Storytelling Essentials for Genealogists

Course Type: Immersive

November 12, 2025 3PM ET

Write Your Ancestor's Story with Confidence

Join us at Family Tree University and learn how to craft a compelling story without getting tangled in the details.

This workshop is designed for everyone, from beginners to "non-writer types." We'll give you a proven process for success, showing you how the powerful elements of storytelling can transform even a simple genealogical report into a captivating narrative.

You'll walk away with actionable techniques and valuable insights to tell your family's story with clarity, honesty, and heart.

Experience Interactive Learning with an Expert

Rhonda Lauritzen is a professional biographer with multiple published books and is a regular speaker at international conferences like RootsTech. She has an MBA from the University of Utah and served as CEO of her family business, working alongside her six brothers. In 2007, her writing journey began with her parents’ family business saga. She founded Evalogue.Life in 2016. Since then, Rhonda has been hired to help tell the stories of families, cities, and nonprofits. She believes that when you tell your story, it changes the ending.

This live, two-hour session is designed to immerse you in a hands-on learning experience. Led by genealogy expert Rhonda Lauritzen you’ll benefit from:

• Expert Guidance: Learn directly from a renowned genealogy professional.
• Practical Handouts: Access downloadable resources to enhance your learning.
• PLUS - Receive the eBook "Writing Your Family History" ($19.99 value) FREE

Interactive Q&A: Get your questions answered during the live session and through our exclusive online forum for two weeks, ensuring all your questions are answered and you receive personalized guidance as you apply what you've learned.

What You’ll Learn

• Write a quick first draft, noting placeholders, and letting the timeline guide your narrative.
• Start with oral history interviewing and great question prompts to spark insights.
• Jumpstart your story by focusing on vignettes, which are self-contained stories that have all the essential elements but are less intimidating to tackle.
• Determine the best point of view and tense for your story (hands-on exercise).
• Flesh out your characters to highlight their personality and values, making them inspiring for readers.
• Set scenes within the Goldilocks zone of detail: not too much, not too little.
• Identify the main theme: what did you learn from the story?
• Learn the most critical elements of story structure so you hit the right emotional notes.
• Navigate sensitive subjects with empathy. 
  

By the end of this course you'll be able to:

• Overcome writer's block and organize your story. Learn how to transform overwhelming research into a compelling narrative and find the best way to start your story.
• Bring your characters to life. Discover the emotional heart of your family's history and learn how to make your ancestors feel real to your readers.
• Engage your readers on a deeper level. Create an emotional connection with your audience by sharing your family's values through the art of storytelling, without sounding preachy.
• Walk away with confidence. Gain the skills to hold your readers' interest and feel great about sharing your family's history.
• Receive a comprehensive workbook. Get a guide filled with exercises, question prompts, and templates to help you with the writing process.
  

You have a powerful voice, and your family's history deserves to be told in a way that truly honors it. In this course, you'll learn simple yet effective techniques to transform dry genealogical data into rich, compelling narratives.

Don't wait—the time to tell your story is now. Register for this course today!