The Gift of Family Writing

Filled with examples of journal entries,
essays, and writing styles –
The Gift of Family Writing
is for writers of all ages, by writers of all ages.
By Jill Novak

“All my children have a lot of words. They talk constantly.
I just have never really known how to turn that into writing, yet after reading your book, it all seemed so simple."

~Melissa Parsons

The Gift of Family Writing is the culmination of eight years of discovery—the journey of how our family began writing together and the joy we’ve experienced along the way. It’s bursting with examples to help you and your family capture your life stories as they happen; and it’s packed with practical tools and ideas that will inspire your children (even the most reluctant ones) to value their personal experiences and write about them creatively. If you feel that writing isn’t your strong point, you’ll gain confidence from this method, and so will your children.

The Gift of Family Writing Will Teach you how to…

Enable children of all ages – preschool through high school – to capture their life stories as they happen

Equip ALL your children, regardless of their learning styles, to become confident writers

Encourage even the most reluctant writers to utilize their oral storytelling skills as the basis for their writing

Inspire children who hate to write

Develop the practical techniques that “real” authors use as they write from what they know

Strengthen family relationships through the written word

Communicate vision and a hope in Christ to each of your children

Express gratitude for loved ones through tribute writing

Preserve your spiritual legacy for future generations

If you’re looking for a way to make writing a
natural part of your everyday life, you’ll love this book…
and your children will too!

For Children

Did you know you can teach your children how to write and preserve family memories at the same time? The Gift of Family Writing transcends age barriers – it works beautifully for little children who can’t read, but have a lot to say, and it works for older children who hate to write or those who are gifted storytellers, but can’t get their thoughts on the page due to developing spelling or handwriting skills. It transcends learning styles, and establishes a strong foundation for writing from what you know, utilizing many techniques that “real” writers use.

For Parents

The Gift of Family Writing isn’t just for children, it’s for parents, too! You’ll be inspired to put your pen to paper as you read about the different ways you can write to and with your children. Family journaling, memoir, personal essay, letter writing, and spiritual testimonies, and tributes are just a few of the genres that you will explore in The Gift of Family Writing. You’ll be motivated to make writing a priority when you see how the written word can strengthen family relationships and preserve a spiritual legacy for generations to come.

A Learning Lifestyle for the Whole Family

The Gift of Family Writing isn’t an activity, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a way of seeing and thinking, a way of appreciating the little things in life, a way of savoring everyday moments and valuing the individuality of family members. Written by Jill Novak and published by Remembrance Press, The Gift of Family Writing will show you how to connect your family’s hearts on paper and nurture family relationships.

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Testimonials

When my grandmother died, all I wanted were words – her words – on backs of envelopes, scraps of paper, and Bible margins – her heart on paper. Your words here...your encouragements here....blessed me deeply. The Gift of Family Writing is beautiful. I think you have written a truly HELPFUL resource that will bless all families! What a gem! So visually appealing, inspiring and practical!

Ann Voskamp
Author of the award winning blog Holy Experience
mother of six

June 3, 2006
Dear Jill,
You sent me a link to your e-book and I have already read most of it. It is fantastic! I bought each of my four children a composition book the weekend I read it and we've been writing ever since. I am blessed with some really reluctant writers and I believe this gentle approach may be an answer to prayer. I personally love to write and I hope that each of my boys will also pick up on that in a non-threatening way. My oldest, 9, practically runs when he sees a pen. So my goal for my boys this year is to help develop a love for written expression. Your book has been an inspiration and a comfort.

Warmly,
Rebecca Ponce

I recently purchased this e-book from Jill and it is absolutely WONDERFUL! I can't recommend it highly enough! Deep in my heart I was wanting a way to preserve memories...memories with my children, with my husband, family traditions, etc...but never had a clear idea of how to do it. Well....this is IT! I just bought composition books for each person in my family and can't wait to get started!

~ Sheri Graham

The point about how we tie our children's shoes and brush their teeth for them until they can handle those tasks on their own was a real eye-opener. That really encouraged me to begin writing down my children's stories until they can do it for themselves. And oh, your comment about the child's perspective ― having 200 words to say and only being able to write 10-20 ― very powerful!

Mary Jo T.
Writing Tips
mother of four

Thank you so much for sending me the e-book yesterday! I was thrilled to be able to read it―and already have read at least one third of it! I have been homeschooling for nine years―since my oldest was in kindergarten. My daughters are 2, 6, 9, 11, and 13. I am constantly trying to find ways to "capture the moment" with my daughters. I think I am going to get all my girls started today (and me too)! This is exactly what I was looking for!

Susan Nelson.
mother of 4

Thanks Jill, you always bless and inspire me. I have started to write things down as I can, and I want to go back and ask my relatives to tell me what they know. From the little I know, I will be able to clearly trace the hand of the Lord in our lives and I am excited about that. I want my children to know their heritage too and one day my grandchildren ― a witness to the future generations of the love and faithfulness of the Lord.

In Him,
Colleen L.
mother of two

"I haven’t seen anything like
The Gift of Family Writing!"
~Kris Price
ClasicalEducation4Us