Keep Your Writing Simple and Readable

Your family history is not an academic report. You must cite your sources, but do not let its academic nature distract you from the stories. Do not view writing your family history as a report at the end of a project. Try viewing it as a journey of discovery.

Remember, your family history is a living document. Be flexible because there will always be new information to add. Be excited to tell the life story of your ancestors in words your family will understand. Do not be afraid to show your heart. Use your voice and style. Do not exaggerate or try to imitate your favorite author. You are writing it for your family. It does not have to reach the literary level of a best-selling book. So please keep it simple and omit needless words.

Your vocabulary is also essential. Use the words your family typically hears from you. If you must look up the definition of a word, do not use it. Instead, use a word that is comfortable for you.

I encourage you to use your words, voice, and style, but spelling and grammar are crucial in any type of writing, including family history. If you are reluctant to write because these skills intimidate you, grammar checkers such as Microsoft Editor, Prowriting Aid, and Grammarly will help you overcome your fears. These products include a free version on their website or offline for products like Word. You can quickly write your draft at your skill level and then turn on the grammar-checking software to correct errors. Using grammar-checking software can effectively enhance the readability of your narratives.

I use Grammarly as my grammar editor and have had great results. It also gives me suggestions to make my passages more readable. In addition, using this software allows me to spend more time researching and compiling the stories than agonizing over punctuation and grammar.

Initially, a grammar editor may intimidate you because it may catch many instances of your misuse of grammar and punctuation. However, the software is your friend because it points out problems privately before you show the narratives to your family. Your standing within your family should increase because your narratives are so clear. Also, remember the software does not change your narratives but merely suggests changes. The writer can accept the change or dismiss it. For example, I usually accept most punctuation changes but review how the other suggestions may change the readability or meaning of my content before choosing.

Textbooks state all writers strive to create well-written narratives and use the fundamentals of sound writing. This statement may intimidate some from attempting to write a family history. But these lofty visions should not deter genealogists from doing their work. Instead, your goal should be to identify and save family stories using the skills and tools you have.