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?
Continue reading Genetic memory: Does your life story include genetic memory examples?
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 …
Continue reading The Winter Road: Walkley winning true crime by Kate Holden
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!
Continue reading How to start a book: 4 simple ways to start a book today
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 …
Continue reading Writing and editing: 3 insider coaching call tips
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 …
Continue reading Family life: How to fast track life stories while raising family
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 recording and creating.
So here is a dose of positive quotes to get your inspiration fired up again …
Continue reading Positive quotes: Motivational thoughts to lift your life-story creating
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.
Continue reading Waves of Life: Jim Hamilton’s grateful autobiography of hope
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 …
Continue reading Moving Memories: Talking family videos with video producer Nicola Kane
The concept of lessons learnt is a powerful reason to start a life-story project.
Indeed this week in Australia people stopped to mark Anzac Day and remember servicemen and women who died in the line of duty.
Most importantly at services we say “lest we forget“, which reminds us not to forget past sacrifices.
Certainly this phrase is apt for memorial days but it can also be a motivator to create a life story.
Continue reading Lessons learnt: See how easily life lessons can be included in a life story
I was lucky to see Archie Roach AM at a sold-out concert the week I finished reading his memoir Tell Me Why: The story of my life and my music.
His book was published by Simon & Schuster Australia in 2019 and is a companion to the music star’s new album and tour.
However, I listened to the audiobook version, read by Roach, which won the Australian Book Industry Awards 2021 Audiobook of the Year.
So let’s jump into what Tell Me Why is about, what makes it interesting and what we can learn to help our own life-story creating …
Continue reading Tell Me Why: Award-winning life story by singer-songwriter Archie Roach