Forever Young Autobiographies

They Don’t Pay Me To Say No: Dean Goodine’s Hollywood star-studded memoir on a life in props

Case study: Canadian Property Master’s entertaining life story goes behind the scenes of film and TV hits

Canadian Prop Master Dean Goodine’s new life-story book details the highs and lows of 36 years working with stars such as Clint Eastwood, Brad Pitt, Jason Momoa and more.

They Don’t Pay Me To Say No: My Life in Film and Television Props, by FriesenPress, goes behind the scenes to show how props are integral to the success of any movie or TV show.

Goodine has worked on everything from Oscar-nominated feature films like Unforgiven, network TV shows like Stargate SGI, streaming hits like A Series of Unfortunate Events plus small independent films.

Forever Young Autobiographies caught up with him to find out more about his book, how he wrote it plus suggestions for first-time writers …

Dad’s memories: A Father’s Day story about interviewing my dad

Case study: How I started recording my father’s memories in 3 steps

It’s Father’s Day here in Australia this Sunday.

And unlike past years with COVID lockdowns and restrictions it will be possible to meet up with family and friends!

So I’ll be going on a long overdue camping trip with my father who is visiting from interstate.

But it is also the perfect time to let you in on the life-story project I’ve started to record dad’s memories …

Genetic memory: Does your life story include genetic memory examples?

How to understand genetic memory theory

I recently read comedian Magda Szubanski’s Reckoning: A Memoir in which she brings up genetic memory.

In short, she had an inkling she carried some of her Irish ancestors’ memories.

And felt like she had ‘come home’ when visiting Ireland for the first time.

But is genetic memory just a theory or is there more to it?

The Winter Road: Walkley winning true crime by Kate Holden

Book review: Behind the headlines of murder, land use and green laws

The Winter Road: A Story of Legacy, Land and a Killing at Croppa Creek is a gripping Australian read.

It was written by acclaimed memoirist Kate Holden and tells how in 2014 an elderly New South Wales farmer shoots an environmental officer.

The life story was published by Black Inc last year and won the 2021 Walkley Awards Book Award.

So keep reading to find out more about the book and what it can teach us as we sit down to create our own life-story projects …

How to start a book: 4 simple ways to start a book today

What a writing coach wants you to know about how to start a memoir or life story

Kids where I grew up would often visit an old water-filled quarry to swim.

Here we would scale the rock walls and jump, flip and dive for hours.

Certainly the first jump was scary but sooner or later we all faced our fears and took the plunge.

Indeed writing can also feel scary in the beginning but keep reading for my top four ways on how to start a book.

So let’s dive in!

Writing and editing: 3 insider coaching call tips

Quick and easy life-story fixes from a writing coach

Often on morning beach walks I see primary students surfing for school sport.

First their coaches begin with a quick lesson on the sand and then everyone hits the water.

Similarly, a writing and editing life-story coach gets ‘in the water’ to help improve your confidence and skills.

And they are usually keeping an eye on three things …

Family life: How to fast track life stories while raising family

Everything you need to know about finding writing time with kids

Are you lucky to have little people in your life?

Certainly children make us smile and bring us joy as we watch them grow.

But is it actually possible to write productively and be creative when kids are about?

Indeed as a life-story writing mum I’ve found a few family life tricks to help you do just that …

Positive quotes: Motivational thoughts to lift your life-story creating

Best quotes for midyear motivation and inspiration

How did it get to be the middle of the year so fast!

Certainly those New Year’s writing goals seem a long time ago and need re-examining.

But the beauty of being halfway through this year is there is still one half to go for life-story recordin g and creating.

So here is a dose of positive quotes to get your inspiration fired up again …

Waves of Life: Jim Hamilton’s grateful autobiography of hope

Case study: Californian author’s life story rides ups and downs of life

Business consultant and author Jim Hamilton’s new autobiography tells the story of the three ‘big waves’ of his life and the valuable lessons these have taught him.

Waves of Life: A Grateful Man’s Journey, by Library Tales Publishing, includes the passing of Hamilton’s older brother, his battles with health issues and addiction, plus the pain and joy of his life.

However, underscoring all is the importance of love as the greatest gift you can receive and give.

Forever Young Autobiographies caught up with Hamilton to find out more about his book, writing process and tips for life-story creators.

Moving Memories: Talking family videos with video producer Nicola Kane

How life-story videos and family history videos can save family memories

Last week I had the pleasure to connect with Moving Memories founder Nicola Kane.

Nicola lives in New Zealand and is a fellow life-story coach and YouTuber.

However, her specialty is helping families and businesses create stories through video.

So read on to find out what makes this format attractive for your next life-story project …