One of the best things about print-on-demand books is that you can create a family history book that doesn't have to be all things to all people. You can tailor a book to a specific audience, and later make a different book for a different audience. Marilyn Ramer Burroughs and Kathleen Ramer Harden created Cousins Remembering with the younger reader in mind. Marilyn brought her skill as an artist to the project, and the result is a great example of how art can replace photographs as a way of illustrating family history. A book like this one would be visually appealing to family members of all ages, and particularly to younger readers who might be less attracted to a book illustrated by old photographs. I enjoyed the text as well. This book will be a Ramer family treasure for generations to come.
To view the book full-screen, click on the little square next to the Blurb logo.
Ideas:
- Before even beginning to make a book, think about its potential readers and how best to engage their interest. For whom do you want to make a book? What material do you have, and who might be interested in it?
- Consider whether co-authoring with another family member would result in a richer book.
- Consider whether your own art skills or those of another (willing!) family member could be used to enhance the book you're thinking of making.
2 comments:
What a beautiful book! The illustrations are gorgeous and I particularly like how the photo of the grandparents was transformed into the colorul illustration of them.
I have written so many stories of this and that over the years. I can see now how they could be combined into an interesting book.
Thank you for sharing!
You're welcome, Michelle. I had to do this Exemplar series--it amazes me to see some of these really creative ideas that other people have for making a family history book. I hope some of their creativity will rub off on me... but if not, maybe at least I can 'borrow' some of their imaginative ideas!
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