Genealogist Amy Crooks writes the blog, “Untangled Family Roots.” In the December 8, 2024, posting she reviewed our new book, Storytelling for Genealogists, by Doug Tattershall. Here are just a few insights Amy garnered from reading this book: you can read the full review here.
“I know I have a storyteller inside of me, and it’s been screaming to be set free. Yet, here I am, with my ancestors’ stories sitting in files and only bits and pieces shared on my blog. . .. Recently, I received Storytelling for Genealogists: Turning Family Lineage into Family History by Doug Tattershall to review. . .. Doug’s book was a game-changer. One critical piece of advice that struck me was the importance of creating a hook. . . . Doug emphasized the importance of a theme, and that’s where I’d fallen short. . . . With a hook, a solid theme, and a reimagined outline, I was more excited than ever to create a book anyone, even non-descendants, would enjoy . . . Doug’s advice didn’t stop there. He showed me how to enhance the story by adding context to my research. You need to bring your readers to that dusty road where your ancestor sat astride his horse, tasting the grit of dust in his mouth and squinting through watering eyes at a distant figure growing larger on the horizon. . . .What I loved most about Doug’s book is that he doesn’t just tell you how to write compelling stories—he shows you. He offers examples of great storytelling and even builds narratives from the simplest details, like a name, date, and location. . . . If you’re considering this daunting yet rewarding journey of turning genealogical research into stories, Storytelling for Genealogists is a must-read. Read full review
