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How I Write a Blog Post

Image: Rawpixel   A very kind Leaves on the Tree subscriber suggested to me earlier this year that my readers might like to know my process for writing a blog post. So, Donna, this one's for you! Where I Get Ideas Most of my blog post ideas spring from my research. I might come across a really great document, such as the letter I found in a probate file which I wrote about last week . Or I make an important discovery or just want to document some aspect of my research process, a particular methodology, or a resource that I've used, like the WWII Alien Registrations databas e I discovered on Ancestry. Here are a few examples of other post inspirations: Holidays —For the past few years, I've done four Christmas related posts in December, as I have several family stories , memories , or heirlooms that I wish to share. Courses or classes —I love to learn about new methodologies, record sets, etc., so I often take classes or courses. Writing helps me process what I've lear...
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BEGINNINGS

Sunrise, 28 Dec. 2020. Photo by N Gilbride Casey


By Nancy Gilbride Casey

I must admit, I do like turning the page on a new year. Everything seems fresh to me, and the possibilities are enticing. It doesn't hurt that I'm writing this with sunshine streaming through my window, which always puts me in a positive frame of mind.

"Beginnings" is the first theme of the 2021 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge by blogger/podcaster Amy Johnson Crow. I participated in this challenge last year for a bit, but in the midst of the pandemic, my writing fell by the wayside. Weightier thoughts occupied my mind: 

"Will my family stay safe?" 

"How do I go back to work with all those kids?" (I work at a high school.) 

"What happens if one of us gets sick with COVID?" 

I am certain I am not alone in this; many of my genealogy writing pals suffered the same fate, and just getting though the day-to-day of life was an accomplishment in itself on any given day.

That's why a little challenge I saw on Facebook so appealed to me to start off the New Year: 

Post on social media one document, photograph, heirloom, etc., for each day of January, following the various suggested themes—a birth record, a death record, a treasured heirloom, etc. 

Perfect! This I can do. 

Writing a post on social media feels a lot less stressful than writing a blog post for some reason. Most posts are meant to be brief, usually just a paragraph or two. I have so much research, so many photos, documents, etc., which I've accumulated through researching family history, this is the perfect way to get back into the swing of things, without breaking too much of a sweat.

So far, I've chosen and written about the first 4 items, and have ideas for several others...so far so good. Some posts have even generated some discussion, a delightful development.

Coincidentally, the first theme was the ultimate "beginning," a birth record. I chose the birth/baptismal record of my great grandmother Anna Tatar Simonik, born in 1883 in Slovakia. In case you're not on Facebook, I will also be adding these posts to this blog.

As in 2020, I believe any accomplishment in 2021—big or small—is important. 

So, here's to beginnings, yours and mine. All the best to you and yours in the New Year.

Until next time...

 

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