As a biography writer, I can help you turn your loved one's life story into a book to share with generations of family members to come. Here's a little bit about why I expanded into a biography writing business and how I can help you or someone you love find value in telling their story.
Preserving History
When my mother and the last of her siblings each passed away within the same year, I instantly found myself desperate to have them back to tell their stories one last time. I regretted not documenting the numerous conversations that spanned decades and told the story of my family history. No longer would I have the chance to sit around a kitchen table with them and take in the wit and wisdom of a generation that lived and lost in ways unimaginable to me. I was left with only the echoes of their accounts, which suddenly hung motionless in the depths of my memory.
My longing for this oral history and my regret for not having written it down, led me to consider that maybe my predicament wasn't unique. Maybe others were experiencing the same unfortunate circumstance as I. I was right. There exists countless of people, like yourself, I'm sure, who find value in a loved one's story and desire to document it so as not to lose it.
Let me write your story, or the story of a relative, so that it does not become lost with time.
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"If you don't recount your family history, it will be lost. Honor your own stories and tell them too. The tales may not seem very important, but they are what binds families and makes each of us who we are." - Madeleine L'Engle
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Reclaiming Purpose
If you recently moved an elderly loved one into an assisted living facility, the transition can be heartbreaking for everyone involved. Though making such a move is done with the best interest of your loved one in mind, the new environment can be received with reluctance and even sadness.
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As the elderly transition from their home to different levels of care, they often experience varying degrees of depression. They might feel isolated and alone, no longer feeling of value. Their inability to find purpose in their life leads to unhappiness.
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Today, I help older adults connect with their past and lead them to rediscover the value of their life. Through structured one-on-one conversations, they are encouraged to recall personal memories. As they do, they begin to see their past journey from a renewed perspective, proudly recognizing all that they accomplished. They are able to look at the totality of their life instead of its impending conclusion, which, as a result, improves self-worth, reestablishes purpose, and restores happiness.
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Let me help your elderly loved one find joy and meaning in their life once again.
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"The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared."
- Lois Lowry
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The Process is Simple
The entire process takes only about 2 months from start to finish.
The Questionnaire
A questionnaire containing 50 questions is provided before the first interview. Filling it out is not required, it's only meant to give you an idea of the questioning.
The Interviews
Up to six hours of interviews, over a period of about a week, will be conducted either face-to-face, over Zoom, or by phone.
The Outline
Over the next week, I will create an outline of your story. I will submit the outline to you for your review. Once you approve it, I'll start turning it into a draft.
The Draft
Over the next month, I will draft your biography while you sit back and relax. In the meantime, you can select up to twenty pictures to include in your book.
The Read-through
Once the draft is completed, you will read through it to ensure accuracy in names, dates, and places. You also have the opportunity to let me know of anything you'd like to add or take out.
The Final
Once the revisions are made and you email me the pictures, I will send you a copy of the ebook for your review. Once approved, the draft will go to print for the hard copy.
Price
A flat rate of $2,000 includes:
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approx. 50-55 page soft cover book & ebook
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approx. 40 pages of text (8,000 words)
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up to 20 pictures
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up to 6 hours of interviews
I was honored to document this little lady's life story. From a childhood in Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War to a central figure in a large and growing family, her story resonates strength, hope, and enduring love!
"I've always been asked by my daughters to write my story instead of telling them at family gatherings. It was important for me to write my story, but I wasn't able to completely write in English. Margaret being there made my dream come true: to put my life story down on paper to give to my children and grandchildren." - Teresa Wroblewski
As a contributing writer for StoryTerrace, I help storytellers articulate their journey.
“I am so pleased and happy with the writing.” - Louise R.
“Exceptional writing! I am grateful for working with Margaret! Cannot wait till the book is completed!” - Nela S.
“I am absolutely satisfied with the outcome of my story. It had me crying tears of joy and I hope it will help others in their healing journey.” - Debra M.
