
I have taken my writing down a new path. Not only have I found I really like telling and writing stories, but I like telling and writing other people’s stories too. But not everyone can gather up all the narrative, the details, and the bits and pieces that can come together as a commemorative book. So I am doing this for them. I have become a professional memoir writer.
My work is very rewarding. I work with people who have always wanted a bound copy of their life story. Today, with all the technical gadgetry available, I am not only able to weave a story out of the facts and snippets they present, but accompany the prose with photos, memorabilia, old documents, certificates, awards, whatever adds to the richness of the memoir.
I love that the process is easy for the client. I meet with them for interviews, or Skype with them if distant is an issue. They talk and I take shorthand. They review all I compose. In the case of those looking for a budget friendlier version, they provide me with the notes they have made themselves. Either way, I write a story of any length, filled with description and first hand knowledge, in a chronological manner.
The second part of the journey is the inserting of the images. For example, a chapter about coming to Canada may be accompanied by copies of the Immigration documents, photos, and perhaps a weathered old letter from a relative. Labels identify everything. In the case of a “coffee table book” about a family business, it may include data on early sales, or ads from earlier publications. Newspaper articles and other written material can be included.
The final step in the process is my favourite – the creation of the book itself. This is where I use my artistic styling and attention to detail to make each page’s layout appealing and pleasing. With the client, we decide on the length of the book, the quality of binding, cover, paper and other options, which affect the cost of the final product. Everything becomes digital so multiple copies are easy.
Whether its when a family member is having a landmark birthday, or a business wants a promotional book that tells the story of its rise, or a family wants to document their tale, it can all be done easily. Think of that box of curled up photos tucked away, or the scrapbook that is fading, having an expertly bound memoir book is a great solution. It’s an easy and rewarding way to create a treasured keepsake that tells your story!
Peggy Hallett - Memoir writer
My work is very rewarding. I work with people who have always wanted a bound copy of their life story. Today, with all the technical gadgetry available, I am not only able to weave a story out of the facts and snippets they present, but accompany the prose with photos, memorabilia, old documents, certificates, awards, whatever adds to the richness of the memoir.
I love that the process is easy for the client. I meet with them for interviews, or Skype with them if distant is an issue. They talk and I take shorthand. They review all I compose. In the case of those looking for a budget friendlier version, they provide me with the notes they have made themselves. Either way, I write a story of any length, filled with description and first hand knowledge, in a chronological manner.
The second part of the journey is the inserting of the images. For example, a chapter about coming to Canada may be accompanied by copies of the Immigration documents, photos, and perhaps a weathered old letter from a relative. Labels identify everything. In the case of a “coffee table book” about a family business, it may include data on early sales, or ads from earlier publications. Newspaper articles and other written material can be included.
The final step in the process is my favourite – the creation of the book itself. This is where I use my artistic styling and attention to detail to make each page’s layout appealing and pleasing. With the client, we decide on the length of the book, the quality of binding, cover, paper and other options, which affect the cost of the final product. Everything becomes digital so multiple copies are easy.
Whether its when a family member is having a landmark birthday, or a business wants a promotional book that tells the story of its rise, or a family wants to document their tale, it can all be done easily. Think of that box of curled up photos tucked away, or the scrapbook that is fading, having an expertly bound memoir book is a great solution. It’s an easy and rewarding way to create a treasured keepsake that tells your story!
Peggy Hallett - Memoir writer