All Workshops held atWilliamson Hall, behind Jake’s Diner.
Come get help or give support to fellow Genealogy Writers working on their family history narratives!
THE BGS LIBRARY IS OPEN EACH WORKSHOP THURSDAY 11am to 4pm - COME EARLY, BRING A LUNCH, COFFEE ETC...MAKE IT A WRITING DAY!
It's time to start writing! 2026 Ancestor Short Story Project
Bring an ancestor to life on the page this year with the BGS Ancestor Short Story Workshops—a friendly, hands-on series where we write together, swap ideas, and turn family facts into memorable, readable stories.
Who is it for?Anyone working on a short ancestor story—beginners, journal-keepers, family historians, and seasoned writers. Cost: Free for members and non-members. Format: In-person workshops with light instruction, guided practice, and peer support. Where: Williamson Hall (behind Jake’s Diner). Bonus: The BGS Library is open every workshop Thursday from 11:00 AM–4:00 PM—come early, bring lunch or coffee, and make it a writing day.
What You’ll Get
Clear guidanceon how to shape a short, engaging ancestor story.
Peer feedback & encouragementin a supportive, low-pressure setting.
How-to sessionson citations and using photos/graphics.
Optional publication trackfor BGS members (submit by May 15, 2026).
What to Bring
A laptop, notebook, or tablet (Wi-Fi and extension outlets available).
Notes, photos, and any records you might reference.
Your curiosity—and a story you’re ready to tell
Meet Your Guides
Kelly
McCray Workshop host for the project, BGS Vice President, host of Coffee & Cousins, and
editor of the BGS newsletter.
Pat Kliewer Writing instructor for the project, author, educator, and
expert researcher.
2025 / 2026 ANCESTOR SHORT STORY SCHEDULE ALL WORKSHOPS ARE ON THURSDAYS, IN-PERSON AT WILLIAMSON HALL
SEP 25th 1:00 – 3:00 PM Orientation & Short Story Basics Project overview with Kelly and a practical intro to short-form family history with Pat. Optional: Bring your laptop.
OCT 23rd, NOV 13th, DEC 11th, JAN 22nd 1:00 – 3:00 PM Writing Workshops Dedicated work time with help, ideas, and gentle feedback. Keep drafting & refining with support
FEB 26th 1:00 – 3:00 PM Using Source Citations Learn citation basics for short stories and practice creating your own (inc. how to cite your final story). Bring your laptop
MAR 26th 1:00 – 3:00 PM Using Graphics & Photos See examples and try adding images to
your story.
Bring your laptop.
APR 2nd, 9th, 16th,
23rd 2026 11:00 – 3:00 PM Finishing Workshops (Drop-In) Come to the Library on any or all the
above Thursdays. Work on your story and do some final editing.
MAY 15th Submission Deadline for
BGS Members Only Members email your story if you’d like it
included in a BGS publication: distantvoicesnl@gmail.com
