Vera McDowell's letters containing practical advice to genealogists first appeared in the Augusta Genealogical Society's newsletter Southern Echoes in July 1982 and since then she has become something of a Dear Abby in genealogical circles. Mrs. McDowell's emphasis is on problem-solving; thus all her letters bear the unstated refrain: when your ox is in the ditch (i.e. when you're stuck) here's what you do.