Discover The Stories StoryTerrace Help Share.

Are you a silent reader or a noisy one?

Alone or together? Paperback or Kindle? Silently or aloud? No matter what rituals you choose, reading is a powerful habit that improves your vocabulary, enhances your imagination, and reduces stress. These benefits extend further when you turn that lonely activity into a social one, so break the silence this August 9 and share your fascination for reading on National Book Lover's Day.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Between the covers of your book lie exciting stories and dialogue just waiting for someone to bring them to life. If you’re a voracious but silent reader, try reading aloud for a change of pace. Narrating isn’t just for parents and children; it also has vital and fascinating benefits for adults.

Break the Silence

There was a time when reading was largely a social activity. In ancient times, storytelling was all oral, as gifted poets memorized entire epics to share with rapt audiences. As printed books became popular, people used to gather and switch roles between readers and listeners and immerse themselves into poems, novels, or performances.

Despite our modern predilection for curling up alone with an e-reader, some people still strive to keep this habit alive. If you’re a proofreader, literary agent, professor, parent, or student, you’re likely to be among the lucky group that practices the art of reading aloud. Kids usually read along with their parents, but once they’re old enough to read by themselves, this habit slowly transitions into a solo activity that no longer generates a conversation with loved ones.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents interact with their children through books as early as infancy. Increased vocabulary, listening skills, curiosity, and memory are just a few of the advantages of sharing a book.

But what happens to adults? Do these benefits expire once you hit a certain age?

Good Mental Exercise

It turns out that the dual action of speaking and reading to yourself — or to others — helps with verbal recall. Research suggests that pronouncing the words of a book improves your memory of what you’ve read. Being a reader and a listener boosts imagination, sharpens focus, and helps with comprehension.

The benefits of reading aloud are particularly helpful for seniors. According to research conducted by Colin MacLeod, a psychologist at the University of Waterloo in Canada, "People consistently remember words and texts better if they read them aloud than if they read them silently. This memory-boosting effect of reading aloud is particularly strong in children, but it works for older people, too.”

How Do You Consume Information?

No doubt about it: Technology has changed how people read. You can store hundreds of books on small devices, connect instantly to libraries, and listen to audiobooks. While convenient, these fast, interactive tools cause constant disruptions in the reading process. It's easy to wander among websites and lose track of the story you were reading or find yourself struggling to find the exact minute of a quote with an audiobook.

Photo credit: Aleksandr Kichigin

That doesn't happen with a book in your hands and the power of your voice, though.

Audiobooks are great for commuters and for people with little time to sit and read. However, after long periods of listening, you can get bored with that distant, faceless narrator’s voice.

Beth Rogowsky, an associate professor of education at Bloomsburg University, studied how well students absorbed material by changing the way they consumed the information. Her research suggests that electronic devices reduce learning and comprehension compared to old-fashioned books. Also, with audiobooks, it's easy to lose track of the narrative because it’s difficult to go back to a specific quote.

With physical books, the reader usually focuses solely on the text and follows the narrative with no internet disruption. By pronouncing the words and sharing them with someone else, you not only get better retention and focus, but you also get the benefit of bonding with others, sharing thoughts that can lead to meaningful conversations.

In 2017, Story Terrace commissioned research to explore the impact of the Digital Age on the art of storytelling and found that the United States is becoming a nation that no longer shares genuine, face-to-face conversations because of the increase in screen time. Back then, Americans spent 23.6 hours online each week and could go months without an authentic conversation.

That’s why sharing experiences like reading to a loved one or sharing a story with a friend or relative is crucial to keeping bonds and meaningful relationships in this fast-paced digital age.

Books Bring People Together

Reading aloud is a social activity that strengthens emotional bonds among people. It’s an opportunity to connect with your loved ones by sharing both fiction and non-fiction ― or even your personal memoir. Imagine the fun of a Read Out Loud Party where your friends and family take turns reading a chapter from a book about your life!

Photo credit: Getty Images

No matter what book is in your hands, reading aloud provides incredible benefits for your well-being. It’s also a very pleasant way to pass the time! So let your inner voice out to play, and give yourself and your loved ones the gift of reading out loud. It might change the way you read forever.

If you’d like to tell your story aloud to our professional writers, contact StoryTerrace to get started on your memoirs. You can also sign up for our newsletter to learn more about how to bond with others through books.

As a former history teacher, Michele Vrouvas knows how to tell compelling stories of the past.

Michele began her writing career as a beat reporter for a major New Jersey publisher in the United States, where she was assigned to cover local politics and education in nearly a dozen towns at once. She has also worked as a litigation paralegal for over 20 years. Michele brings her keen eye for the human experience and serious writing chops to all of her work with StoryTerrace clients.

Michele lives in Pine Brook, New Jersey, where she can be found reading, writing, and practicing her cooking skills.

Photo of Michele in second grade at a Catholic school.

ST: What is the most memorable story you’ve told as a writer?

It was the story of a man who overcame decades of addiction by remembering his father’s dying words. He was in his forties and realizing that life isn’t so bad.

ST: Why do you enjoy writing for StoryTerrace?

It gives me the chance to write the books I’ve most enjoyed reading: Biographies were a favorite since childhood. I enjoy listening to clients as they slowly unfold their life stories.

ST: What surprised you most about working for StoryTerrace?

How quickly the interview time goes by! Especially when a client, like the one I have now, is for the first time sifting through old family documents and feels as though she’s “discovering” the people she’d known for years.

ST: What is your biggest fear?

Putting a loaf of bread in the oven to bake and realizing I forgot to add the salt.

ST: What's something that people would be surprised to learn about you?

I used to sell Electrolux vacuums and absolutely loved it!

ST: What trait do you admire most in others?

Courage, because it strengthens you to think for yourself, tell the truth, and avoid corruption.

ST: If you hadn't become a writer, what career would you have right now?

I would’ve stayed a teacher, preferably a reading specialist.

ST: Who are your favorite writers?

Ernest Hemingway, Elizabeth Strout, Abigail Thomas, Rick Bragg, Larry McMurtry.

ST: What is your motto?

Winston Churchill said that we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

ST: What bit of writing advice has helped you most as a StoryTerrace writer?

It was in a book by Adair Lara: “Writing is turning your thoughts, abstractions, generalizations, and opinions back into the experiences you got them from.”

The Lightning Round!

ST: Salty or sweet?

Salty.

ST: Morning lark or night owl?

Morning lark.

ST: Paperback or e-reader?

Paperback.

ST: City or country?

City.

ST: Summer or winter?

Summer.

If you’d like to work with a professional writer like Michele to write your life story, contact StoryTerrace to get started now, or sign up for our newsletter to read more about our writers and client stories.

Knowing your grandfather's story makes you realize just how lucky you are.

Days before the World War II announcement, John Gibson — a 9-year-old boy with a typical childhood — had a curveball thrown at his life. In 1939, London evacuated over 3 million children to protect them from air raids and the emotional scars of the conflict. John left his home with his siblings, Bill and Violet, leaving behind the life he knew, the city he enjoyed, his house, and his parents.

Even though he didn’t understand the hostility and tension of the war, he savored the scenic views of the countryside in Reading. He quickly adapted to his foster family’s routines and started school. Over the years, he went back to London, rejoined his parents and other siblings, but ended up separated from them again and again. Yet these challenging circumstances didn’t bear him down; instead, he cultivated gratitude, sought achievement, and made things right.

Richard Keeley, John’s eldest grandchild, gave him the gift of preserving those memories in a book named Our Grampa. The hardback memoir represents gratitude for the past, appreciation of the present, and achievement for the future. “It was around my grampa’s ninetieth birthday, and I came up with the idea of the book. This gift is an appreciation to someone that went through a lot. He wanted to do better for his family, and I think that is one of the messages of the entire book,” Richard explained during a delightful conversation with StoryTerrace.

John and Ann holding their daughter, Siân, days after buying their first home.

Growing Up During the War

Richard discovered how hard life was in the 1940s when his grandfather was just a child. Back then, children packed gas masks with their suitcases and had to duck under their school desks when a warning sounded. That’s how his grandfather, John, grew up during World War II, amid air raids, near-constant evacuations, and intermittent reunifications with his parents.

Being an evacuee taught young John to adapt to complicated circumstances and to make rational decisions.

In Our Grampa, John reflects on how he has endured difficult situations: "Richard, my son, believes some of our ancestors must have been Stoics. We Gibsons are certainly a stoical lot, and this particular philosophical stance has often helped me to get through life.”

Until the end of the war, John and his brother lived across different villages and small towns in the countryside. His education was also in turmoil. He joined a temporary school and enrolled as a scholar in a fee-paying institution named Emanuel School, where he met Trevor Jennet, his long-time friend.

Emanuel School Boat Club, 1948.

Pursuing a Career in Accounting

After the war, the only thing that John wanted to do was to straighten up in the future, so he did National Service and studied to become an accountant.

When he finished his service and got back to London, he had to split from his family yet again. His father, John David Gibson, who had run pubs most of his life, had lost his job and was in poor health. He didn’t receive compensation, and he couldn't provide housing for his children because, for the past 12 years, he’d lived on two pubs' premises.

John and his brother Bill in 1956.

John was a chartered accountant and halfway through his training. During his family’s difficulties, he found help through his friend, Trevor. Trevor's mother, Margaret Jennet, took him in and treated him as a son. John never forgot the kindness. “Trevor got a copy of the book and read it weeks before he passed away. It’s comforting that he got the chance to read it and see how he appreciated them,” Richard says, describing the impact of Our Grampa.

Life wasn’t easy, but John pushed through. He met Ann Edwards, a teacher who later became his wife and mother of his two children: Siân and Richard. Together, they achieved their biggest goals. He became an internal auditor, and soon they bought their first house.

Grandson Richard emphasizes that the book’s cover photo is his favorite because it represents an achievement. “It represents going from nothing to something big. That’s a picture of success,” he says.

John reached the peak of his career when he was in charge of Financial Planning at Black and Decker. There he would do what he enjoyed most: advising people on what they could do right.

After buying their forever home, John and his wife raised their kids and later enjoyed their grandchildren. “That house has positive energy. You go there and think: ‘I’m going to have fun, have lots of sandwiches and cake!’" says Richard with a big smile.

After reading Our Grampa, Richard described the impact of the book on his life: “His priority was to do better for his family, for his children. It’s the drive to do better for everybody else, to offer them a good life, and that comes back to my point of appreciation because you get to a place when I realize how lucky we are, and this book was a realization."

The Drive to Keep a Family United

John’s story is rooted in Ireland, in a fishing village called Dalkey. His father, John David Gibson, was a “virtual orphan” who lived across institutional homes in his later childhood, a man who worked in pubs and also dug and installed Anderson Shelters.

In the book, John’s son Richard explains that “The fragmented nature of his own family is why he is so keen to bring us all together. ... He is incredibly generous with both his time and with money, but spends very little on himself.”

That desire to keep his family united above all led him to find an uncle called Jim that emigrated to the United States long before he was even born. “They didn’t know each other until they were so much older. Suddenly, they became best friends in their forties or fifties,” says Richard.

John and uncle Jim on the Lakes.

The Resilient Grampa

Eventually, John retired from work and has enjoyed seeing his six grandchildren grow up and pursue their own goals.

He’s a resilient man who gives the benefit of his wisdom to his family. After many rises and falls, he has taught his relatives the life skills that helped him through his journey, like the ability to adapt to whatever comes your way, being responsible for yourself, and above all, returning your gratitude to others.

John with his family in Spain.

One of John’s skills is his logical thinking, which has set a strong example for his family. In Our Grampa, he describes it like this: “The human mind is like a computer ... it has a storage system and a processing system. A lot of people don’t engage the processing system ... people do not bother to think things through before acting.”

Grandson Richard loves this quote because it sums up his grandfather’s worldview: “This is what he’s like. He looks at people, he’s calm, he would take a step back, and he would say: you just need to cool off, recollect, regather, and try again. He’s right regarding this, and I liked that quote.”

When Richard Keeley highlights the significance of the title of the memoir, he happily explains: "That’s the idea of the book. To share with them [future generations of the Gibson family] who he is. It isn’t just this old grampa who sits around and watches the BBC all the time. Ironically, it is more than just a grampa; he’s Our Grampa."

Watch Richard explain the importance of sharing his grandfather’s story with younger generations: Watch Video

If you’d like to honor a beloved grandparent by preserving their life story in a book, contact StoryTerrace or sign up for our newsletter to read more uplifting stories like John's.

Everyone knows a hero of the pandemic.

Whether it meant delivering groceries to elderly neighbors, running food banks to help those in need, or working tirelessly in hospital wards, many people stepped up to help others when they needed it most. Yet despite their incredible efforts, most of these individuals went unappreciated by people outside of their immediate family.

Last spring, we decided that these everyday heroes should be applauded. After receiving over 300 nominations for our Unsung Heroes initiative, we’re proud to announce the publication of our book about these outstanding helpers.

On June 1, we launched a new book, "Unsung Heroes," which showcases the inspiring stories of 25 individuals who made a real difference during the pandemic. We wanted to commemorate their acts of selflessness during such a difficult period and shed light on those who gave up their time and resources to help others.

A Sneak Peek at 3 of Our Inspiring Stories

1. The Selfless Veteran Who Delivered Medicine

A 22-year veteran with the Royal Engineers, Paul Wilkie suffers from severe PTSD and has formed an incredible bond with his service dog, Irma, who helps him cope with his condition. Despite his symptoms, Paul and Irma picked up vital medication for elderly or unwell people in his local community and delivered the prescriptions on a daily basis to help those who were unable to leave their homes during the pandemic.

2. The Team GB Canoeist Who Became an NHS Support Worker

Chloe Bracewell was all set to compete at the 2020 Olympic Games as a canoeist for Team GB. But when the games were postponed, Chloe signed up to become an NHS support worker instead.

Chloe and her mother Jackie also provided support to a local mother and her autistic daughter, who lost her father during the pandemic. The pair provided daily meals, shopping, and reassurance, all while caring for their own families.

3. The London Bus Driver Who Kept Everyone Moving

London bus driver Moe Manir set up Facebook and WhatsApp chat groups of over 20,000 TfL workers to help other drivers communicate safety problems, report passenger needs, and pass information on workers' rights. He was also responsible for suggesting a number of the hygiene and safety protocols such as cab screens and closing off the front door of the bus, which are still in use today.

How to Get Your Copy of "Unsung Heroes"

Our book officially launched on June 1, and you can order your copy on Amazon. When you purchase your copy, we’ll donate a portion of the profits to two great charities: Maggie’s, a UK organization that provides free cancer support, and Unity Unlimited, a US non-profit dedicated to providing educational activities and resources that foster unity and harmony within local communities.

The past year has been hard on everyone. As the pandemic turned life as we knew it on its head and put a temporary pause on our everyday lives, we felt isolation and loss on a scale larger than we could have ever anticipated. However, times of adversity also make us stronger, which was made clear by the special people who pulled together to help others through these difficult circumstances. From simple acts of kindness to saving lives — and everything in between! — our unsung heroes showed that a bit of compassion can change the world.

Is there an unsung hero in your life whose story deserves to be told? Contact StoryTerrace or sign up for our newsletter to learn more about working with our professional writers to capture your loved ones’ incredible deeds.

What a difference a year makes!

Last year about this time, we launched our Unsung Heroes project to recognize all the good that people were doing to help friends and neighbors through the darkest days of the pandemic. We were thrilled to hear so many stories of kindness and generosity during difficult times.

Now we’ve gathered 25 of those stories to share with the world in our new Unsung Heroes book. But this book didn’t write itself! Two of our Premium writers, Helena Drakakis and Diana Holquist, interviewed the finalists for the project and brought their stories to life.

To celebrate the book’s publication — and the hard work of these talented writers! — we wanted to learn more about the project. I interviewed Helena and Diana to find out more about their work and their feelings about their work on Unsung Heroes.

StoryTerrace’s newest publication, "Unsung Heroes."

ST: What did you enjoy most about the Unsung Heroes project?

Helena: Everybody’s story was very different, and I got to talk to some fascinating people who were trying to make a real difference in a time of crisis.

Diana: The range of people was extraordinary — homeless advocates, healthcare workers, mental health professionals, medical students, and ordinary citizens ready to do whatever they could. There was really a sense of everyone coming together that was so heartening to see. I also loved learning the backstories of all the people — where they came from, why they did what they did. It was consistently inspiring because it wasn’t about multi-millionaires or famous people.

ST: Which Unsung Heroes story stood out to you most?

Helena: Lots stood out, but one that sticks in my mind was a nurse on the frontline called Ali Harris. I found her testimony very powerful. She not only had to deal with people who were critically ill, but also navigate her own family life. It was the small moments of lightness in her story that were really special.

Ali Harris

ST: And for you, Diana?

Diana: Roberto Rodriguez, the respiratory therapist who went viral for putting a giant picture of his smiling face over his PPE, was a great example of an ordinary guy who did an ordinary thing that had extraordinary impact. He called his small act of kindness “one little star” that combined with other stars brought “light in the dark, dark world.” That image felt like a description of what this book was about. His backstory of growing up in Section 8 housing with a single mother and putting himself through respiratory therapy school was just so powerful.

Listen to Diana read an excerpt of Roberto Rodriguez’s powerful story in Unsung Heroes: Watch Video

ST: What silver linings did you find for yourself during the pandemic?

Diana: A lot of people have grown more introspective during quarantine, which has led to interesting book projects. Overall, people have more time to themselves, which leads them to try to write their stories, which leads them to me. So that’s been very gratifying. I’ve also gotten into gardening, have read even more novels than usual, and am working every day on learning German — just for fun!

Helena: I discovered so many different walks through beautiful woodland where I live. There’s something very calming about the natural world.

ST: What do you hope people take away from reading about our Unsung Heroes?

Helena: It doesn’t matter whether what you do is big or small. We are not all swashbuckling heroes saving lives, but delivering seeds to people’s doors or doing fitness classes online or cooking for children can make a real difference too.

Diana: Ordinary people can do extraordinary things. I think a lot of people felt paralyzed to help because they weren’t medical workers or they were scared to leave their homes. But these people managed to overcome their doubts and fears and do what needed to be done. They’re inspiring stories, and I hope people will be inspired. I know I was.

If Helena and Diana’s compassionate storytelling has inspired you to get to work on your own biography, get in touch to schedule a free consultation. You can also use our Writer Search Tool to find the perfect writer for your project today.

You can purchase your own copy of Unsung Heroes on Amazon.

Reconnect with Family This Summer

Life can be busy, but don't let this summer slip away without reconnecting with family. The pandemic highlighted the importance of close family relationships, especially with older generations. Here are some ideas to strengthen those bonds:

1. Barbecue Gatherings: Host a barbecue to share meals and stories.
2. Family Hikes: Plan a hike suitable for all ages.
3. Outdoor Movie Nights: Watch movies outside with pillows, blankets, and snacks.
4. Camping Trips: Enjoy outdoor activities and campfire stories.
5. Share Family Stories: Preserve and share family history.

For more information, contact StoryTerrace or join our newsletter.

Senior Writer

One of StoryTerrace’s first writers, Neil Edwards knows how to draw out the drama inherent in every story.

Neil has been writing stories since childhood. Born in Liverpool, he attended the film schools at Bournemouth and Farnham, where he worked on almost 100 short and low-budget feature films. He has since written numerous scripts for the stage, screen, and radio. In 2013, he completed his master’s degree at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama. In addition to his work with StoryTerrace, Neil has written 10 plays for Lincoln’s Shooting Fish Theatre Company. His most recent work is "The Murderess," a gothic thriller, which is set to tour the UK in the autumn of 2021.

Today Neil lives in Horsforth, a small town on the outskirts of Leeds, UK. He enjoys spending time with his wife and twin daughters, 7-year-olds who are ardent believers in unicorns and fairies — a fact for which Neil claims full responsibility.

ST: When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?

I was looked after by my father’s parents, both relics of the war, and very much shaped by it. Each morning, I would breakfast with my granddad, Tom, a barrel-chested ex-major who, as we munched on our marmalade toast, would feed me stories of his wartime exploits. He made them sound heroic, and himself like Clint Eastwood. But as the years wore on, I discovered there was another side to his tales. Each country’s heroes are another country’s enemies, I realised, and for every medal my granddad had once worn with pride, a gravedigger, somewhere, had worked up a sweat. What were their stories, I began to wonder, those whose lives he had ended or traumatised? All these lives connected, I thought, some for good, many for ill. I wanted to use words to find the thread that brought them all together, because words become stories, and stories can be shared.

ST: Why do you enjoy writing for StoryTerrace?

I’ve seen up close how transformative StoryTerrace can be in a client’s life, and how profoundly the finished work can aid them in their ability to speak about difficult issues. For my first client, the Irish-born octogenarian, Mary Johnstone (left on the steps of a local priest’s house at just one-week old), she was able to use her memoir to say things to her then-grown children that she’d never before been able to say. Long-buried secrets emerged and, for the first time — using words she’d struggled her whole life to find — those secrets could be aired, and then the healing could begin. This book, Mary Full of Grace, led to a three-page feature being written about Mary and StoryTerrace in Britain’s Sunday Express magazine.

ST: Describe StoryTerrace in 3 words.

Profound. Wistful. Cathartic.

ST: What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Sitting with my 7-year-old twin daughters on the sofa, watching a Studio Ghibli film, whilst sipping at our giant mugs of marshmallow-filled hot chocolate. If snowflakes the size of tennis balls could flutter down outside the window as we watched, that would be even more perfect.

ST: What is your biggest fear?

The idea that truth can be weakened to the point that it is considered just another opinion and can be easily dismissed as such.

ST: Consider your life story. What's the name of the chapter you're in right now?

"The Lights Stayed on Till Spring."

ST: What's something that people would be surprised to learn about you?

That for two years (1989-1990) I was a chimney sweep-o-gram and appeared in dozens of bridal shows in and around the North West of England, bestowing good wishes upon Bambi-eyed brides-to-be — it was always brides, never grooms — in the preliminary stages of their plummet towards holy matrimony. It’s a tradition that dates back to King George II, who believed chimney sweeps to be lucky, after one stopped his runaway horse and carriage, thus saving his life.

ST: What trait do you admire most in others?

Intellectual humility: the ability to recognise one’s limitations and not feel threatened by a lack of knowledge on a particular subject.

ST: If you hadn't become a writer, what career would you have right now?

Film director. After five years at film school, it wasn’t entirely a pipe dream, but the mechanics of the process soon felt a little tedious. And oh, the compromises!

ST: What is your most treasured possession?

My hardback, three-volume Penguin edition of The Arabian Nights: Tales of 1001 Nights, translated by Malcolm C. Lyons, which is rarer than unicorn droppings now. I unwrapped my copy on Christmas morning, 2009, precisely the same time as my then-girlfriend was opening her engagement ring. I devoured the stories, cover-to-cover, and made them last until the day she walked down the aisle with me nine months later, in a little Irish church. Sentimental reasons aside, they’re just a rollicking good read. All of life is in them!

ST: What fictional character do you most identify with?

Edmond Dantès, chief protagonist of Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo. I mean, there’s payback, and then there’s that!

ST: What is your motto?

I’d been living and breathing this maxim for many years before I realised Gustave Flaubert had already found the words to express it: "Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.” I’m not sure it’s a great maxim for brain surgeons, though!

The Lightning Round!

ST: Dogs or cats? Dogs.

ST: Introvert or extrovert? Both, but the latter takes more effort.

ST: Morning lark or night owl? A full, screeching parliament of night owls.

ST: Truth or dare? The truth comes out anyway, so dare.

ST: X-ray vision or time travel? Time travel.

If you’d like to work with a talented storyteller like Neil to write your memoirs, contact StoryTerrace to get started now, or sign up for our newsletter to read more about our writers and client stories.

Dad. Pops. My Old Man. Papa. Stepdad. Daddy.

No matter what you call your father, there’s a universal sentiment about the men in our lives — when they talk, we listen.

Father’s Day will be here soon, which got us thinking about the important figures dads are. Whether they’re giving us a warm hug, teaching us how to ride a bike, wiping away tears after a breakup, cheering us on to victory in our soccer match, high-fiving us at college graduation, or making us laugh uncontrollably — dads play a welcome, integral role throughout our lives in so many ways.

After all — a dad is a son's first hero and a daughter's first love.

Think about it:

How many times have you gone to your old man seeking help and advice — no matter if you’re 5 or 55? Countless. Life lessons he's taught us? Immeasurable. Seems like dads always deliver the precise words of wisdom we need for any situation.

So, we decided to look into some powerful advice famous fathers have imparted. So much of it rings true with us here at StoryTerrace, and we wanted to share it with you, too.

Photo credit: Vintage New Daily

Famous Fathers, Great Advice

Way back in 1933, novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote a poignant, poem-like letter to his 11-year-old daughter. Here’s some of what he shared:

Worry about courage
Worry about cleanliness
Worry about efficiency
Worry about horsemanship
Worry about…

Things not to worry about:
Don’t worry about popular opinion
Don’t worry about dolls
Don’t worry about the past
Don’t worry about the future
Don’t worry about growing up
Don’t worry about anybody getting ahead of you
Don’t worry about triumph
Don’t worry about failure unless it comes through your own fault…

Isn't it amazing how Fitzgerald summed up so many important lessons in so few words? We especially love his note to not worry about popular opinion — just be yourself and do what makes you happy!

Scottie with her father, Francis Scott Fitzgerald. Photo credit: Agefotostock.com

And here’s an honest and thoughtful letter that former President Ronald Reagan wrote to his son just days before the 26-year-old’s wedding in 1971:

“You have entered into the most meaningful relationship there is in all human life. It can be whatever you decide to make it. … There is an old law of physics that you can only get out of a thing as much as you put in it. The man who puts into the marriage only half of what he owns will get that out. … There is no greater happiness for a man than approaching a door at the end of a day knowing someone on the other side of that door is waiting for the sound of his footsteps.
P.S. You’ll never get in trouble if you say “I love you” at least once a day.”

Well, President Reagan, we agree — telling our family and friends we love them is so important!

Ronald Reagan reading a magazine with his daughter, Maureen, circa 1945. Photo Credit: Getty Images

We also love the blunt directness from rapper, movie star, and businessman Ice Cube:

"Mind your own business and you will live longer. Don’t take crap from anybody. Stand up for yourself. Be nice. You don’t have to be mean. Don’t leave it up to the mother to raise your kids. You need to be just as involved. Just being there is not being there. You have to be there and be involved. Don’t sit on the sideline and leave it for your wife to do.”

Yes to all of that, Ice Cube! We think he should create a rap song with those powerful words of wisdom. It would certainly go to the top of the charts!

You know, it’s quite amazing how so much fatherly advice withstands the test of time. In particular, we like what Harper Lee penned for Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird back in 1960:

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

Insightful Quotes That Resonated With Us

“Don’t take life too seriously,’ and more than anything, he always told me to pursue my dreams.”
— Conrad Anker, Professional Mountain Climber, including Mount Everest

“My father used to say, “You know, Marty, the key to life is to do the decent thing.” I’d like to be remembered as someone who tried to do the decent thing.”
— Martin Short, Movie and TV Star

Photo credit: Pixabay

“My father and mother emphasized two things: Every person is responsible for his or her own actions, and, to the best of your ability, leave the world better than you found it.”
— Bill Nye the Science Guy

"I feel that the greatest gift that I can give my children is the freedom to be who they are."
— Will Smith, Movie and TV Star

Capture Your Dad’s Joy and Wisdom

No doubt your own father has shared some valuable insight over the years. There’s no better way to capture that advice and all the wonderful memories you've shared together than with his very own memoir of life’s journey, crafted by StoryTerrace.

As our dads are getting older, there’s no time like the present to honor him with a priceless family heirloom. In fact, a parent we worked with said writing her story was the best thing her sons could have done for her.

Reviewing all this excellent paternal advice reminded us to call our dads and tell them how much we love them. Maybe you will, too.

We'll leave you with this anonymous quote that sums everything up quite perfectly and succinctly:

“To the world, you’re a dad. To our family, you are the world.”

Oh, one more thing — here’s some advice for you, dads: Keep your words of wisdom coming.

If you’d like to preserve your father’s advice for future generations, contact StoryTerrace or sign up for our newsletter to learn more about writing a family biography today.

Have you ever wondered what your parents dreamt about as kids?

Imagine you grab a book that describes the story of your life long before you were born. The words introduce you to a decade in which you didn’t yet exist, and the paragraphs move you to places where you’ve probably never been.

And you can’t put it down because the principal characters of that breathtaking story are your parents.

As you read, you discover who they were before they met, how they grew up, and how their lives had the fortunate twist of crossing their paths. In a nonfiction book that describes your parents’ life, you can preserve those invaluable memories and connect, over and over, with your loved ones.

Writing your story and preserving your heritage not only offers benefits for your mental health, but it's also an excellent way to strengthen your relationship with your family and an admirable gesture to honor your parents.

But how do you get started? Writing your parents’ life story from scratch is a big task, but you can make it manageable by following three simple steps.

Photo credit: Pixabay

1. Start a Five-Sense Conversation

The first step is to gather all the interesting stories of your parents’ lives. The research phase can be easy for you, but it might overwhelm your parents. Sit with them and listen carefully to their story. Enjoy that pleasant conversation — it’s not an interrogation! As they talk, hand them photo albums, old letters, or objects with sentimental value to prompt their memories.

As you talk, focus on having a five-sense conversation. Your goal isn’t just to know the facts about dates and places. You also want to awaken emotions that were asleep in a hidden memory. To do that, the storytellers must work with their senses to access the best of their memories and speak from their hearts. In that way, you capture their authentic voices when it’s time to type those words on the computer.

To touch on the five senses, ask for details about what things looked like — colors, textures, shape, and size. If there’s a song they love, play it, and maybe even dance or sing together. If there’s a meal your parents enjoyed as kids, try to cook it with them. Spend time with them and enjoy the process together, doing all you can to gather rich details about sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell.

Photo credit: Burst

Don’t be afraid to ask about everything that intrigues you. Invite your parents to talk about their dreams and downfalls, their struggles and efforts, their progress, and their mistakes. Ask them which crisis made them grow, the happiest moments of their life together, and what advice they would offer to the future generations of your family — or the world.

If there are gaps in their stories, you can call on other relatives or family friends for additional information. Those supporting characters in the story can offer another perspective or a more detailed description of an anecdote.

To get more detailed information on how to prepare to interview your loved ones, check out this guideline published by the library of UCLA.

2. Record the Interviews

It’s important to keep proof of those stories, so don’t forget to record your interviews. This will allow you to check back as you write to make sure your details are accurate. Recording will also free you from the burden of note-taking so you can concentrate while they speak and enjoy a more natural conversation. In addition to preserving facts for your book, you’ll also have a treasured keepsake that captures the tone and timbre of their voice for posterity — an incredible gift for future generations.

During the interview, there are three things you should keep in mind:

• Make sure your electronic device is completely charged and has enough storage space before the conversation starts. Once the interview begins, activate the voice recorder and place it near the storytellers. It’s a good idea to do a test first, to make sure their voices are clear.
• Listen and observe your parents as they speak. Let them talk as long as they want, and try not to interrupt them — sometimes tangents turn out to be the best anecdotes! Pay attention to how their emotions bloom as they tell about a specific moment of their past.
• Have a pad and a pen handy, but be careful not to overuse it or let it become a distraction. Write all the questions you have, and take notes of decisive citations and revealing thoughts.

Your smartphone provides the easiest way to record your interviews. Voice Memos is the best recording app for iOS users — just touch the bright red button and let it record. If you have an Android device, download Easy Voice Recorder.

If you can’t meet in person, you can record your interview on your favorite video calling app. Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet all offer ways to record your call.

3. Digitize Photos and Documents

To help bring your parents’ stories to life, you’ll want to include photos in your book. Seeing your parents in their youth will complete the portrait you paint of them as full, interesting people.

Photo credit: Getty Images

To round out the book, collect photographs, letters, and documents such as birth certificates or diplomas. There are several free, downloadable apps that make scanning and editing these images easy:

• PhotoScan is one of the best ways to digitize old photographs for both iOS and Android users. It also allows you to back up scans with Google Photos for sharing.
• Photomyne is also free, and you can upgrade to premium features that let you scan multiple images in just one snapshot. It's free to download for both iOS and Android.
• Genius Scan and CamScanner are useful for scanning text documents. The apps automatically crop images and allow you to share them as PDF or JPG files.

Digitizing photos and documents is a great way to preserve them for posterity, and it makes it possible to insert images into your story as you write.

StoryTerrace Can Help

Crafting a book from scratch is a thrilling project, but it can be overwhelming. If you've thought about creating that book but are having trouble getting started, StoryTerrace can help you transform that idea into a hardcover non-fiction book with our experienced team of editors, writers, and designers.

StoryTerrace takes on the hard work of book production so you can relax. One of our 600 writers and journalists will interview your loved ones and turn their words into clear, compelling prose. With our specialized Bookmaker platform, you can easily add photos to the book. When all is ready to print, you’ll receive a beautiful hardback book worthy of passing down to future generations.

Watch our video here

If you’re worried about not having the time or the skill to do your parents’ story justice, we’re here for you! StoryTerrace makes it possible to capture your parents’ stories in a professional book that you’ll be proud to share.

To learn more about our hardback books and writing process, contact StoryTerrace today. You can also subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss out on helpful writing advice.