Denyse Allen
@denyse-allen.bsky.social
I help people write the stories of their ancestors at www.chroniclemakers.com
I used to think family history was all about the words I used.
Then I learned my readers find all those words tiring.
So now I add:
• Maps
• Photos
• Family trees
• Even AI visuals
Images make the story engaging.
Then I learned my readers find all those words tiring.
So now I add:
• Maps
• Photos
• Family trees
• Even AI visuals
Images make the story engaging.
May 6, 2025 at 4:21 PM
I used to think family history was all about the words I used.
Then I learned my readers find all those words tiring.
So now I add:
• Maps
• Photos
• Family trees
• Even AI visuals
Images make the story engaging.
Then I learned my readers find all those words tiring.
So now I add:
• Maps
• Photos
• Family trees
• Even AI visuals
Images make the story engaging.
Ever written about three Johns and two Marys in the same story?
I have. Total chaos.
Now I:
• Use nicknames
• Add “Sr.” or “Jr.”
• Explain naming in a note
History stays honest. The story is readable.
I have. Total chaos.
Now I:
• Use nicknames
• Add “Sr.” or “Jr.”
• Explain naming in a note
History stays honest. The story is readable.
April 29, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Ever written about three Johns and two Marys in the same story?
I have. Total chaos.
Now I:
• Use nicknames
• Add “Sr.” or “Jr.”
• Explain naming in a note
History stays honest. The story is readable.
I have. Total chaos.
Now I:
• Use nicknames
• Add “Sr.” or “Jr.”
• Explain naming in a note
History stays honest. The story is readable.
A good family story isn’t just about facts. It’s about feeling.
If someone remembers how it made them feel, they’ll remember the people in it too.
So I always ask:
Who am I writing for?
What will move them?
What will they remember?
If someone remembers how it made them feel, they’ll remember the people in it too.
So I always ask:
Who am I writing for?
What will move them?
What will they remember?
April 22, 2025 at 4:01 PM
A good family story isn’t just about facts. It’s about feeling.
If someone remembers how it made them feel, they’ll remember the people in it too.
So I always ask:
Who am I writing for?
What will move them?
What will they remember?
If someone remembers how it made them feel, they’ll remember the people in it too.
So I always ask:
Who am I writing for?
What will move them?
What will they remember?
I used to write family history like I was writing a research log.
Now I write like I’m talking to someone I love.
Because my goal isn’t to sound smart. It’s to make someone care.
Now I write like I’m talking to someone I love.
Because my goal isn’t to sound smart. It’s to make someone care.
April 15, 2025 at 4:15 PM
I used to write family history like I was writing a research log.
Now I write like I’m talking to someone I love.
Because my goal isn’t to sound smart. It’s to make someone care.
Now I write like I’m talking to someone I love.
Because my goal isn’t to sound smart. It’s to make someone care.
Loved talking with Noel at OGS on the sessions I'm teaching at the Ohio Genealogical Society Conference end of April.
Listen to the on the Ohio Roots Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts or here --> ogs.org/podcasts/
Listen to the on the Ohio Roots Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts or here --> ogs.org/podcasts/
Ohio Roots Podcast - Ohio Genealogical Society
Ohio Genealogical Society Ohio Roots Podcast - Ohio Roots is the official podcast of the Ohio Genealogical Society (OGS).
www.ogs.org
April 13, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Loved talking with Noel at OGS on the sessions I'm teaching at the Ohio Genealogical Society Conference end of April.
Listen to the on the Ohio Roots Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts or here --> ogs.org/podcasts/
Listen to the on the Ohio Roots Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts or here --> ogs.org/podcasts/
I used to think if I didn’t do a proof argument, the reader wouldn’t trust me.
I just confused my readers.
Now I say:
• “Her father”
• “My great-grandmother”
• “Their uncle”
If the proof is tricky, I tuck it in an appendix. The story keeps moving—and the reader stays with me.
I just confused my readers.
Now I say:
• “Her father”
• “My great-grandmother”
• “Their uncle”
If the proof is tricky, I tuck it in an appendix. The story keeps moving—and the reader stays with me.
April 8, 2025 at 4:02 PM
I used to think if I didn’t do a proof argument, the reader wouldn’t trust me.
I just confused my readers.
Now I say:
• “Her father”
• “My great-grandmother”
• “Their uncle”
If the proof is tricky, I tuck it in an appendix. The story keeps moving—and the reader stays with me.
I just confused my readers.
Now I say:
• “Her father”
• “My great-grandmother”
• “Their uncle”
If the proof is tricky, I tuck it in an appendix. The story keeps moving—and the reader stays with me.
Once upon a time, there was a search engine just for us.
It didn’t sell DNA.
Didn’t lock records behind paywalls.
Didn’t pretend generic search worked for family research.
It was called Mocavo.
And it felt like someone finally understood what we needed.
👇
It didn’t sell DNA.
Didn’t lock records behind paywalls.
Didn’t pretend generic search worked for family research.
It was called Mocavo.
And it felt like someone finally understood what we needed.
👇
April 7, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Once upon a time, there was a search engine just for us.
It didn’t sell DNA.
Didn’t lock records behind paywalls.
Didn’t pretend generic search worked for family research.
It was called Mocavo.
And it felt like someone finally understood what we needed.
👇
It didn’t sell DNA.
Didn’t lock records behind paywalls.
Didn’t pretend generic search worked for family research.
It was called Mocavo.
And it felt like someone finally understood what we needed.
👇
Preview the sessions I'm teaching at the Ohio Genealogical Society Conference end of April. Hope to see you there!
Listen to the on the Ohio Roots Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts or here --> ogs.org/podcasts/
Listen to the on the Ohio Roots Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts or here --> ogs.org/podcasts/
Ohio Roots Podcast - Ohio Genealogical Society
Ohio Genealogical Society Ohio Roots Podcast - Ohio Roots is the official podcast of the Ohio Genealogical Society (OGS).
www.ogs.org
April 4, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Preview the sessions I'm teaching at the Ohio Genealogical Society Conference end of April. Hope to see you there!
Listen to the on the Ohio Roots Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts or here --> ogs.org/podcasts/
Listen to the on the Ohio Roots Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts or here --> ogs.org/podcasts/
I'm looking for your examples of bad AI writing for family history. I have a few in this post, but I know there are at least dozens more out there.
open.substack.com/pu...
open.substack.com/pu...
April 3, 2025 at 3:05 PM
I'm looking for your examples of bad AI writing for family history. I have a few in this post, but I know there are at least dozens more out there.
open.substack.com/pu...
open.substack.com/pu...
RootsTech has hundreds of online sessions I want to watch. Impossible to do.
So I’m using AI to:
• Generate personalized transcripts
• Highlight key insights
• Save notes effortlessly with voice mode
Now, instead of drowning in info, I end classes with a solid plan.
Here's how to do it 👇
So I’m using AI to:
• Generate personalized transcripts
• Highlight key insights
• Save notes effortlessly with voice mode
Now, instead of drowning in info, I end classes with a solid plan.
Here's how to do it 👇
April 2, 2025 at 3:42 PM
RootsTech has hundreds of online sessions I want to watch. Impossible to do.
So I’m using AI to:
• Generate personalized transcripts
• Highlight key insights
• Save notes effortlessly with voice mode
Now, instead of drowning in info, I end classes with a solid plan.
Here's how to do it 👇
So I’m using AI to:
• Generate personalized transcripts
• Highlight key insights
• Save notes effortlessly with voice mode
Now, instead of drowning in info, I end classes with a solid plan.
Here's how to do it 👇
Carrier pigeon delivery would be amazing. Hope some mad scientist brings them back.
Tired of email newsletters? Subscribe via carrier pigeon! Each issue of Family Tree Magazine now comes with a feathery messenger and 1800s flair. (Bird seed not included)
#AprilFools #Genealogy #FamilyHistory
#AprilFools #Genealogy #FamilyHistory
April 1, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Carrier pigeon delivery would be amazing. Hope some mad scientist brings them back.
The best fix I ever made to my writing was choosing a specific reader—like a niece or a cousin—before I wrote a single word.
• I pictured them
• I wrote for them
• I tested my draft with them
That one shift made writing 10x easier and better.
• I pictured them
• I wrote for them
• I tested my draft with them
That one shift made writing 10x easier and better.
April 1, 2025 at 4:06 PM
The best fix I ever made to my writing was choosing a specific reader—like a niece or a cousin—before I wrote a single word.
• I pictured them
• I wrote for them
• I tested my draft with them
That one shift made writing 10x easier and better.
• I pictured them
• I wrote for them
• I tested my draft with them
That one shift made writing 10x easier and better.
Centre County Library's Historical Museum recently shared this image of estate filings in their original file cabinet. These filing cabinets used to line the walls of the Register of Wills who kept the filings for both testate and intestate probates. Amazing piece of history!
March 31, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Centre County Library's Historical Museum recently shared this image of estate filings in their original file cabinet. These filing cabinets used to line the walls of the Register of Wills who kept the filings for both testate and intestate probates. Amazing piece of history!
Surveyed 350 genealogists, and the top reasons for not writing:
• “I need to organize my research first.”
• “I’m not a good writer.”
• “I don’t have enough details.”
• “I don’t know how to start.”
• “No one will care about this.”
• “I need to organize my research first.”
• “I’m not a good writer.”
• “I don’t have enough details.”
• “I don’t know how to start.”
• “No one will care about this.”
March 28, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Surveyed 350 genealogists, and the top reasons for not writing:
• “I need to organize my research first.”
• “I’m not a good writer.”
• “I don’t have enough details.”
• “I don’t know how to start.”
• “No one will care about this.”
• “I need to organize my research first.”
• “I’m not a good writer.”
• “I don’t have enough details.”
• “I don’t know how to start.”
• “No one will care about this.”
Sad news this morning of 23&Me’s bankruptcy filing. Genealogists will lose access to yet another database for research.
If you don’t want your data sold to whoever shows up to buy it, delete it now.
investors.23andme.com/news-release...
If you don’t want your data sold to whoever shows up to buy it, delete it now.
investors.23andme.com/news-release...
investors.23andme.com
March 24, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Sad news this morning of 23&Me’s bankruptcy filing. Genealogists will lose access to yet another database for research.
If you don’t want your data sold to whoever shows up to buy it, delete it now.
investors.23andme.com/news-release...
If you don’t want your data sold to whoever shows up to buy it, delete it now.
investors.23andme.com/news-release...
If you are looking for Pennsylvania ancestors, I have an online course that walks you through:
• Where to find rare records that could answer your exact questions.
• How to document every discovery ensuring no lead was missed.
• New techniques to interpret and analyze records.
DM for details
• Where to find rare records that could answer your exact questions.
• How to document every discovery ensuring no lead was missed.
• New techniques to interpret and analyze records.
DM for details
March 22, 2025 at 12:03 PM
If you are looking for Pennsylvania ancestors, I have an online course that walks you through:
• Where to find rare records that could answer your exact questions.
• How to document every discovery ensuring no lead was missed.
• New techniques to interpret and analyze records.
DM for details
• Where to find rare records that could answer your exact questions.
• How to document every discovery ensuring no lead was missed.
• New techniques to interpret and analyze records.
DM for details
With family history there are no gatekeepers.
You have the power to write and publish anything you want about your ancestors.
There’s no need to wait for someone to grant you permission.
Just write!
You have the power to write and publish anything you want about your ancestors.
There’s no need to wait for someone to grant you permission.
Just write!
March 21, 2025 at 4:03 PM
With family history there are no gatekeepers.
You have the power to write and publish anything you want about your ancestors.
There’s no need to wait for someone to grant you permission.
Just write!
You have the power to write and publish anything you want about your ancestors.
There’s no need to wait for someone to grant you permission.
Just write!
Write your first draft of family history with ease with this week's video
March 20, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Write your first draft of family history with ease with this week's video
98% of genealogists are not writing their family history. You don't have to be one of them.
Here is how you can get unstuck and start writing today.
Here is how you can get unstuck and start writing today.
March 19, 2025 at 4:17 PM
98% of genealogists are not writing their family history. You don't have to be one of them.
Here is how you can get unstuck and start writing today.
Here is how you can get unstuck and start writing today.
Surveyed 350 genealogists, and the top reasons for not writing:
• “I need to organize my research first.”
• “I’m not a good writer.”
• “I don’t have enough details.”
• “I don’t know how to start.”
• “No one will care about this.”
• “I need to organize my research first.”
• “I’m not a good writer.”
• “I don’t have enough details.”
• “I don’t know how to start.”
• “No one will care about this.”
March 18, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Surveyed 350 genealogists, and the top reasons for not writing:
• “I need to organize my research first.”
• “I’m not a good writer.”
• “I don’t have enough details.”
• “I don’t know how to start.”
• “No one will care about this.”
• “I need to organize my research first.”
• “I’m not a good writer.”
• “I don’t have enough details.”
• “I don’t know how to start.”
• “No one will care about this.”
I admit it, I love recognition. This one from @YouTube is so great!
March 18, 2025 at 12:25 PM
I admit it, I love recognition. This one from @YouTube is so great!
Looking to research your Irish roots? Here are 7 in-depth videos on Irish research for Americans.
youtube.com/playlist...
youtube.com/playlist...
Irish and Scots-Irish Research in Pennsylvania
Around 40% of PA's first settlers were from Ulster Ireland, during the 19th century another 1 million Irish arrived. Get tips from experts on how to research...
www.youtube.com
March 17, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Looking to research your Irish roots? Here are 7 in-depth videos on Irish research for Americans.
youtube.com/playlist...
youtube.com/playlist...
98% of genealogists are not writing their family history. You don't have to be one of them.
Here is how you can get unstuck and start writing today.
Here is how you can get unstuck and start writing today.
March 17, 2025 at 4:17 PM
98% of genealogists are not writing their family history. You don't have to be one of them.
Here is how you can get unstuck and start writing today.
Here is how you can get unstuck and start writing today.
Preview the sessions I'm teaching at the Ohio Genealogical Society Conference end of April. Hope to see you there!
Listen to the on the Ohio Roots Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts or here --> ogs.org/podcasts/
Listen to the on the Ohio Roots Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts or here --> ogs.org/podcasts/
Ohio Roots Podcast - Ohio Genealogical Society
Ohio Genealogical Society Ohio Roots Podcast - Ohio Roots is the official podcast of the Ohio Genealogical Society (OGS).
www.ogs.org
March 16, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Preview the sessions I'm teaching at the Ohio Genealogical Society Conference end of April. Hope to see you there!
Listen to the on the Ohio Roots Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts or here --> ogs.org/podcasts/
Listen to the on the Ohio Roots Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts or here --> ogs.org/podcasts/