For many years my New Year's Resolution remained unchanged:
-- Finish writing my Book about my paternal grandfather's family. --
I kept thinking that this would be the year to finish. I would set aside research and focus on writing what I have learned. Finally I made it happen.
Stop Researching & Write!
I had written my book in sections, each a surname was a branch of my paternal grandfather's ancestors. I had researched each branch for many years. If I was to ever share that information with my family I had to put the brakes on research and focus on writing.
Pull it all Together!
For each section I:
- polished off the writing
- added photos, charts & maps
- added documents, newspaper articles, wills & estate papers
- added timelines
- edited, edited & edited
Format!
Then, I set up a format for the book and brought all the sections together.
To the main body of the book I added:
- Table of Contents
- Introduction
- How to Navigate This Book
- List of Photographs
- A brief History of each State where my ancestors lived
- Epilogue
- About the Author
- Endnotes [Without references it is only a story!]
- Index [I feel this is critical for readers!]
Seek Help!
When I came up to a brick wall of writing I sought help. I found it difficult to see my errors. I had read it all many times and that made it difficult to see it objectively. I double checked some stories with my aunts. I reached out to my cousin, Nancy, to find my typos, check my formats and generally give me advice.
Then I contacted the Troy Book Makers, my publishers. They helped me with troublesome page numbers, mysterious random blank pages, and other formatting issues. There were fees for that help but without it the book would not look professional.
Printing & Waiting!
Once I turned in the final digital copy of the book I had to learn patience. I felt a bit lost without the project at my fingertips. I could focus on other things but mainly, I waited.
DONE!
My book arrived in several heavy boxes. I cut through the tape, pulled out and held my book in my hands. Amazing!
Now I am sharing with my brothers, my aunts, my cousins, ...
You can do it too. No more dreaming. You can make it happen.
Make your resolution come true this year!
Do you want to learn more about the Browns?
Buy my book.
Contact me: cgbp@nycap.rr.com
$95.00 + $10.00 shipping & packaging
Congratulations, Colleen. An 800-page book is a huge accomplishment. Happy New Year.
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