Let’s Get Writing Recap

by Jim Thornhill

The DGS Summer Seminar for this year was Write It Up! with Tom Jones. Dr. Jones did an excellent job of starting us off at the beginning, showing how to set up our software for successful writing, describing tools every writer needs, how to write using genealogical standards, and the important task of self editing.

The first day included homework. Then, on Saturday morning, Dr. Jones took a few assignments and edited them live as we watched. It turned out this was wildly popular and we could have done this for the rest of the day! We all learned a great deal as we saw the process Dr. Jones used to make our articles more logical, easier to read, and reduced the number of words.

Next came a valuable session where Dr. Jones simplified citing sources, an activity we view with a love/hate relationship. Tom gave us a few simple steps to use to make citing sources much easier. Next was how to number multiple generations in an article so they could be easily identified and an overview of the process of submitting your completed articles for publication.

Overall, the seminar was very successful! The DGS volunteers who produced the seminar did an outstanding job. Technically, the seminar came off without a hitch, and publicity was wildly successful with over 150 attendees at this virtual seminar from across the country!

As an added bonus, attendees to this seminar received an added bonus! If they registered for our Fall Seminar, Maine to Virginia: Finding Your Colonial Ancestors, immediately after the Summer Seminar they received a deep discount.

A big thank you to all our members! Without your support of DGS we would not be able to do the things we do to make our society a success. If your not a member, you can join today!