Enrollment options
Optional Print Course Material: Writing the Genealogist's Memoir
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
As a genealogy researcher for your family, you can enhance the results of your work, as well as realize personal satisfaction and value, by creating a memoir to enlighten those who read it. Your memoir can tell them about the story behind your research: your inspiration, motivation and/or interest in genealogy; your process; “aha” moments; roadblocks and disappointments; and successes. The professional genealogist or personal historian can also offer a service to help clients create such a companion piece for their family trees or histories.
This course will explore the importance and value of memoir, a method for accomplishing one, and special issues to consider. Exercises will offer practical application of the material and opportunities to work on writing your memoir. The course will focus on writing as a method but will explore other options, such as audio and video, as well.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
THE VALUE OF MEMOIR FOR INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND THE CULTURE
Introduction
Course Overview
Glossary
Importance of Telling/Writing Your Story in General
Benefits to the Individual, Family and Culture
Historical Precedents
Memoir for the Genealogist
MODULE 2
PLANNING THE MEMOIR
Types of Life Writing
Definition of Memoir For Purpose of This Course
What a Memoir is Not
What to Include
Who is Your Audience?
Reading Memoirs for Ideas and Inspiration
Media Available for Saving Your Story
An Aside on Commercial Publication
MODULE 3
GATHERING MATERIAL FOR THE MEMOIR
Journaling/Memoir Writing and the Difference
Mind Mapping
Timeline/Defining Moments
Interview/Questions
Freestyle Writing
Recording Into a Device (Audio or Video)
Use of Photographs and Other Prompts
Topics List for the Genealogist’s Memoir
MODULE 4
DEVELOPING THE NARRATIVE
Transcription
Writing
Organizing the Material
Revision and Editing
MODULE 5
ISSUES IN MEMOIR WRITING
Truth In and Disagreement About Memories
Dealing with Uncomfortable Memories
Privacy Considerations
Copyright and Fair Use
Helping a Client to Write a Memoir
MODULE 6
PRODUCING THE FINAL PRODUCT
Methods of Book Production
Formatting the Manuscript
Bibliography
APPENDIX