suggests, “start before you’re ready.” I couldn’t agree more. One of the most significant problems with writing family history — we never see ourselves as being ready to write.
First, there is the age-old excuse; my research is not complete. Of course, you and I both know the research is never done. You can research and write; one does not exclude the other. You can’t use that reason anymore.
Then there is the ruse, I’m not a writer, and I don’t have the skills. Poohy! Writing is not a god given talent. While I will admit some have a natural ability, I can assure you that all writers even Steven King started by writing crap. Writing is an ever-evolving talent that comes from the writing process. I’ve written more than my share of crap. I can look at my family history book, and I would love to write it all over again. Of course, my family thinks it’s brilliant, but as the artist, I can see how much I’ve grown in my talents, I want a do-over. I’ve learned a great deal while writing it from the first draft to the final revision, and so much more since. I recognize it was one part of my journey; I have so many more stories and family history books inside of me to write. If I hadn’t written that first book, I would not have the knowledge to write subsequent books. You can’t wait until you become a better writer, it just doesn’t work that way. You have to start writing.
Like most of you, I had no writing experience before beginning my first family history book. I had always loved reading, and writing was a dream of mine. I wanted to learn this skill. I am proof that you can write your family history well when you invest in a little education and hard work. I learned from others, took a few classes along the way and read…a lot! However, my most significant learning came from writing.
It’s a scary thing this writing. Let’s face facts; we are all a little frightened of writing. Writing makes us vulnerable; we put ourselves out there to be judged. I remember sending my first story to a beta reader; I closed my eyes and hit send. I was so terrified of what she thought. Looking back now, I can see how she was very kind and gentle in her criticism but honest. Now I seek readers and critics, I know it is the key to improving.
Finally, we’re overwhelmed by the magnitude of writing a family history book. Often we think that building a family history book has to be ”the book.” this all-encompassing tomb of everything we know. Let’s set that idea aside right now.
Why not start with one ancestor, one story. I think back to that first book and the papers I shuffled, and the days I struggled to wonder how I was going to organize all this information. Then I realized, I only had to write one story at a time. As I worked through the stories, the fog cleared and it all became apparent. I had spent too much time trying to have it all figured out in advance. While planning is useful and necessary, I learned, I could adjust along the way. It was a guideline and as I wrote, and my knowledge and skills expanded so did my confidence in altering the plan. I realized I could never be completely ready to start because I was entering into unknown territory. I had to trust that the process would teach me and I would change as I learned.
Do you want to build a family history book? Maybe several books? Learn to write entertaining and compelling stories? If you answered yes, then you’re ready to start.