We have all experienced incredible events that have shaped our lives and the nation around us, and the memories we created forever bind us to those times. The ‘Swinging Sixties’; the economic turmoil of the 1970s; the rise of Thatcherism and the impact of the Falklands War in the 1980s; the cultural renaissance of the 1990s; the financial crisis of 2008 and the profound changes resulting from Brexit have all left indelible marks on our society.
These moments have become landmarks in our lives, framing our stories in moments of challenge and change. They were amazing times, and they gave rise to some amazing stories.
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Among the questions that people ask themselves when contemplating the idea of committing memories to paper are “Who would want to read my story?” and “How could I find the time and energy to embark on such a time-consuming project?”
Leaving a written legacy for your loved ones is a wonderful idea, especially when you consider how vastly different older people’s life experiences have been to those of young people today, but it is only natural to doubt oneself when considering the task.
Starting the journey
Ed started his unique personal project by making a few simple notes and lists that, by his own admission, looked more like spreadsheets built around a yearly calendar. He explained, “Each year had short notes and, sometimes, nothing more than single words about significant events, activities, travels, achievements and friends in my life.”
He toyed with the idea of making something more readable out of his notes but made little progress. Then, he saw an advertisement for LifeBook Memoirs – a family business that takes great pride in helping people to produce their own private autobiographies.
Making the dream a reality
Ed said, “I saw an advertisement for LifeBook Memoirs and their offer of a well-organised programme. The programme was based on a series of face-to-face interviews that they would transcribe and then professionally develop and edit to create my own personalised memoir.
“I was further intrigued after spending time on their website, listening to and reading samples and testimonials. I decided that I wanted to expand my notes into a real memoir, as much for myself as for the people – mostly family members – whom I thought might want to read it.”
What followed for Ed was an immensely enjoyable journey of discovery and fulfilment as the LifeBook Memoirs team set about bringing his project to fruition.
Rewarding beyond expectations
From the moment when Ed first came to LifeBook Memoirs, our team of highly skilled interviewers, ghostwriters and editors helped and guided him on every step of the way, gradually building his recollections into a bound book.
“The writing was easy, fun and interesting,” he said. “Judy, my interviewer, and I outlined the memoir structure, and our interview sessions flowed smoothly, as did the editing.
“Having the finished memoir has been rewarding far beyond my expectations, and it was well worth the effort and cost.”
For Ed, there was the great satisfaction of being able to explain his life experiences to younger generations. Many of them had little idea of the sacrifices and difficult times that older people had endured through the wars, rationing, threats of nuclear obliteration and world upheavals that had formed the backdrop to their own unique life experiences.
How LifeBook Memoirs is helping Ed look to the future
The benefits of such a collaboration can be lifelong and have the potential to ripple far into the future. As Ed said of his book, which he cleverly entitled EDification, “More people than I expected were interested in reading it. And besides rekindling – and, in some cases, clarifying – dormant memories, it has led me down paths that are influencing my present and future … reconnecting with old friends, digging into my ancestry and living the rest of my life as if I’m collecting material for Volume II.”
How LifeBook Memoirs can help you
At LifeBook Memoirs, we believe that every life story is unique and deserves to be told with care and empathy. Every book that we create is written by a human – not by AI – and our handpicked interviewers, skilled ghostwriters and experienced editors maintain standards of quality that are second to none.
As a family business, we take particular pride in the fact that our private autobiographies endure and go on to become cherished heirlooms.
A beautifully handcrafted book
Just as we did for Ed Kushins, we can help you to capture your stories exactly as you would wish and present them in a beautifully handcrafted book – for you, for your family and for generations to come.
Don’t let your life story be lost. Talk to our experts today on 0330 822 1630 and start your journey into print.
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