New report answers 10 common questions about choosing a format for family history projects

PHOENIX - May 11, 2016 - PRLog -- The triggers for wanting to do a family history project can range from a conversation with a parent who reveals something amazing when they share a story they've never told before to the thrill of unearthing a cache of letters or photos that belonged to a relative. But for many people, the next step - deciding on a format for such a project - becomes a stumbling block that prevents it from ever getting completed.

Liz Massey, a personal historian based in Peoria, Ariz., says that formatting decisions can be resolved by assessing just a few aspects of the situation, and she has compiled a short guidebook, "How To Tell Your Tale," to assist in this process.

Massey, a writer, editor and audio producer who is the owner of Listen Closely Productions, said, "In speaking with a number of individuals interested in creating a family history project, I noticed that many of them weren't translating that desire into action, primarily because they couldn't decide whether to produce a book, a video, or another type of final product. Often, the answer to that question can be clear, if one knows how to size up the material available to them, and the audience for which it's intended. My guidebook 'How To Tell Your Tale' simplifies decision making at this key step, so would-be family historians can get to work on their project."

Anyone interested in chronicling the history of a friend, relative, ancestor, family or social/community/business organization can benefit from reading "How To Tell Your Tale." The guide is organized by ten questions and answers, which cover a wide range of personal, family and organizational history situations.

Points covered by the report include:

• The most common formats and their benefits and drawbacks.
• Alternate formats, such as audio CDs, heritage cookbooks, or hybrid book-multimedia projects, that can engage audiences of all ages and tastes.
• How to collaborate with others when producing a family history project in a variety of formats.
• The best formats for bringing genealogical and comprehensive family history research to life.
• The basic tools needed to get started in any format.

The report also includes a useful resource guide and a tip sheet that summarizes key advice. It is available as a downloadable PDF report for $12.95 from http://sites.fastspring.com/listenclosely/product/pickingtheperfectformat.

For more information on "How To Tell Your Tale," visit http://listencloselyproductions.wordpress.com/shop.