Hey everyone! I thought I’d share a little story about how I got into genealogy—and why I ended up writing books for beginners like you. Honestly, it all started with a curiosity about my family surname, where did it originate from and how did we end up where we lived. I stupidly started researching after my grandparents, aunts and uncles had died on my paternal side so I had no one really to ask and I felt like I was going in blind. I then remembered that my maternal grandad did his family tree with his brother in law and spent hours and hours in local archives and hundreds of pounds on certificates and other documents and it frightened me to think it would be ridiculously expensive. But here’s the thing: when I first started, genealogy felt did feel overwhelming. Where do I even begin? What records do you trust? How do you keep everything organised? What did I even want to learn? That’s why I decided to write my books—to make those first steps easier and more fun for beginners. And as free as possible so that people like yourselves didn't get overwhelmed by the sheer cost of this hobby. I wanted something that would guide you, answer the questions I had when I started, and help you enjoy the thrill of discovery without feeling lost. For me, genealogy isn’t just about names and dates. It’s about stories, connections, and finding a sense of belonging. I hope my books help you feel that same excitement and joy when you uncover your own family history. What sparked your interest in learning about your family history??