Want to Write Your Family Story but Not Sure Where to Start?
Boxes of Research. Folders of Facts. Digital Archives… But where’s the story? You've got charts, census records, and vital certificates galore, but the stories of the people behind these records remain hidden. Your characters may be modest or majestic, and have played minor or major roles in society, but they are your family and they matter to you. How can you make their story engaging for others?
A good way to begin is with small pieces. Think about one part of your bigger story. Keep your research in the background, and focus on writing something short and well-structured. It could be a single memory, an interesting event, or one ancestor’s moment in history. Completing short pieces helps move your larger story forward, making readers naturally want more!
If you want to develop your confidence, writing style and skills, you will benefit from Writing Family Stories. This new course from GSV, launched in 2025, helps writers craft 500-word pieces while receiving input from presenters and experienced mentors. It is an interactive course with a difference: It’s not just one day, not just lectures, and not even just writing exercises. Our mentors, including authors, academics, historians, teachers, and UTas grads, work with you throughout the course, providing one-on-one support to help you shape and refine your piece.
COURSE SCHEDULE
– TUE 28 APRIL: 
‘Getting ready to write’ – warm up your pen!
– TUE 12 MAY: 
‘Tell your story’ – let the words flow!
– TUE 26 MAY: 
‘Revise and polish’ – shine your story!
– TUE 9 JUN: 
‘Share your story’ – show off your masterpiece!
(Classes are held from 2.30 to 4:00 Australian Eastern Standard Time)
BOOKING DETAILS
– This course is limited to the first 16 registrants
– Course fee: $200 for GSV members, $300 for non-members
– Registrations: https://www.gsv.org.au/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=3014