Writing your Book

[Muddy Waters]

Hi

Starting to write the story of my family is my project for next winter.

I have been researching the family now for some 15 years and feel it is about time I did something with all the information that I have amassed.  It is stored on a Genealogy Software Programme.  I have recently seen an advertisment, via Rootsmagic, which advertises a software programme that purports to help in writing a book as opposed to storing information on Genealogy software i.e. FTM, Family Historian, Rootsmagic, etc etc.   It is called Personal Historian and am wondering if anyone else has heard or used this programme or knows of any other that is similar?

regards Muddy Waters

[mike175]

I haven't used Personal Historian but most family tree software will produce a narrative report. By it's nature any such program will tend to be very repetitive, just changing names, dates, places, etc.

I found the only way to produce something readable is to write it yourself; you can always include charts, etc. to illustrate the text. I use PagePlus desktop publishing software which allows you to place photos, charts & tables in the layout, play around with different fonts and move things around to best effect.

I notice there is a free 30-day trial download for Personal Historian . . . maybe that's the way to go to see if you like it.

Mike.

[Muddy Waters]

Hi Mike
Thank you for your reply and I have thought of using the "book" programmes that are available for use on the various genealogy programmes but find them inadequate for my purpose. 

I am looking into a trial period for Personal Historian but as yet have been unable to download the programme as there is nothing to indicate it's compatability with Windows 7. I am awaiting a reply from their support line before going any further and am interested really to know if anyone else had tried to use the programme or anything similar.
regards Muddy Waters