Why are most family history publications so heavy-going? Because most genealogists use only one of the literary styles we have at our disposal – the “encyclopedia” style of writing – whereas they should use more.

    Carol Baxter helps you put pen to paper when she explores these writing styles. She also provides links to more detailed information as well as writing examples.

    Carol is the author of six internationally acclaimed "popular histories" or biographies. She now teaches writing skills to genealogists through her Writing Fabulous Family History courses.     

In her writing classes, Carol explains that there are four main literary writing styles:

• Expository   —  also referred to as the "encyclopaedia" style of writing, which is the main style used by genealogists. 
• Descriptive  —  sometimes called "all that flowery stuff" (although it really isn't).
• Narrative      —  also known as "storytelling".
• Persuasive   —  used in advertising and in "how to" book blurbs (not discussed further).   

Genealogists should try to use a mix of the top three in their writing. Click on the links below for more detailed information and for writing examples representing each literary style.   

Other links