How much research do I need to start writing?




As a professional family history writing coach, I understand that diving into your ancestral past can be both exciting and overwhelming. One of the most common questions I get is, “How much research do I need to start writing a family history story?” Today, we’re going to tackle this question head-on, providing you with practical tips and insights to help kick-start your journey into writing your ancestor’s stories. So, whether you’re at the beginning stages or already knee-deep, this video will provide valuable guidance on balancing research with storytelling.

Email Me Your Questions!

If you have any questions about family history writing, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you need help getting started with your project or have specific queries about a particular aspect of family history writing, please feel free to reach out. I’ll respond to you personally and your question may be answered in our next Storylines.

You can email me directly at lynn@familyhistorywritingstudio.com

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Accountability and Community: Proven Help You Achieve Your Writing GoalsAccountability and Community: Proven Help You Achieve Your Writing Goals

Maybe you’ve felt overwhelmed trying to balance research with storytelling, or you’ve just gotten stuck and let the project sit unfinished.

Have you ever started a family history writing project—completely motivated—only to watch that motivation fade away?

You’re not alone. Every writer faces this challenge regardless of whether you are writing profiles, memoirs, short stories or sagas, but here’s the good news: there’s a solution.

It’s not about working harder or forcing yourself to push through.
It’s about leaning into accountability and community.

In my latest Storylines video, I share how these two things can make all the difference—whether you’re writing ancestor profiles, memoirs, or a multi-generational saga.