Rebecca Shamblin, Author/Speaker

12/15/2025

I am so excited to bring you the second edition of Leaving a Legacy! People have been clamoring for an update ever since the new versions of Family Tree Maker and Family Book Creator were released earlier this year.

FBC 2024 in particular offers some exciting new options in terms of customizing the appearance of charts, a helpful new Preview window, control over image borders, and the ability to limit the number of citations.

But this is not just about the new programs …

**More Than 50 Pages of New Content!**

--Artificial intelligence
--FamilySearch’s Full-Text Search
--FBC troubleshooting checklist
--Word cloud tutorial
--My new margin recommendations
--The new Lulu Cover Creator
--Excerpt from Building a Legacy
--By popular demand … an index!

FAQ

Is the second edition still helpful for people using FTM 2019 and/or the original FBC?

--Absolutely! I made sure to call out when a particular feature is only available in specific editions of the programs.

How many pages is the new edition?

--A robust 299 pages of excellent content.

Can I get it in different formats?

--Yes, just like before, it is available in paperback, spiral-bound, hardcover, and PDF.

Grab yours now!

The second edition of "Leaving a Legacy" is here! Check it out: https://www.rebeccashamblin.com/product/leaving-a-legacy/ Dismiss

10/27/2025

While teaching in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota today, I mentioned that I am Luxembourgish. The librarian suggested I check out a nearby alleyway on my way out of town, and I was delighted to find this lovely celebration of Luxembourg by the Luxembourg Heritage Society of Southern Minnesota.

09/19/2025

Another chance for us to interact in person! I'll be in Sleep Eye, Minnesota this Monday, leading a free class about getting started in genealogy. Come join us at the Dyckman Free Library!

Join us Monday at 2 pm to learn how to get started researching your family tree!

This program is made possible in part with a grant from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund of the State of Minnesota.

08/12/2025

That feeling when you have clicked through 236 census records but the 237th record is the one! Triumph!

("Bley" was mis-transcribed as "Blex" - wacky fun)

08/08/2025

I'm excited to attend Luxembourg Fest this weekend in my hometown of Belgium, Wisconsin! I'll be at the parade and the fest on Saturday, and the LACS research center on Sunday. Let me know if you'll be there!

FRIDAY, August 8, 2025 6 pm: Luxembourg Tasting Experience 7:30 pm: Dinner Buechler Farms 587 S Royal Ave, Belgium, WI 53004

06/25/2025

I was working on my third family history book this afternoon, and I decided to turn on my screen recorder to give you a glimpse of my workflow. I spent just over an hour, and ended up with three pages of my narrative completed (as a draft, of course). This included finding a couple of baptism records, analyzing writing up several property sales (the W1/2 of the NW1/4 of the SE1/4 - whew!), using Photoshop to create some map close-ups, and working with a state census. I sped up the footage so you can see everything in a couple of minutes.

Let me know if you find it helpful and I'll do it again sometime! Feel free to request a certain kind of work to watch.

06/19/2025

The FBC Workshop is back!

Back by popular demand - another round of my Family Book Creator Workshop! Join me for a step-by-step walk through the process of planning, researching, writing, editing, and producing your family history book - finally! Each month I will offer an illustrated presentation about one phase in the process, with optional homework and a bonus “office hours” time halfway through the month where you can bring your questions.

The goal is for you to have a complete chapter by the end of the 5-month workshop - plus the skills and motivation to finish the rest of the book on your own.

Enjoy extremely detailed handouts for each presentation, so you can follow along without madly scribbling notes. Join my Facebook group for answers and encouragement from fellow students.

Our first session will be July 10. New material will be presented at 8pm Central Time (US) on the second Thursday evening of each month, with the bonus help sessions at the same time on the fourth Thursday.

Can’t make that schedule? No problem! Every presentation and help session will be recorded and available for viewing during the course of the workshop (expiring in December 2025).

Did you take this workshop in Fall of 2024 or Winter 2025? Welcome back! I would love to have you as a returning student to review the material and absorb more nuances, now that you have a foundation. Please use the coupon code welcomeback for $50 off your registration.

05/12/2025

Now that FTM 2024 is out (along with FBC 2024), I am excited to get working on the second edition of "Leaving a Legacy"! Besides addressing new program features, what would you like to see in the new edition?

This is also your chance to alert me to any typos or errors that snuck in last time :)

Send a message to learn more

05/01/2025

I love seeing my book on library shelves!

03/28/2025

So excited to be at Gene-a-Rama in Eau Claire with the Wisconsin State Genealogical Society (WSGS) this weekend!

03/10/2025

I had an amazing time meeting so many of you in person this week at RootsTech! Let's find out who won the free workbook giveaway ...

03/07/2025

RootsTech Day 2! I sold out of my books today but come find me tomorrow (or comment here) if you still want some 🙂 I have more in the hotel room - that was just all I could fit in my bag today!