At LifeBook Memoirs, we occasionally meet reluctant authors. Some have received their memoir project as a gift but struggle to see why they would go ahead with it. Others feel their story is not worth telling. If you relate to this, you might find yourself hesitating to start your own life story.
If so, there’s no need to worry. It’s natural to feel uncertain about such a personal undertaking. However, we believe that recording your life story should be an enriching, fulfilling and worthwhile experience, and we’re here to make the process enjoyable and effortless.
A beautiful cycle of giving
A memoir is more than just a thoughtful present; it’s the start of a lasting cycle of giving that will endure for generations. The family member or friend who has gifted it to you has given you the opportunity to share the greatest gift you could give: your life story.
You might not have thought of your life in these terms before – many people haven’t – but we encourage you to consider the fact that your life story is the gift that you and you alone can give.
For your children, grandchildren and generations to come, learning of your memories, experiences and values can provide inspiration, guidance and motivation as they work their way through life. It can also foster a deeper sense of connection between you. For you, revisiting your past can be an incredibly cathartic and rewarding experience.
Many people don’t realise quite how special the gift of a memoir project is until they start the process of sharing their story. Recalling the events and experiences of the past, big and small, often sparks a newfound appreciation for the unique journey you’ve lived.
Your story is unique and special. It is worth telling. Believe in yourself and the power of your story.
You can do this, and we can help
If the thought of writing your memoir feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many people feel daunted or even intimidated by the idea of putting their life into words – that’s exactly why so many people never start or finish. Partnering with LifeBook Memoirs ensures your story gets told.
Here is how it works:
- Step 1: Personal interviews. One of our experienced interviewers will guide you through a series of relaxed conversations, each one a golden opportunity to reflect on your life and recall your cherished memories.
- Step 2: Professional writing. Your recorded conversations will then be passed to a skilled ghostwriter, carefully selected for you. Your ghostwriter will craft your story into an engaging and authentic narrative, written in your own unique style and voice, and you will be able to review its development throughout the process.
- Step 3: A treasured family heirloom. With minimal time and effort on your part, you will receive a beautifully presented memoir – a priceless keepsake to be treasured by your loved ones for generations.
Born under a mulberry bush: John’s journey
Meet John. If you’ve been gifted a memoir but are hesitant to proceed with it, his story may resonate with you…
John wasn’t sure that he had much to share, so he was reluctant to dive into a personal autobiography project. He moved forward because he didn’t want to waste the gift he’d been given, but his expectations for how the book would turn out were low.
To John’s great surprise, his son, Alan, was deeply moved when given a copy of the book. As he sat down to read it with his daughter, he encountered new and long-forgotten older stories. In one of them, he came across a simple phrase that John’s mother used to say – “You were born under a mulberry bush!” This brought unexpected joy and laughter to John’s granddaughter and helped them forge an even stronger familial bond.
This is a perfect example of how sharing a memoir can unlock a cycle of giving that carries on resonating through the generations. Had John not written his memoir, his family would have missed out on so many stories, and he would have missed the opportunity to build an even richer relationship with his family.
Inside John’s memoir are many more sayings, stories, lessons and memories of places and people that his granddaughter has now taken an interest in. How grateful they must both be that John agreed to the project and shared his life story.
Thank you, John, for sharing the heartwarming videos below. Together, they illustrate the power of storytelling in action and the connections that can be forged simply by sharing our life stories with our loved ones.
Are you interested in writing your own memoir? We would be delighted to walk you through the process in more detail and to answer any questions you may have. Send an email to info@lifebookmemoirs.com, and one of the memoir specialists in our team will be in touch shortly.
You can view testimonials from our past memoir and autobiography authors here.
Written by the LifeBook Memoirs editorial team
