👋 Hi, I’m Denyse, and here's why I created the Writing Lab

Denyse is a family historian, writer, and founder of Chronicle Makers. She helps people turn their genealogy research into meaningful stories using simple, creative methods. Her writing guides and community support beginners in getting their first family history story written—without overwhelm or perfectionism.Denyse has shared her approach at RootsTech and in libraries and genealogy groups across the country. She understands the unique challenges that genealogy researchers face when trying to transform their careful research into compelling narratives that family members will actually want to read.Most importantly, Denyse believes that you don't need to be a professional writer to tell your family's story. You just need the right framework, the right tools, and the confidence to begin.

These obstacles are why I created this complete writing system, powered with AI.

And you can try it free for 7 days - no credit card required.

• Enroll in Chronicle Makers Writing Lab Now

Mistake #1: Putting Everything in Genealogy Software and Calling It Done

Here's the harsh truth: No one is going to open, manage, and navigate through your massive genealogy database.Not your children, not your grandchildren, not anyone. They want stories, not data dumps.Your family members don't want to learn new software or wade through hundreds of names and dates. They want to understand who their ancestors were as real people—their struggles, their triumphs, their personalities, and their love stories.How Writing Lab Helps:
Our STORI Framework teaches you to transform raw genealogy data into compelling narratives that read like the best parts of a novel, but with the accuracy of careful research.

Mistake #2: Assuming No One Is Interested in Your Family Stories

This is heartbreaking because it's so wrong. Your family members are absolutely interested—they just don't know how to access the stories buried in your research. They've never heard Great-Grandma's immigration story told as a complete narrative, or understood how their grandfather's military service shaped the family's future.The problem isn't lack of interest; it's lack of access to the stories in an engaging format.How Writing Lab Helps:
You'll learn to identify the most compelling stories within your research and present them in ways that create emotional connections. We show you how to test story ideas with family members and get the feedback that proves they do want to hear these stories.

Mistake #3: Thinking You Need to Be "Finished" with Research Before You Can Start Writing

This is the perfectionist trap that keeps more family stories from being written than any other factor. Here's the reality: Genealogy research is never truly "finished." There's always another record to find, another branch to explore, another mystery to solve.Meanwhile, the stories you already have documented could be bringing joy and connection to your family right now. And here's a secret: writing stories often reveals exactly what additional research you need, making your future research more focused and productive.How Writing Lab Helps:
Our framework shows you how to write meaningful, complete stories with the research you have today. You'll learn to identify when you have "enough" information to tell a compelling story, and how to acknowledge gaps honestly without letting them stop you from writing.

• Enroll in Chronicle Makers Writing Lab Now

Chronicle Starter CourseIn 5 days, you'll write a complete ancestor biography from birth to legacy using AI as your writing assistant. Chronicle Starter is free, beginner-friendly, and designed for genealogists who want to finally turn research into story.

The STORI FrameworkThe heart of Writing Lab - Step-by-step lessons to Set the Scope, Thread the Timeline, Originate the Story, Reflect and Refine, and Inspire the Next. This proven system takes you from scattered research to finished story every time.

Video LessonsFriendly, easy-to-follow videos guide you through each step of the process. Denyse walks you through real examples, addresses common concerns, and provides the encouragement you need to keep moving forward.

Printable Worksheets and TemplatesDownloadable checklists, story outlines, and writing prompts keep you organized and focused. These tools eliminate guesswork and provide structure for every part of the writing process.

AI Writing Tools + PromptsGuided use of AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity with pre-written prompts designed specifically for family historians. These tools support—not replace—your writing, helping you overcome writer's block and organize your thoughts.

Beginner Tech TutorialsOptional walk-throughs for Google Docs, ChatGPT, and Perplexity.ai, designed specifically for first-time users. No prior tech experience required. We start from the very beginning.

Private Course SpaceA simple, distraction-free online space where you can track your progress and revisit lessons anytime. Access your materials whenever you need them, at your own pace.

Feedback & Revision GuidanceTips and sample language for asking for and giving feedback, so you can confidently polish your work. Learn how to share drafts with family members and incorporate their input effectively.

Publishing ChecklistA final review tool to ensure your story is ready to share, with reminders about privacy, permissions, and formatting. Cover all the important details before you share your finished work.

Story Sharing & Archiving OptionsSuggestions for private and public ways to share your work—with family or the world. Explore options from simple family sharing to formal publication.

Year Long AccessReturn anytime to start a new story or revisit any lesson at your own pace. Use what you learn in Writing Lab for every family story you want to write, for years to come.