\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
BY ONLINE AUTHORS
Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/9485-Secret-roots-of-the-family-tree.html
Mystery: April 10, 2019 Issue [#9485]




 This week: Secret roots of the family tree
  Edited by: Arakun the twisted raccoon Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Quote for the week: The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life.
~Richard Bach


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: 1542722411
Amazon's Price: $ 12.99


Letter from the editor

Mystery readers most often encounter DNA as it is used by forensic scientists and police investigators to solve crimes. The same type of DNA analysis that can prove a suspect committed a crime can also be used to find out more about our ancestry and ethnic origins. What kind of interesting information (or forbidden secrets) might a simple DNA test reveal to your characters?

Genealogical DNA analysis is currently available from several different online companies. If you want a character's DNA test to be an important part of a mystery plot, it might be a good idea to do some research on how the tests are done and information that can be obtained. In addition to DNA testing, some of the sites also assist members in constructing their family trees through public records such as census information, birth and death records, baptismal records, marriage licenses, and newspaper articles and photos.

Here are some information a character might discover through DNA analysis and genealogical research:

Ethnic origins
Many people in the world are descended from people who immigrated from somewhere outside the country where they live. Consequently, some know little about their family origins, at least those that go back more than a few generations.

Genealogy
Even if we know where our grandparents or even their parents came from, we might not know much about the ancestors who came before them. I knew very little about my grandfather's family history, because he never talked about his family. Some genealogical research indicated that this may have been because his mother had not been married and he did not know his father. This wouldn't be a big deal today, but would have been seen as scandalous in the late 1800s when he was born.

Unknown relatives
A person who was adopted or orphaned at an early age might use a DNA analysis to search for possible relatives. With permission from all parties, some of the DNA testing firms will make members aware of any possible familial connections. I know two families who found siblings they didn't know they had this way!

Health screening
Many health conditions have a hereditary component. Genetic markers that indicate a predisposition to certain conditions can be found through DNA screening. While the genetic markers may not always indicate that a person will contract the condition, it can make them aware of information they should share with their doctors. This might be especially important for anyone who does now know their family medical history.

The information the character finds out might be the conclusion of the story, or it might just be the beginning. Your characters may not be happy about the genetic information they uncover, which can create conflict for the story. Here are some examples:

A character might try to develop a relationship with a biological relative that the other person does not want. A birth parent might fear that a biological child only wants money. The child might be angry about being given up for adoption or might feel that contact with the birth parent is disloyal to the adoptive parents.

Characters might find out that their ancestry or family history is different from what they have been led to believe. They might have been told that they descended from a wealthy or aristocratic family, only to find that their actual ancestors were poor or had a criminal history.

Something to try: Write a mystery story that involves a character finding a family secret through DNA analysis or genealogical research.



Editor's Picks

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2165084 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2021284 by Not Available.


Image Protector
STATIC
🏆 Miriam's At It Again - - 1st Place Open in new Window. (ASR)
What else is Robin in for if she decides to rent a room in this old house? (Screams! 1994)
#2184086 by 🎼 RRodgersWrites 🎶 Author IconMail Icon


The Building Open in new Window. (13+)
Curiosity gets the better of me as I noticed a strange building in downtown Seattle.
#1559221 by Riot Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
STATIC
 Don't Lie to Me  Open in new Window. (18+)
Ophelia has to change, like an autumn leaf turning, before time runs out.
#2171830 by Nixie💃💃 Author IconMail Icon

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B085272J6B
Product Type: Kindle Store
Amazon's Price: $ 9.99


Ask & Answer

Question for next time:

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: 1945043032
Amazon's Price: $ 13.94

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/9485-Secret-roots-of-the-family-tree.html