Offering practical and innovative suggestions, this no-nonsense guide to writing family histories helps aspiring genealogists beautifully preserve their legacies for centuries to come. Featured samples of writing by family historians illustrate the range, diversity, and styles of writing that effectively capture family traditions and memories. All aspects of the writing and researching process are explained, from choosing a format to publishing a family history. Presenting instructions and writing exercises, this innovative resource offers creative suggestions to help readers turn an amateur family tree into a well-written, publishable family history.