WHY SHOULD I RECORD MY LIFE STORIES?
It’s a chance to tell your story, your way, for future generations and posterity
Pass on the values you hold dear
Share your wisdom
Bridge generations by preserving your family history, including the stories of your parents and grandparents
Feel pride in the many accomplishments and the vitality of your life
Present a meaningful, lasting gift to those you love
WHAT WILL WE TALK ABOUT?
The defining moments of your life: One effective way to think about what you want to include in your memoir is to make a list of 10 defining moments/events in your life. As you look back and decide what these important milestones were, the topics you want to include in your memoir should be quite evident.
General Areas of Your life: Here’s also a list of topics to jump-start your memories. Take some time before our first conversation to think about which areas excite you the most. Do they bring back strong emotions? You’ll have fun remembering the details and be amazed at how much you remember once you begin thinking and talking about certain parts of you life. Pull out photographs from that time to further enhance your memories.
Family background Childhood Memories
High School/College Military
Early years of marriage & raising children Job/career
Community Service Hobbies
Church involvement Travel
Special friends Family Celebrations
Grandchildren Retirement
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Contact me today by phone at 616-490-2652 or email me at memoirs51@gmail.com. I will get back to you within a day or two. We’ll set up a no-obligation, complimentary meeting to discuss what you have in mind. I will bring samples to show you and answer all your questions.
WHAT’s THE PROCESS?
We’ll get together for friendly conversations where you let the memories flow.
A transcript is made and polished into a well-written, cohesive narrative that retains your natural voice.
We’ll go back and forth a few times to make sure the text is correct and says everything you want it to.
Photographs, letters and memorabilia will be added and captioned.
The final product will be completely approved by you—it’s your life and your book.
Your memoir will be printed and bound to your specifications.
You’ll proudly present your finished book to your loved ones.
What Does a Memoir Cost?
The total cost of your memoir will vary depending on the number of interviews you choose and the type and quantity of books you purchase. In general, the cost of a memoir is comparable to a vacation, a big screen television, or a down payment on a new car. But, unlike those luxury items, your memoir will last for generations to come. A price list and further details are available upon request. Gift Certificates are also available to give for any occasion: birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Veteran’s Day, any day!
How long will it take to complete my memoir?
The length of time from first interview to finished book varies, but generally takes three to five months. You will receive the first draft of your story about one month after our interview(s). Then, the sooner you proof the first draft and return it to me, the sooner I can make the corrections and give you a second draft. If you make your changes in one week instead of two months, you will have your finished book sooner. Plan on three to four weeks for the printing process.