Reading, Writing & Publishing
Our Goal: Getting Our Family Stories Published on Amazon.
Our Methodology: Reading-Writing-Reviewing-Publishing
Coordinator: Anita Boyd (Chair)
For more information, please email us: aaghsc@yahoo.com
Monthly Meeting Time: 3rd Friday, 2:30 PM CST
Meeting Venue: online
March 2026 update: I will be revamping the Writing & Publishing Study Group to Reading, Writing, & Publishing. For the next year, we will be doing in a deep dive into
The How and Why behind revamping this Study Group:
Some of you know that Ari Wilkins gives a presentation based on the “Lost Friends” ads found in a number of Black newspapers, including The Christian Recorder, and The Southwestern Christian Advocate. One of her case studies focuses on Hagar Outlaw’s search for her children. In Giesberg’s book, “The Children of Hagar Outlaw” is Chapter Two. From a 25 line ad, the author generated a 19 page chapter (not including her Notes section full of citations). How amazing is that?
Each month, we’ll be reviewing a single chapter to study her writing technique and how she weaves a story together from historical documents. So, you’ll need to purchase Last Seen: The Enduring Search by Formerly Enslaved People to Find Their Lost Families by Judith Giesberg. Amazon offers an extensive preview of this book. First, please read Chapter 1, Patience and Clara Bishop, and the chapter notes. Second, be prepared to discuss this reading assignment on Friday, April 17th meeting (2:30PM CST).
This can only help us preserve our family stories for future generations. I realize that this is not for everyone but I hope that you’ll make the most of this learning opportunity.
The proposed agenda is subject to change:
April 17 (2026) – Chapter One | Patience and Clara Bashop and the chapter notes
May 15 (2026) – Chapter Two | The Children of Hagar Outlaw and chapter notes
June 19 (2026) – Chapter Three | Both of Tally Miller’s Children and chapter notes
July 17 (2026) – Chapter Four | I Was the Boy and chapter notes
August 21 (2026) – Chapter Five | The Andersons of Mineola, Texas and chapter notes
September 18 (2026) – Chapter Six | Looking for Lias and chapter notes
October 16 (2026) – Chapter Seven | Emeline and Julia and chapter notes
November 20 (2026) – Chapter Eight | Henry Saffold’s Chain of Evidence and chapter notes
December 18 (2026) – Christmas break
January 15 (2027) – Chapter Nine | Husbands and Wives and chapter notes
February 19 (2027) – Chapter Ten | Diana Johnson’s Hope and chapter notes