Writing rituals: how I show up and stay consistent

Shifting from “I have to write this” to “I get to spend time with my people” changed everything about my family history writing

Welcome back to Chronicle Makers, where we celebrate beginning family history writers, turning genealogy facts into interesting stories (often using AI to help!).

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It started as an experiment.

I was tired of making excuses for why I hadn’t finished a writing. I’d wander in and out of old research folders, skim over documents, and then give up—telling myself I wasn’t ready, or that I needed to “do more research.”

But the truth was: I was hiding.

Avoiding the writing.

Afraid of not doing it perfectly.

So I created a ritual. Not a big one. Just a commitment:

Each week, I pick one ancestor and set a date to write with them.

I treat it like meeting a friend at a café. I bring their records, maybe a photo or two, and I sit down to write—not to impress anyone, but to spend time with their story. Even if I don’t finish, I always walk away feeling more connected. More grounded. Less alone.

This one practice got me out of my head and back into my heart, where I wanted to be all along.

My writing ritual in two parts

I don’t have any complicated reminder systems or to-do lists. I just do these two things consistently.

1. Calendar dates with ancestors

This is a spot in my calendar, just like a meeting or doctor’s appointment. I’ll write the name of one ancestor in my calendar. Not as a task, but as a visit.

• I gather a few notes and details ahead of time.

• I keep the goal small: 250–500 words is plenty.

• I don’t “wait for inspiration”—I trust it will show up once I do.

Sometimes I write in my journal. Other times I write directly into a Word document. Either way, the structure gives me something to look forward to and someone to show up for.

2. Monthly writer’s group

This one’s more communal: I meet the send Wednesday of each month with a group of fellow genealogy writers. Each month, we read each other’s work, give feedback, and offer encouragement. A couple times a year, it’s my turn to submit something for feedback.

Honestly? It’s the single best way I’ve found to get out of my own head.

In being a part of other writers’ stories, I get ideas for structuring and telling my own. I also have a deep appreciation of how much work it is to go from research facts to a cohesive narrative.

The accountability of participating each month gives me momentum and focus.

Want more ideas on how to find time to write family history?

Join

Annette Gendler

, author of the excellent How to Write Compelling Stories from Family History, and I this Wednesday on Substack Live as we share what we’ve learned on what works (and doesn’t work) for writing.

We’ll start at 1pm eastern on May 28th and you can join in the chat. (I’ll send a quick email notification in the Substack app when we begin.)

I’m creating something special for you!

If you’ve been carrying around years of research and wondering when you’ll finally do something with it… I’ve got something for you.

I’m creating something new—something to make it easier to begin.

Inside, you’ll learn a simple method for turning records into readable stories, even if you’ve never written anything before. You’ll get writing templates that make getting started feel natural, plus AI tools to help outline, organize, research, and rewrite—without ever losing your voice and focus.

You’ll also be part of a community of family historians doing the same thing: writing stories, sharing drafts, and cheering each other on.

And best of all? You’ll walk away with completed family history stories you can share with pride, in print or online.

It’s coming soon, and I’d love to give you some special previews of it.

Click below to join the waitlist and get a special discount when it opens.

I hope this Memorial Day provides some time of reflection for you.

—Denyse