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APH 2010 Annual Conference — Voices of the Elders

Session 1 (10:30am-12noon) Thursday, November 04, 2010

1A: If Ken Burns Can Do It: Video Storytelling Techniques

Category: Video Production Level: General

Are you wondering how to lend greater production value to your basic "talking head" video biographies? In this fun, informative, and interactive workshop, you'll view sample video biographies and documentaries and analyze their use of visuals, music, sound effects, and pacing. You'll see how they help to tell the story and how you can use the same techniques to bring your clients' stories to life.

Presenter Steve Pender has been writing, editing, producing, and directing video and multimedia programs for business, corporate, and not-for-profit clients for over 30 years. In 1998, he created a documentary featuring his grandmother and discovered his passion for video biographies. He founded Family Legacy Video (www.familylegacyvideo.com) in 2003 and wrote the Family Legacy Video Producer’s Guide on CD-ROM to demystify the production process. »» www.familylegacyvideo.com

1B: Indexing Basics: Especially for Personal Historians

Category: Editing/Writing Level: General

This class will introduce you to the principles and practices of indexing. Why include an index in your personal history? Because it will make every person, organization, and topic in your book easily accessible to readers. Learn about the qualities of a good index as well as recommended indexing software and reference books. Did you realize that librarians, researchers, and publishers are more likely to choose some books if they include an index?

Presenter Karen Griffiths has worked as a full time freelance indexer for 9 years, creating indexes for trade publishers, governments, book packagers, and authors. Using her indexing skills, she also has written classification schemes, category lists, and taxonomies for online clients. She is a contributing author to Indexing Specialties: Cookbooks, Information Today, Inc. Karen teaches "Indexing: An Essential Art and Science" at Simon Fraser University in Victoria.(www.griffiths-indexing.com) »» www.griffiths-indexing.com

1C: Small Projects, Steady Income: Expand Product Range and Stay Busy

Category: Business Practices/Skills Level: General

Not every personal history project requires hundreds of hours of work. Short photo memoirs, audio interviews, freelance editing, newspaper writing... These are some of the many alternatives that personal historians can explore to earn a steady income using their specialized skills. Attend this workshop and discover how to diversify your workload, pick up jobs by pursuing your passions, and make money during those dry spots between bigger projects. We'll brainstorm opportunities for marketing a diverse list of services and identify your skills.

Presenter Julie McDonald Zander worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for 20 years before launching her personal history business, Chapters of Life (www.chaptersoflife.com), in 1999. She has more than three decades of experience as an interviewer, writer, and editor. Her personal history projects range from a 13-page anniversary booklet to a 500-page company history. Julie co-chaired the 2006 APH Conference and served as Northwest Regional Coordinator for five years. »» www.chaptersoflife.com

Presenter Maia Fischler of LifeWriter (www.lifewriter.com) has been a professional writer, interviewer, and publications consultant for almost 30 years. She has edited a wide variety of publications, including the national Greenpeace Examiner and Oregon State University’s Open Minds. »» www.lifewriter.com

1D: Harvesting Elders' Wisdom: A Successful Community Project

Category: Community/Corp History Level: General

Discover a tool for gathering life stories, spiritual memoirs, and the history of faith-based organizations. Irene and Terry will share the background of Stories United-Harvesting Elders' Wisdom. Published by First Methodist United Church in Victoria and utilized by the local Writing and Sharing Your Life Story Program, the book includes elders' stories based on eight themes, reflection questions, and a "how-to manual." Learn how the project was funded and experience the power of a spiritual life review.

Presenter Terry Dance-Bennink, MEd., is a personal historian and an associate editor with First Choice Books in Victoria. Terry has produced a number of life stories for clients and edited Stories United, a book project that matched volunteer writers with elders to record their stories. The former vice-president academic of an Ontario college, she has more than 30 years experience in adult education, writing and editing professional material.

Presenter Irene McDonald is a 93-year-old RCAF veteran who was involved in highly secret code-breaking operations in WWII. A sex education pioneer in Victoria, she has been a teacher of gifted children, a national fund-raising chairman of the Canadian Cancer Society, a church leader, and a devoted wife and mother. She is president of the local Canadian Club. Irene contributed to Stories United-Harvesting Elders' Wisdom.

1E: Print Production Workflow: Understanding the Many Hats We Wear

Category: Print Publishing/Binding Level: General

Whether you do it all yourself or subcontract parts of a book project, a clear understanding of the discrete, sometimes contradictory roles involved in transforming a manuscript into a book will help you operate more efficiently and profitably. Learn how to identify the different roles played in various print projects and how to make appropriate choices about who best can fill those roles. Everyone will be encouraged to share the good, the bad, and the ugly of past projects.

Presenter cj Madigan began working in print production in the era of manual typewriters and mimeograph machines, but quickly adapted to digital technology. She has worked as a secretary, writer, editor, systems analyst, team leader, and project manager. Since 2006, cj has combined her passion for book design and photo archiving with her creative skills to develop efficient, smooth-flowing systems for turning the manuscripts of personal historians and others into masterpieces. www.shoebox-stories.com »» www.shoebox-stories.com

Session 2 (1:45pm-3:15pm) Thursday, November 04, 2010

2A: Webinars for Fun and Profit: Adapting Workshops for the Web

Category: Computer Technology Level: General

If you are like many APH members who conduct workshops, you may have wondered how to extend your reach outside your local area. A Webinar might be just the ticket. In 2009, video biographer Steve Pender adapted his three-day, in-person legacy video workshops to a Webinar format. During this session, he will share his experience in that process and demonstrate how to set up and run a Webinar.

2B: Life Stories as Healing: Working in an End-of-Life Environment

Category: Elderly/Aging Level: Intermediate

Academic research and anecdotal evidence demonstrate that recording the life story of someone who is dying can have beneficial effects for both the patient and the family caregiver. This workshop will provide a hands-on opportunity to develop the skills necessary to provide end-of-life personal history services. Participants will learn the importance of compassionate and supportive listening skills, self awareness of one's own attitudes and beliefs toward dying, self-care, and interviewing approaches in challenging situations.

Presenter Dan Curtis has been involved in end-of-life issues for nearly two decades with an award-winning television documentary,"Labor of Love," chronicling caregivers and their families, and "Bearing Witness," his series for the National Film Board of Canada profiling three individuals with a terminal illness. Dan is a volunteer at Victoria Hospice, where he initiated and coordinates "Life Stories," a program that offers patients a chance to audio record their stories with the help of a trained volunteer. (www.dancurtis.ca) »» dancurtis.ca

2C: Public Speaking for the Truly Terrified *

Category: Ethical Will/Legacy Stmt Level: General

Are you terrified at the idea of speaking in front of an audience? Is your lack of public speaking ability holding you back? Find out how you can manage your nerves, give a polished and professional presentation, and enjoy the entire experience. Learn 3 techniques to control nerves; the value of eye contact, gestures, vocal variety, and props; and how to avoid the most common mistakes made by inexperienced speakers. More confidence guaranteed!

Presenter Sarah Daviau of Piece of Cake Communications (www.pieceofcakecommunications.ca) specializes in boosting the skills and confidence of “truly terrified” public speakers. She combines her post-secondary education in Media Arts with years of experience in broadcasting and public relations. »» www.pieceofcakecommunications.ca

2D: Get Them Talking: Effective Interview Techniques

Category: Interview Skills Level: General

Interviewing relatives and strangers for personal history information can be rewarding or frustrating. Some are reluctant to talk; others are willing to share everything but what matters. Hone your skills in this class. Learn how to get the most out of an interview through Dave's productive tips and strategies, culled from his experience over three decades as a journalist and 32 years as a personal historian. Using numerous examples, he will even include questions that never should be used as well as advice on the best ways to record and preserve the information obtained.

Presenter Dave Obee has been a newspaper reporter and editor for newspapers in British Columbia and Alberta since 1972. Editorial page editor of the Times Colonist in Victoria, he authored Making the News in 2008 to mark the 150th anniversary of the newspaper. Dave is also the co-author of Finding Your Canadian Ancestors: A Beginner's Guide (Ancestry, 2007), and has compiled seven other books for Canadian genealogists. www.daveobee.com Dave is a genealogy columnist for Canada's History, the magazine formerly known as The Beaver. He is also a member of the advisory panel for Ancestry.ca. He has been researching his own family history since 1978. »» www.daveobee.com

2E: Photoshop Master Clinic: Tips from a Veteran

Category: Computer Technology Level: Intermediate

"Oh, I'd really like to know how to do that cool technique!" Is this you? Photoshop tips and tricks, by request. Take a survey prior to the conference (What would you most like to know about this powerful application?) Then the workshop will offer 10 minutes of essentials followed by a demonstration of at least the 8 most requested techniques. Never launched Photoshop? Go to a different session or bone up on the basics beforehand. NOT for beginners.

Presenter Susan A. Kitchens is a digital renaissance woman and Computer Press Award-winning author. She was the first product manager for Kai's Power Tools, a set of Photoshop plug-in filters. In addition to her own books on Bryce and QuickTime VR, Susan has contributed a chapter to Sherry London's book "Photoshop 3 Special Effects How-To" (1995). She combines her love of story and ability to translate technology to help people capture and preserve their stories at her website, Family Oral History Using Digital Tools (familyoralhistory.us). »» familyoralhistory.us

Session 3 (10:30am-12noon) Friday, November 05, 2010

3A: Tackling Big Projects: Benefits of Showcasing PH Skills

Category: Community/Corp History Level: Intermediate

You’re hired or have volunteered to write a company’s history or the rich stories of a community in your city or state. Where do you start? Julie McDonald Zander will walk participants through the processes of developing questionnaire booklets, identifying people who might share stories, researching the topic online and otherwise, and scheduling photo scanning sessions. Learn how to whittle down a massive amount of information into a readable, treasured book.

Presenter Julie McDonald Zander worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for 20 years before launching her personal history business, Chapters of Life (www.chaptersoflife.com), in 1999. She has published 24 personal, company, and community histories in the past decade and recently published 'Life on the Home Front,' a book of stories of those who worked, waited, and worried during WWII. Julie co-chaired the 2006 APH Conference and served as Northwest Regional Coordinator for five years. »» www.chaptersoflife.com

3B: How to Stimulate Stories and Storyteller: Techniques in Teaching Memoir Writing

Category: Teach Life Story Writing Level: General

Participants in this workshop will leave prepared to teach effective life-writing classes in their own communities. They will learn to: use simple, engaging, memory-jogging techniques to enrich memoir writers' stories; explain and illustrate the skills that help writers tell their stories clearly and vividly so readers can visualize their experiences; demonstrate how memoir students can help each other improve their storytelling through positive criticism; show memoir students options for organizing their memoirs when turning them into a book.

Presenter Sharon Levine Waldman has written and edited books, articles, scripts, and personal histories. She writes a column for the APH Newsletter and has two stories in the APH anthology, My Words Are Gonna Linger. Sharon leads workshops and community college classes ("Memoir Writing" and "Creating a Heritage Cookbook") in Corvallis, Oregon. She is a former APH Board member who has conducted many popular workshops for APH over the years.

3C: Do-It-Yourself Book Design: A Primer for Novices

Category: Print Publishing/Binding Level: Beginner

Whether you want to design your own books or simply learn more about the process, this session will offer helpful insights and information. Starting with an overview of design, production, and printing processes and terminology, Ted also will cover software, equipment, training, and other considerations. Find out if you're ready to take the leap into do-it-yourself design or if your time is better spent on other aspects of your projects.

Presenter Ted Glasoe is a partner at The Glasoe Group, a design and editorial firm (www.glasoegroup.com). A professional graphic designer for 20 years, he has operated his own business for the last 13. Ted previously led Macintosh training classes and implemented desktop publishing systems for several major organizations. An early adopter of Adobe InDesign, he has used the program for more than seven years to create marketing communications, books, and other materials. »» www.glasoegroup.com

3D: Writing Alchemy I: Taking Control of Your Writing

Category: Editing/Writing Level: General

Every storyteller and writer wants to engage readers, but it takes more than good narrative. To engage a reader’s heart, you must write with heart. You need emotion, sensory detail and energy. Whether writing personal history,company biography or fiction, you’ll benefit by using good fiction and creative non-fiction writing techniques.How do you know you’ve found the best way to tell a story? We will make this an easy, natural process. It will energize and transform your writing process forever, put you in control of every writing technique you choose, and help you deliver more powerful, emotional, and beautifully written stories to your clients.

Presenter Matilda Butler partners with Kendra as creators of Women’s Memoirs(www.womensmemoirs.com). They are co-authors of the award-winning collective memoir, “Rosie’s Daughters: The ‘First Woman To’ Generation Tells Its Story” (IPPY, 2008), and "Writing Alchemy" (Knowledge Access Books, 2010). Matilda has trained more than 300 women in memoir writing. Her comprehensive workshop is the basis for the 5-DVD set, "The [Essential] Women’s Memoir Writing Workshop: 21 Steps from Planning to Publication." »» womensmemoirs.com

3E: Advanced Personal History Marketing I: Enhanced Traditional Strategies

Category: Marketing & PR Level: Advanced

Traditional personal history marketing strategies used to attract clients include everything from word-of-mouth, public speaking, personal contact, referral or incentive programs, networking, writing, advertising, public relations, and other proven techniques. The goal of this workshop is to provide advanced and successful personal historians with an overview of marketing strategies being successfully used by their peers. Each technique has its own strengths and weaknesses, costs and gains. Participants will learn specific action plans for making each strategy optimally effective.

Presenter Dhyan Atkinson is a business skills trainer, consultant, and business coach. Her company, The Five Essential Skills (www.TheFiveEssentialSkills.com), focuses on teaching small business owners how to find clients. Since 2003, Dhyan has worked successfully with several hundred personal historians in her workshops, at conferences, in teleclasses, and in private consulting sessions. »» www.TheFiveEssentialSkills.com

Presenter Stefani Twyford's mission is to help families, individuals, companies, and organizations chronicle history, share life stories, connect generations, and preserve their legacies in multimedia presentations. Her company, Houston based Legacy Multimedia (www.legacymultimedia.com) offers the utmost quality in tribute videos and biographies, artful DVD presentations, and archival photo services for a discerning clientele that appreciates the lasting value of fine craftsmanship. »» www.legacymultimedia.com

Session 4 (2pm-3:30pm) Friday, November 05, 2010

4A: Grant Writing: Opportunities for Funding

Category: Business Practices/Skills Level: Beginner

Could grants help fund the work you love to do? Yes. Find out how to research potential grant providers in your community and how to increase the odds for a successful application. Writing a grant application is like writing a business plan. Learn the specifics of articulating a focused idea, demonstrating there is a need you will fill, and detailing your sources and uses of funds.

Presenter Sarah White has been seeking grants to help fund her personal history work since launching her practice in 2006. She has increased the size and complexity of project scope and budget as her expertise has grown. Recently, she procured funding for a $25,000 community history collaboration. An advertising/marketing consultant prior to founding her company, First Person Productions (www.whitesarah.com/lifestory.html), Sarah served on the APH board from 2004-2008. »» www.whitesarah.com/lifestory.html

4B: The Power of Personal Historian Teamwork: Community Outreach Strategies

Category: Marketing & PR Level: General

Brainstorming in small groups, participants will work with various scenarios and develop creative prototypes for different community outreach plans while assessing strengths, needs, objectives, and resources. We'll discuss arrangements for workshops, media support, publicity, public speaking engagements, and follow-up options. Learn how this cooperative approach can energize leadership skills, build supportive local APH teams, introduce personal historians to the community, and grow more vibrant businesses.

Presenter Paulette F. Stevens, BA in English/history, is an experienced teacher, journalist, entrepreneur, and mother of seven children. Since 2003, she has utilized her writing and interview skills as a full-time personal historian, publishing over 35 books. Paulette served as the 2008 APH Conference Program Chair in Salt Lake City and has been instrumental in the growth of APH and awareness of the personal history concept in Utah. (www.thepersonalhistorian.com) »» www.thepersonalhistorian.com

4C: The Art of Making Books

Category: Print Publishing/Binding Level: General

Learn the best methods for preparing, submitting, printing, binding, and decorating a quality personal history book. Fred will compare digital versus offset printing quality and cost and discuss various cover options. Attendees will assemble a 'finished' hardcover book using samples provided and will each receive a book manufacturing sample kit.

Presenter Fred Perrin is the general manager of Friesens History Book Division. (www.Friesens.com) A designated Craftsman of Photographic Arts and a member of the Colorado Independent Publishers Association, Fred also a published author of children's books. »» friesens.com

4D: Writing Alchemy II: Taking Control of Your Writing

Category: Editing/Writing Level: General

Once you learn to take control of your writing (through our first Writing Alchemy workshop, Friday at 10:30), join us in the afternoon when we will give you a fresh, innovative toolset of fiction and creative non-fiction writing techniques. We combine classical, social science research with on-the-street, real-world observations to expand your insight into character, emotion, dialogue, sensory description and time/place (the five elements of our trademark Writing Alchemy process). Although we don’t require you first take Writing Alchemy: Taking Control of Your Writing, we do highly recommend it.

Presenter Matilda Butler partners with Kendra Bonnett as creators of Women’s Memoirs (www.womensmemoirs.com). They are co-authors of the award-winning collective memoir, Rosie’s Daughters: The “First Woman To” Generation Tells Its Story (IPPY, 2008), and Writing Alchemy (Knowledge Access Books, 2010). Matilda has trained more than 300 women in memoir writing. Her comprehensive workshop is the basis for the 5-DVD set, "The [Essential] Women’s Memoir Writing Workshop: 21 Steps from Planning to Publication." »» www.womensmemoirs.com

4E: Advanced Personal History Marketing II: Social Media and Internet Strategies

Category: Marketing & PR Level: Advanced

Are you an experienced personal historian seriously interested in using social media and Internet marketing to help your business? Ready to get started but don’t know how? Dhyan and Stefani will give you step-by-step instructions for blogging, Facebook, Linked In, Twitter, Internet article writing, and more. They will discuss the pros and cons of each strategy as well as the costs and will give you sage advice on how to budget your time and energy to get the most out of this rapidly growing means of connecting with potential clients.

Session 5 (10:30am-12noon) Saturday, November 06, 2010

5A: Mining for Media Gold

Category: Marketing & PR Level: General

At first blush, the personal history concept may not seem sexy enough to garner much media attention. But as a personal historian, you're sitting on a media gold mine. Separate the real nuggets from fool's gold by learning how to identify your audience, relevant media outlets, and a good story so reporters will want your riches. Susan also will discuss how to handle a media interview and then follow through after your story makes it to air or print. Participants will leave with a guide to implementing their own media plan.

Presenter Susan Elrington has more than 20 years experience working in radio, television, and public relations. As a media trainer and public relations consultant, she has provided advice and communications strategies for corporate and non-profit clients representing various sectors. Susan brought her interviewing and production skills to the field of personal history in 2006 by forming her company, LifeTale (www.lifetale.ca), which specializes in audio documentary-style life stories. »» www.lifetale.ca

5B: Birthing Digital: Working with Digital Audio Recorders

Category: Audio Production Level: Beginner

When an audio recording is initially stored as ones and zeroes, it's called "born digital." The birthing begins with two people having a conversation and ends with a digital audio file. Whether using an all-in-one recorder or multiple components, the path from from spoken word to digital file takes the same five steps. Come learn the acronym-salad of terms about equipment, file formats, and recording quality, and be introduced to the most important aspects of creating quality recordings.

Presenter Susan A. Kitchens, at her information and how-to site, Family Oral History Using Digital Tools (familyoralhistory.us), combines her love of story and her ability to translate technology to help people capture and preserve the stories that matter most. She is a Computer Press Award-winning author and blogger (10 years!). A veteran of the graphic design and software industries, she is a digital renaissance woman whose skills span writing and design for print, web and new media. She dreams of a spam-free life. »» familyoralhistory.us/

5C: Legal Primer Personal History Style: USA/Canada Copyright Law *

Category: Business Practices/Skills Level: General

Based on a poll of attendees' interest, Michael will lead a discussion including such topics as copyright vs. right to copy; copyright infringement and protection; intellectual property (patents, trademarks); idea vs. expression; fair use; public domain and how to utilize it; and more. Join this session to develop a working familiarity with copyright law.

Presenter Michael Evans-Hatch is licensed to practice law in Texas, Oregon, and Washington. He completed his Canadian legal education in 2008 and is articled with a private practitioner in Victoria. Michael has practiced law over 30 year. He also has served on the faculties of California State University and Pepperdine University, authored three books published by Thorn House Press, and spent nine years working for his partner and wife, Dr. Gail Evans-Hatch, conducting major research projects for the U.S. National Park Service.

5D: Frosting on the Cake: Genealogy Techniques to Enhance PH

Category: Genealogy/Family Tree Level: General

How do you add extra sparkle and context to that memoir you just finished? Try using techniques borrowed from genealogy research. Actual case studies will be used to demonstrate how to find images, maps, legal documents, census records, newspaper articles, and government records that will confirm or expand upon your original personal interview. Research results also can add visual interest to a final manuscript. Linda has successfully blended personal history with genealogy research to enhance and deepen her clients’ stories.

Presenter Linda Coffin is the owner of HistoryCrafters, a business that combines her graphic design background with her love of genealogy, storytelling, and history. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, has completed the intensive home study course offered by the National Genealogical Society, and gives frequent presentations to local and state genealogy groups in her area as a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild. She is currently the APH Publications Director. »» www.historycrafters.com

5E: Memories in Motion: Using Video to Bring Biographies to Life

Category: Video Production Level: Beginner

Video is the language of today's generation. Yet, few of us know how to speak the language. Melanie and Alan will teach you how to communicate with the NOW generation as well as how to easily and inexpensively add video services to your business. They also will discuss ways to market yourself through social media sites, and will demonstrate how to upload a 2-3 minute video (produced in class) to sites such as YouTube and Facebook.

Presenter Melonie Jeska is a 2007 graduate of the Minnesota School of Business with an A.A.S. degree in Digital Video and Media Production. She owns a video business, Glimpses of Life Productions, and partners with Alan Naumann of Memory Vision (www.memoryvision.tv) in producing video biographies. Melonie and Alan co-authored "Video Biographies: The Complete Course." »» www.memoryvision.tv

Presenter Alan Naumann owns and operates Memory Vision, a full-service video production company in Minnesota. He has pioneered the field of funeral videography and created "Funeral Videos: The Complete Course."Alan has written articles for several magazines and currently writes a column, "Cradle to Grave," for EventDV magazine. »» www.memoryvision.tv