– AUTHOR –
I have published multiple family history books. In fact, I have even written a book about how to write a family history book!
Meet Leaving a Legacy: Turn Your Family Tree into a Family Book (2023), available in paperback, hardcover, and PDF in the bookshop.
My ancestors are always with me. So I am
Never alone
– Unknown
Leaving a Legacy: Turn Your Family Tree into a Family Book
Maybe it has always been a secret dream of yours to create a book out of your research, but you have been too busy or overwhelmed to get started.
I will help you break this process down into simple, manageable steps. You will learn about the research process, what to include, how to turn facts into stories, how to organize your book, how to get it printed, and finally how to share it.
You can choose any software for this project, but I will show you how Family Tree Maker and Family Book Creator can make things faster and easier than you might think.
Dive in now to learn how achievable a family history book is, and the important role it plays in preserving your research. What if your favorite ancestry website disappears tomorrow?
Don’t leave anything to chance. You and your descendants deserve the chance to sit on the couch and page through the story of your family, for years to come.
How did you get started in genealogy?
Back in 2002, I was planning to attend a family reunion and meet many of my mom’s cousins. I sat down to create a family tree so I could understand who the heck everyone was. Things got out of hand …
How long does it take you to write a family history book?
Around 12-15 months. Keep in mind, I wrote the first two during a global pandemic, imprisoned in my house with two young children and nothing else to focus on. Your mileage may vary!
Why should I care about what you have to say?
I have been researching my family tree for over twenty years now. I have a Master’s degree in Communication Arts, and several years of teaching at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. I love families and words.
Are you really going to write eight family history books?
Nope, my goal is actually to write 12. I’d like to write ancestry books for each great-grandparent, then write descendant books for each set of great-grandparents. Dream big! Without stretch goals, we rarely stretch.
What are you writing next?
What do you most want to read? I am considering a user guide for Family Book Creator, but feel free to write in with requests!