Name: Genealogy Writing Workshop
Start: Mar 15, 2025 @ 9:00 AM UTC
End: Mar 15, 2025 @ 12:00 PM UTC
Location: First Presbyterian Church

Join the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society for a free, in-person workshop titled Beyond the Report: Storytelling Essentials for Reluctant Writers, led by professional biographer and instructor Rhonda Lauritzen. This three-part, hands-on workshop is designed for anyone looking to craft compelling narratives without compromising the truth, making it perfect for both experienced genealogists and those new to writing family stories.

Whether you’re new to writing or an experienced genealogist, this workshop offers actionable insights into crafting compelling family stories. Participants will learn how to build a narrative structure, balance details, and refine their writing to make a lasting impact. This session is perfect for those looking to share their personal or family history in an authentic and engaging way.

The event will take place on Saturday, March 15 at First Presbyterian Church at 21 E. Constance Avenue in Santa Barbara. Registration is required and can be completed at SBGen.org/Calendar. Please note that this workshop will not be recorded; attendees must be present in person to participate.

Workshop Agenda:

(Times are approximate and subject to change)

9:00 am – 9:30 am: Brief Society Business Meeting

9:30 am – 10:30 am: Part One – Establish Sound Structural Elements

11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Part Two – Find the “Goldilocks Zone” of Detail

Part Three – Revise for Impact will take place at a later date, details to be announced.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their iPads, laptops, or notebooks to engage in interactive activities. A packet of workshop materials will be provided, and light refreshments and beverages will be available.

About the Speaker:

Rhonda Lauritzen is a professional biographer with multiple published books and a regular speaker at conferences. She has an MBA from the University of Utah, served as CEO of her family’s business, and as a state college VP. Her writing journey began with her parents’ family business saga, and in 2016 she founded Evalogue.Life, a network of interviewers and storytellers that help people tell their own stories. Since then, Rhonda has been hired to tell the stories of families, buildings, and cities. Her next two books will be published this fall: A Child in Berlin by Post Hill Press, and Creative Insecurity: Lean Into the Unknown and Unleash Your Inner Misfit by Simon & Schuster. She believes that when you tell your story, it changes the ending.

About the Genealogical Society
The mission of the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society is to help people discover, document, preserve, and share their family histories in California, the United States, and around the world. The Society is an all-volunteer organization with over 500 members, and a 5,000 square foot genealogical research library featuring over 19,000 books and a computer lab with access to nine genealogical subscription websites. Annual memberships start at $40, please visit SBGen.org to learn more about membership benefits, events, presentations, or to become a member.

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Genealogy Writing Workshop

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