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Writing a 'Non-Boring' Family History
How can you inject life into a name on a shipping list? What about the family's murky secrets? How can I do justice to intriguing How much dramatising is acceptable? What about collaborating with a co-writer? do I need a professional What kind of publication is appropriate? Hazel Edwards addresses these vital questions and more in Writing a 'Non Boring' Family History. This is a practical guide for those wanting to shape their family research into a readable family history. Hazel shows how to provide a context, and craft even the driest facts into a dramatic story. If you want your relatives to read more than the index, let Hazel Edwards show you how to write a family history, the 'non-boring' way.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
125 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2003
37 people want to read
About the author
Hazel Edwards
173 books97 followersHazel is a readaholic, author and Reading Ambassador.
She’s best known for the children’s classic ‘There’s a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake’ which inspired ' Hippo! Hippo! the, Musical'' produced by Garry Ginivan which toured nationally.
January 2026 , The Guardian newspaper listed 'There's a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake' in the top 50 Australian picture books. End January 2026 voting in the Guardian poll will close for the top picture book.
2026 will celebrate the 46th year of this picture book.
Her unconventional memoir 'Not Just a Piece of Cake-Being an Author' (AUDIBLE and from www.ligatu _re as part of UnTapped project of historical Australian literature. ).
'Wasted?' a YA/adult cross over #Clific novel is her latest, set around the Garbage Patches, mid ocean where Asylum Seekers trade bio fuel to form a new State and gain visas. In dsylexi font from ReadHowYouWant and being adapted for screen.
Adult murder mystery 'Celebrant Sleuth: I do...or die' with asexual sleuth Quinn is currently on AUDIBLE ,read by the author from print & e versions. 'Wed,Then Dead on The Ghan' is a mini-sequel , commissioned by ABC audio and currently being adapted as a screenplay.
Hazel mentors her 'Hazelnuts' and helps people craft their ancestry in her popular workshops ‘Writing a Non- Boring Family History’, and 'Complete Your Book in a Year'.
'Fake I.D.' a family history mystery YA novel was translated into Tamil by Cre-A in Chennai.
Hazel’s 2001 Antarctic expedition inspired the young adult eco-thriller 'Antarctica's Frozen Chosen', picture book ‘Antarctic Dad’ (reprinted by Kipas) and the memoir, ‘Antarctic Writer on Ice’. Reading about Antarctica is a hobby.
Recently AmbaPress.com.au re-issued updated script collections of Hazel's class plays including 'Grief and Loss in Schools' , 'Issues' and 'Workplays' as well as 'Kaleidoscope of Ideas for Gifted students'. Authorpreneurship' and 'Writing for Young People' have been popular.
Hazel writes a new story for each of her four grandsons each birthday. 'Go Go Gecko' is latest and is being translated.
She’s best known for the children’s classic ‘There’s a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake’ which inspired ' Hippo! Hippo! the, Musical'' produced by Garry Ginivan which toured nationally.
January 2026 , The Guardian newspaper listed 'There's a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake' in the top 50 Australian picture books. End January 2026 voting in the Guardian poll will close for the top picture book.
2026 will celebrate the 46th year of this picture book.
Her unconventional memoir 'Not Just a Piece of Cake-Being an Author' (AUDIBLE and from www.ligatu _re as part of UnTapped project of historical Australian literature. ).
'Wasted?' a YA/adult cross over #Clific novel is her latest, set around the Garbage Patches, mid ocean where Asylum Seekers trade bio fuel to form a new State and gain visas. In dsylexi font from ReadHowYouWant and being adapted for screen.
Adult murder mystery 'Celebrant Sleuth: I do...or die' with asexual sleuth Quinn is currently on AUDIBLE ,read by the author from print & e versions. 'Wed,Then Dead on The Ghan' is a mini-sequel , commissioned by ABC audio and currently being adapted as a screenplay.
Hazel mentors her 'Hazelnuts' and helps people craft their ancestry in her popular workshops ‘Writing a Non- Boring Family History’, and 'Complete Your Book in a Year'.
'Fake I.D.' a family history mystery YA novel was translated into Tamil by Cre-A in Chennai.
Hazel’s 2001 Antarctic expedition inspired the young adult eco-thriller 'Antarctica's Frozen Chosen', picture book ‘Antarctic Dad’ (reprinted by Kipas) and the memoir, ‘Antarctic Writer on Ice’. Reading about Antarctica is a hobby.
Recently AmbaPress.com.au re-issued updated script collections of Hazel's class plays including 'Grief and Loss in Schools' , 'Issues' and 'Workplays' as well as 'Kaleidoscope of Ideas for Gifted students'. Authorpreneurship' and 'Writing for Young People' have been popular.
Hazel writes a new story for each of her four grandsons each birthday. 'Go Go Gecko' is latest and is being translated.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 9, 2013
A wonderful resource for family historians who wish to record the story of their ancestors. Easy to read and full of useful, down to earth tips. Thanks Hazel for writing it.
Shirley.
Shirley.
April 19, 2017
There are many things to consider in writing a family history, including how others have heard the family stories.
The book is written from the family history perspective of an ethnically European Australian genealogy. The principles in the book still apply elsewhere. There are even tips on what kinds of markets may be interested in your family history book, depending on what you include in it. It also includes good information about publishing options for a family history.
Most of all, the book tutors on the craft of story. Family histories use historical records (which are, let's face it, rather dry) to write something interesting (either to just you and your family, or to a broader audience).
The book is written from the family history perspective of an ethnically European Australian genealogy. The principles in the book still apply elsewhere. There are even tips on what kinds of markets may be interested in your family history book, depending on what you include in it. It also includes good information about publishing options for a family history.
Most of all, the book tutors on the craft of story. Family histories use historical records (which are, let's face it, rather dry) to write something interesting (either to just you and your family, or to a broader audience).
September 18, 2015
I expected more from Hazel. The book is okay with some useful lists and tips but lacked cohesiveness in the later half and became frankly, boring.
June 26, 2023
Made me realise that I just wanted to collate some information of past generations and to make it gel with some interesting connecting text. Currently an overview of each couple and an outline of their kids lives run for 30+ pages each!
Will continue with the approach of doing a ‘couple’ at a time. Then perhaps will do a simpler photo book of the last 3-4 generations.
Will continue with the approach of doing a ‘couple’ at a time. Then perhaps will do a simpler photo book of the last 3-4 generations.
August 21, 2020
Hazel really knows her stuff when it comes to writing family history and I love the no nonsense approach she has to writing. Just get on with it but don't be boring! Great resource if you've been struggling in this area.
March 11, 2018
Quite inspirational and very practical. Made me want to start writing.
January 11, 2021
Some interesting technical information, but rather messily put together.
August 4, 2011
It has detailed many aspects that I haven't thought of before!
September 4, 2015
Really helpful specific info about compiling a family history
February 9, 2016
An interesting read, filled with useful information. A great reference book, one which I will refer back to often.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews