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| In the fall, I will write about Stanley Bagg's role in building the Lachine Canal. |
Last September, at a genealogy conference, speaker Lisa
Louise Cooke recommended I write a blog. “A blog is a good cousin-catcher,” she
said. So I started a blog.
Eight months and 34 blog posts later, I am still
amazed by the tales I’ve been discovering about my ancestors, however, it is time to
assess what I’ve learned so far from
writing the blog.
Writinguptheancestors has helped me get in touch
with at least two very distant relations. But even more important than catching
cousins, it is helping me get started on what I hope will eventually be a two family
history books, one about my father’s Scottish ancestors, the other about my
mother’s roots in Montreal. That is a
big undertaking but, just like any big project, it isn’t so bad when you break
it down into small tasks -- say, 500
words a week.
These stories require a lot of work. Checking all the facts
is particularly time consuming. By the time I’ve finished editing, I usually
run out of steam and tell myself I will do the references later. That has been a
mistake. Even if I don’t put the complete references on the blog, I should be writing
up them for myself, while I have all my files in front of me. I will catch up
with them over the summer, and I have promised myself I will take care of them
weekly when I resume writing regularly.
It is hard to assess the blog’s success. I am pleased with
it in that I am basically writing it for myself and making progress towards my
long-term goals. As for readership, by mid-June 2014, I’ve had 5,200
post views, which is not stellar, but I’m satisfied. I made an effort when I
created this blog to ensure it could be found on Google. And if those who
discover it enjoy it, I think that is because I try to focus as much on my
process of discovery as on my ancestors’ stories.
Finally, sitting in front of the computer is great in the
winter, but now that summer is finally here, I want to be outside, gardening
and enjoying the sunshine. Also, I need to prepare for a fall research trip to
England. So, I may post occasionally, but for now, it is time for a break. À
bientôt.
