I was recently reviewing stats for the blog, a gauge of how effective my recent return to regularly posting articles has been. I saw a stat for an article I wrote in 2018 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of becoming a self-employed entrepreneur (originally began in 1993 as a computer consultant and programmer), less than a year after I began publishing Digging History Magazine, a (now) bi-monthly digital publication focusing on history and genealogy. The article, entitled “I Am Becoming . . . Therefore, I Must . . . “, began with:
To be a writer, one must write. And so, on October 1, 2018, the 25th anniversary of becoming a self-employed entrepreneur, I write. It’s not what I started out doing 25 years ago, yet I am slowly, but surely, pursuing my dream of becoming a writer. Honing my God-given skills. As long as you’re alive and kicking you can pursue your dreams. Therefore, I must continue to write.
I wondered whether I might someday write a book, since by that time I had “amassed a portfolio of several hundred articles” over the last few years (I began the blog in 2014). I had also taken the position of editor for my local genealogical society’s newsletter. I am proud to say that during my tenure as editor, the newsletter won awards, including first place with the Texas State Genealogical Society, and runner-up one year with a submission to the National Genealogical Society.
Producing each issue — taking on the roles of editor, researcher, publisher, writer and graphic designer (I do it all!) — is an arduous process. Nevertheless, I am always exhilarated when I finally finish an issue, which these days runs anywhere from 90-120 pages — no ads or “fillers”, just stories (and tips for finding the best records).
I am also a genealogist, helping people discover their roots. I have found that researching and writing the magazine makes me a better genealogist, my philosophy being that in order to be adept at one discipline (genealogy) one must be well-versed in the other (history). It’s cathartic in a way, writing about long ago events, making a connection with the past. I am there, and I attempt to take my readers there.
Back in 2018 I was reminded of an encouraging word from a subscriber:
This summer I made a new friend who purchased a three-month subscription, but just wanted to try it out. I cancelled the subscription so she wouldn’t be charged again three months later. However, something happened and she was mistakenly charged anyway. I emailed her right away to apologize and tell her I’d get her a refund if she still wanted to end her subscription. To my joyful surprise she emailed me back: “Please keep the subscription. I enjoy your magazine!” Was it perhaps kismet that she was mistakenly charged? I don’t know but those eight words were a much-needed pat on the back . . . keep writing.
And, she is still a faithful subscriber today! Along the way, I have received heartening feedback from subscribers, most recently: “I love your work! I learn a lot and am entertained.” I’m always encouraged when someone takes the time to give me a little “pat on the back.” It keeps me going. As I wrote back then, “I continue to write and publish and hope. I am a writer. Therefore, I will write . . . and write . . . and write.” It’s still true today!
If you love history, and maybe you’re curious about getting started with researching your family history, I hope you’ll consider a subscription. There are three budget-minded options: Annual, Semi-Annual and Quarterly. Article and issue samples are also available here. Questions? Email me at [email protected].
P.S. Purchasing a subscription entitles you to subscriber benefits (20% off all services, including custom-designed family history charts) AND a chance to win your very own custom-designed family history chart! Details here (or click the ad below).
