Genealogy Chat

Hi Folks, I can see that many of you on here don't just add names and dates but actually research the lives of your ancestors. TIP: Did you know that you can often write about how you discovered the details of your ancestors lives by writing articles for Family History Magazines? However, you will need to be able to stick to deadlines, use Word and have a few photos and documents that you can scan and send to them. It would also need to be written in a way that could help other researchers by using the same methods. Think about it - you can even get paid but only if you are serious and don't mind putting in a bit of work. I have had several articles published in various magazines. Cheers, Horatia

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Yes I have had an article published and thinking about trying another. Good idea to recoup what we spend! I believe there are a few successful authors on here.

I am planning to write a book about one of my ancestors, who spent the last 40+ years of his life in Broadmoor. But I need to do more research first. nell

Horatia, that aint a bad idea, I know just about everything I can find on the infamous Horsteads who went to Stepney from Norfolk. Norfolk Roots could be interested in the story as it has local connections and who knows, someone somewhere may be able to help find the blessed marriage/births of my GGPx5. People like Merry, Brenda, Old Crone, Jess etc. could write an article every week with all the stuff they have. Ive just emailed Robin 'double-barrelled name' to ask if his interested Horatia.

Yes, Heather glad you might have a go. They usually want to know about your amazing ancestors (the ones who won medals) or those who got transported or sent to prison. If you have any black sheep in the family they love to hear about them and if it happened a long time ago there is no need to be embarrassed. Or unusual research stories that took you to foreign countries. If you have photos so much the better. Cheers, Horatia

Oh, well mine didnt do any of that - all goody goodies - even the headstone for one of them nearly 200 years ago goes on and on what a good man he was beloved by all (see where I get it from, cant you). So may be they wont be interested. I thought the fact Id never known they lived all round me - me being a cockney sparrer what only moved here 20 years ago - and then making the discovery when I started to do this 2 years back would be of a bit of interest - now youve said that --------------------- anyone got a pirate, maniac or king to spare?

Heather, Well you could turn it into a semi humorous article saying you were desperately looking for a black sheep but all you found was a paragon! ;-) Cheers, Horatia

True, but erm, boring eh? I cant really tell them the only reason there are headstones in the churchyard is cos one of the daughters was a slut and made her money shacking up with elderly gentlemen that she outlived!!

Wow Heather! That sounds just the sort of story I'd like to read! ;-) But yeah, some puritan readers might come over all unnecessary!!! ;-) How about a difficult research case where you had a really difficult bit of research to crack and describe how you found the answer and why you really wanted to solve the mystery - does this help? Cheers, Horatia

No, Horatia I think I can see the Booker prize hope fading as we speak ...........................................

Yes, I have, in the Suffolk Family History Society magazine, and in an Irish one. :-) Joy

Heather, You probably just need to look through your records and see whom you find your most interesting ancestor. How have you fleshed him or her out? The lady who married all the gentlemen could be written in a humorous way such as: You've guessed it - Jacob died but Mary soon found comfort with Esau who was a wealthy man but it wasn't long before another headstone was in St Mary's Churchyard. At least Mary gave Esau a good headstone. She'd inherited £1,000 so it was the least she could do!!! Cheers, Horatia

Maid Marion - good for you. I have written for Family History Societies too but here's another tip. I know I shouldn't be mercenary but the Family History Magazine will often pay (depending on their popularity) if you have a good story that you can illustrate with photos and or documents. As another poster says, it does help you recoup some of your research funds and can prove entertaining and helpful to other researchers. Cheers, Horatia

Well one Family History magazine practically begged me to write up a family story......I did so, send item and photos and have been subscribing ever since, waiting for them to publish the article. Is this the latest way to hold on to their membership?? LOL I have had a few things printed in other mags, but no sign of any MONEY yet!! LOL Daniel on General even snaffled some copies of certificates from me for Your Family Tree.....but I forgot to buy the edition (no payment or even a free copy LOL) so have not seen my rellies in print in that one yet :o(( Anyone got last October's Your Family Tree?? Merry (who is never going to get rich with family history)

Merry, I've got all 37 issues of Your Family Tree - what was the story about? Cheers, Horatia

Oh, other people have been entertained by it :-)

Hi Horatia, I wrote an article for the Norfolk Roots magazine, about our Norfolk meet last year. They sent a photographer and I did the write up. Sadly no money involved but at least we got a mention. I think the personal stories in FH mags are really interesting and a good source of information and would recommend anyone to give it a go! Frances

Well done all you writers! Maid Marion you are being a bit coy! I want to ask what your story is about cos you sound like you are having a little giggle to yourself! ;-) Cheers, Horatia

Not a true reply to this, but you have touched a cord. I am passionate about writing up my family history as stories rather than just names and dates which bore the family to death!! My main interest has been in my maternal grandmother's Shipley line and I have had to accept that I will not learn any more about this family which I have taken back, with proof, to c.1780. I have therefore written the story---'Some folks of Shields'--and sent a copy to the library in South Shields and to all the distant family who have helped me. I have to say that it has been universally enjoyed. I regularly re-read my story---I feel that a story brings to life our ancestors and makes them real. I am now trying to write a story for every other family line!! I need to live to be 100!! {I have also submitted articles to journals which have been accepted, but 'Some Folks of Shields' is the best thing I know that I will ever write as it is written from the heart.] Wendy