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Perhaps you’ve got a great idea for a book, or maybe you’re in the processing of writing one. During this process, the question of “How do you self publish a book?” can naturally arise as you try to decide how to deliver your book to audiences of choice. To help, here are three easy steps to self publish a book.

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The first of the steps to self publish a book is actually writing the book—whether that means writing it yourself or hiring a ghostwriter. Although no two people will ever write a book in the exact same way, here are typical steps taken when writing one:

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Determine the type of book you’re writing: At a high level, you might choose to write a non-fiction book, a novel, or a creative non-fiction book like a memoir. Each type will come with its own unique steps and requirements, so it's important to be clear about the broad genre of your particular book.

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Right-size your book topic: You’ll need to narrow your topic down to a manageable size. So, if you know that you want to write a non-fiction book about dogs, you’ll have to choose a scope that’s book-sized. You might, for example, decide that your true passion is to write about exercising with your dogs for optimal health: Yours and theirs.

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Decide your target audience(s): Who would be interested in your book? In the dog example, it could be adults with an interest in fitness and/or weight loss who also love dogs. Note: It can be tempting to want to write a book that absolutely everyone will be interested in, but that isn’t realistic—even for bestselling authors. Instead, put your focus on writing the best book possible for your specific audience. 

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Craft an outline or otherwise structure your book: You may decide to use traditional outlines like those taught in schools or create your own format—perhaps by jotting down notes on what you want each chapter to cover. Writers often self-identify as either plotters (people who carefully design a structure for what they’ll write) or pantsers (people who write by the seat of their pants!). You may identify with one or the other or find yourself somewhere in between. 

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Create a workable writing schedule: Consider what works for you based upon your career, family commitments, and other issues that matter to you like volunteering. Based on that information, carve out a timetable for writing, and do your best to stick to the schedule. If you find that your original writing schedule isn’t working—perhaps being too aggressive or not aggressive enough—tweak it to create an optimal schedule for your specific needs. 

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Write your first draft: In this draft, you’ll want to get the story down: With care but without allowing the desire for perfection to stop you from completing the draft. Focus on excellence rather than perfection, knowing that, in the next two steps, you can further improve your manuscript.

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Revise the manuscript: You may go through a few rounds of revision as you verify facts; make sure that important information isn’t missing; get rid of unnecessary duplicate information; and ensure that you’re sharing your stories in the most compelling, engaging manner. 

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Have someone edit the manuscript: It’s always good to have an experienced editor read through your manuscript. Even longstanding professional writers go through this step to ensure that the manuscript is in the best shape possible before publishing. That’s because the editor’s fresh set of eyes can catch typos, misplaced punctuation marks, and inconsistent details.

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When you’re self publishing a book, this is often the first step where you invest money into your book project: Paying a qualified editor who ideally respects your voice and shapes the manuscript in ways that mesh with your vision.

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Here’s the second of the steps to self publish a book: Getting the completed, edited manuscript ready for publication. 

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Key elements include:

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• Book formatting for eBooks or print, depending upon what you want to do
• Selecting pictures, if relevant, making sure they are of sufficient quality and ensuring that you have the right to use them
• Designing an eye-catching book cover
• Securing your ISBN and barcode

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Book Formatting

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First, book formatting is different from manuscript formatting. When you format a manuscript, you’re ensuring that the margins, spacing, font, and so forth are in a form desired by an editor or publisher. Book formatting, meanwhile, means getting the text into a form that readers will see. 

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Here, we’ll focus on tips for print (rather than eBook) formatting. First, decide the trim size of your book—meaning its final dimensions. You’ll need to select one that’s available from the printer you’ll use. Next, choose a font that’s easily readable, leaning towards ones used by traditional publishers. If you’re writing a book with an older demographic for an audience, keep potential vision issues in mind.

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Create wide enough margins so that there’s enough white space for readability. When doing so, consider the gutter size, which is the margin space on the parts of the pages closest to the binding. You’ll need enough space there for the bookbinding to take place and to ensure that the text isn’t too cramped in that margin. Formatting software exists for a relatively small cost, or you could hire a professional formatter.

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Be sure to include a copyright page to let people know that your book isn’t in the public domain. In other words, let them know that you own the intellectual property to discourage plagiarism. At a minimum, include this information: © Date Your Name. All rights reserved.

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Selecting Pictures

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Whether this means photos or charts, diagrams, or other visual elements, having them interspersed in your book can make it more attractive and appealing. However, you’ll need to consider a few things.

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First, choose between colour or black & white. Visual elements in colour can be especially eye-catching but come with a greater printing cost. When doing so, consider the DPI. For the pictures to look attractive in a book, you’ll need ones with a certain number of dots per inch (DPIs). At a minimum, go with 300dpi. Also, make sure you have appropriate permissions. Typically, the person who takes a photo owns the copyright, and that’s the only person who can give you permission to use a picture in your book. In other words, just because someone has a physical copy or scan of a photo, this does not mean they can give you permission to publish it.

Designing a Book Cover

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Despite the saying that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, people often do. So, you’ll want to have an engaging one that attracts readers. Decisions you’ll need to make include these:

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Title and, if applicable, the subtitle: If you want to use a catchy title that inspires curiosity, you could use a subtitle that provides more information about the genre and what a reader might expect when buying your book—giving them a sneak preview.

‍Name or pseudonym: Will you publish under your real name? A pen name?

‍Font size and type: Just like with your text, you’ll need to choose font sizes and types for your cover.

‍Images: Will you feature a picture on the cover? A collage of images? An abstract design?

‍Tone: Create a cover design that dovetails with your book. What you’d choose for a family history book would be quite different from a science fiction story.

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Don’t forget the back cover! This is where you can include a promotional blurb about your book, which could include snippets of a review and your author bio.

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Securing Your ISBN and Barcode

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When self publishing a book, you’ll typically want to get an ISBN (an International Standard Book Number) so that you can potentially sell your book to libraries and in bookstores and online retailers. If you only plan to sell your books directly, perhaps from your own website and/or through events like craft shows, then you don’t need one. 

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The same is true with barcodes. If you plan to try to sell your book in stores and the like, then get a barcode. You can get both of these items at Bowkers Publishing Services. 

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So, returning to the original question—how do you self publish a book?—two broad pathways exist. You can literally do all of these steps yourself to self publish a book, hiring an expert when something is beyond your skills set or knowledge (or to save time). Or, you can hire a publishing partner like StoryTerrace. 

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Let’s first run through the process if you did everything yourself. You’d either write the book yourself or hire a ghostwriter. Then, find a qualified book editor, hiring them and paying them their fee. Format the book appropriately or hire someone else to do so. Collect photos and ensure that you have permission to use them and that they’re of appropriate quality. 

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 Design a cover or hire someone to do that. Finally, get your ISBN and barcode.

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Once all is completed, you’d then find a printer that specializes in printing books or a company that will print them on demand. With the second option, when you get orders for your book, the company would print what’s needed. Then, it’s time to market the book, asking bookstores, libraries, and the like to carry your book. You could schedule a book party, set up and promote book signings, and otherwise get your completed book out into the world.

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If this sounds like it can be a lot of work to take on yourself, it can be. Some people thrive on doing everything themselves while others might wonder if this is the best way to self publish a book. For that second group, they may prefer working with a partner. If you’re wondering “How can I self publish a book with StoryTerrace?", Contact us!

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When you contact us to talk about your book idea, we’ll discuss how to self publish a book with our company so that you have a good understanding of our processes. Alternatively, you can also have a look at our publishing packages here.

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Once you’ve decided what package makes sense for you, we’ll match you with the best writer in our extensive network of 600+ ghostwriters. Throughout the process, you stay in full control while outsourcing the tasks to us. Our talented designers will format the book and create an eye-catching cover. And, throughout the process of self publishing a book, you can count on our Bookmaker technology to keep you fully informed.

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Then, when everything is complete, we’ll deliver your hardbound, full-colour books directly to you.

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Let StoryTerrace streamline the process for an amazing product that connects with your vision for your unique book. Ready to get started? Book a call with us!

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Memoir as a genre is expansive, continually pushing the boundaries of personal narrative. To fully appreciate the modern memoir and its place in contemporary literature, it is essential to understand its origins and how it has transformed over time. This article, the first in a series investigating the memoir genre, will explore the history of ghostwriting, how it informs the work of modern-day ghostwriters and how we expect the field of ghostwriting to change in the future.

With the increasing popularity of celebrity memoirs, ghostwriting has naturally gained more attention. Readers often wonder whether their favourite celebrities actually sat down to write their life stories or if they employed someone else to transform their experiences into an engaging narrative. Regardless of one's personal stance on the ethics of ghostwriting, it has become an increasingly prominent practice in various forms of written media.

The practice of ghostwriting dates back to the Song Dynasty in China (960-1279 AD). Historians have detailed the role of scribes within the imperial court, known as the daibi, who were predominantly women. Unlike modern ghostwriters, the daibi focused on transcribing court events and meetings as well as composing texts about the emperor. These scribes were given unprecedented access to the inner workings of the court and empire. Calligraphers were even expected to mimic the emperor's handwriting as closely as possible, setting a precedent for the modern ghostwriter's task of capturing an author's voice.

Although the work of the daibi differs from modern memoir ghostwriting in many ways, it laid the groundwork for the dynamic between ghostwriters and their subjects today. At the core of this relationship is trust. Ghostwriting demands almost exclusive access to a subject's life, experiences, and secrets. Whether documenting the lives of ancient Chinese emperors or contemporary figures like Prince Harry, ghostwriters are expected to handle sensitive information with discretion and care.

The importance of trust in the ghostwriting process cannot be overstated. Without it, the relationship between the subject and the writer falls apart. Just as emperors couldn't divulge state secrets to untrustworthy scribes, modern public figures must feel confident in their ghostwriters' ability to maintain confidentiality and accurately represent their stories.

While the foundation of trust remains crucial, the nature of the relationship between ghostwriters and their subjects has evolved significantly since the days of the daibi. Modern ghostwriting collaborations often involve a more personal connection between the writer and the subject. For example, tennis star Andre Agassi chose to collaborate with J.R. Moehringer on his memoir after reading Moehringer's own memoir, "The Tender Bar." Moehringer, in turn, only agreed to work on Agassi's book after connecting with him and his story on a personal level.

This mutual understanding and connection paints a different picture from the accounts of the Song Dynasty. Today, the trust in ghostwriting is a two-way street. The deeply personal nature of memoirs requires not only that the subject trusts the writer with their story but also that the writer feels a genuine connection to the subject and their experiences.

One aspect of ghostwriting that has remained constant throughout history is the importance of capturing the subject's voice.

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Just as the emperor's calligraphers were expected to mimic his style, modern ghostwriters must be able to write in a way that authentically represents their subject's manner of speaking and thinking.

This skill is crucial because readers are primarily interested in gaining insight into the memoirist’s life, experiences, and beliefs. When reading a memoir, readers expect to hear the subject's voice, not the ghostwriter's. The ability to capture and convey this voice separates skilled ghostwriters from mere transcribers or editors.

The process of capturing a subject's voice involves extensive interviews, research, and immersion in the subject's world. Ghostwriters often spend considerable time with their subjects, observing their mannerisms, speech patterns, and thought processes. This intimate knowledge allows them to create a narrative that feels authentic and true to the subject's personality.

Another parallel between ancient and modern ghostwriting practices is that it has largely remained a luxury reserved for the rich and powerful. It is generally accepted that CEOs and celebrities may not have the literary talents of professional authors and may need assistance in refining their work to tell their stories effectively. However, this service remains largely inaccessible to those without significant financial resources or public profiles.

This exclusivity raises questions about the ethics of ghostwriting and who gets to tell their stories. While there is a general acceptance of the practice for public figures who may not have the time or skill to write a book themselves, the inaccessibility of professional ghostwriting services to the general public remains a point of contention.

The debate surrounding ghostwriting extends beyond issues of accessibility. Some argue that the practice is inherently deceptive, as it presents a work as authored by someone who may have had minimal involvement in the actual writing process. Others contend that ghostwriting is a legitimate form of collaboration, similar to the relationship between a sculptor and their subject.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards acknowledging ghostwriters more openly. Some books now credit the ghostwriter as a co-author or mention their contribution in the acknowledgements. This shift towards transparency may help address some of the ethical concerns surrounding the practice.

The confessional aspect of memoirs is often seen as what makes the writing process so cathartic and healing. The genre is deeply rooted in self-expression and is one of the few forms of literature that allow authors to speak directly to their readers. Memoirs that focus on personal struggles and narratives that readers can relate to tend to be the most commercially successful, evidenced by the enduring popularity of works like Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes" in the 1990s and Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," which dominated bestseller lists for decades.

Despite the potential for first-time authors to write bestselling memoirs, publishers remain hesitant to accept memoirs from unknown writers. This reluctance creates a barrier for individuals with compelling stories who lack established platforms or the means to hire ghostwriters. As a result, many important narratives may go untold and unheard.

Understanding the history of the daibi is essential to comprehending the importance of ghostwriters and their relationships with authors. However, it also highlights areas where the practice can evolve further. Starting with the daibi working for emperors, ghostwriting is increasingly seen as a collaboration rather than a service provided by an invisible hand.

In recent years, there has been a trend towards acknowledging ghostwriters more openly, with some sharing the title of author with the subject of the memoirs. This shift represents a more transparent approach to the creation of memoirs and acknowledges the significant contribution of the ghostwriter to the final product.

While ghostwriting has traditionally been a service available only to the elite, there is a growing recognition of the need to make this service more accessible to those with important stories to tell but without the means to do so. Figures like Malala Yousafzai and Roxane Gay are paving the way for this change by using their platforms to amplify the voices of others.

Malala Yousafzai's "We Are Displaced" demonstrates the power of memoirs to give a voice to oppressed people who are suffering and do not have the means to tell their stories. This approach aligns with the historical use of memoirs to amplify the voices of the marginalised and share narratives that might otherwise go unheard.

As we look to the future of ghostwriting and memoirs, several trends and possibilities emerge that could reshape the landscape of personal narrative. The increasing popularity of digital publishing platforms and self-publishing tools has made it easier for individuals to share their stories without the need for traditional publishing houses, lowering the barrier to entry for aspiring memoirists. Additionally, advancements in artificial intelligence may see the emergence of AI tools that can assist in the writing process. While these tools are unlikely to replace human ghostwriters entirely, they could make the process more accessible and affordable for a wider range of people. What’s more, the rise of ghostwriting companies has greatly democratised the process of life writing. With access to large pools of freelance writers, companies such as StoryTerrace can pair customers of modest means with a writer specially suited to tell their story, making them instrumental in the further democratisation of memoir as a genre.

As technology continues to advance, it's reshaping the landscape of memoir writing and ghostwriting in a myriad of ways. Digital platforms allow for the integration of multimedia elements such as photos, videos, and audio recordings, creating more immersive and interactive memoir experiences. Meanwhile, platforms like Instagram and Twitter have given rise to micro-memoirs, where individuals share their life stories in real-time through posts and stories. This has blurred the lines between traditional memoirs and everyday social media use.

Alongside these exciting advancements come ethical considerations which are important to consider as the genre expands. For instance, there is an ongoing debate about how much involvement a ghostwriter should have and how this involvement should be acknowledged. While some argue for full disclosure, with ghostwriters being credited as co-authors, others believe that maintaining the illusion of sole authorship is important for the reader's experience. What’s more, ghostwriters must navigate the delicate balance between capturing the subject’s voice and experiences accurately while also crafting a compelling narrative. This raises questions about how much creative license is acceptable and how to ensure the final product remains true to the subject’s experiences and perspective when writing their life story. Concerning the voice, there’s also a growing need for cultural sensitivity as ghostwriters increasingly work on memoirs that cross cultural boundaries. Ghostwriters must be aware of their own biases and work to accurately represent experiences and perspectives that may be different from their own.

As ghostwriting becomes more accessible and diverse voices are amplified through memoirs, these personal narratives have the potential to play an increasingly important role in social change. Memoirs can bring attention to social issues and injustices by personalising them through individual stories. This can be particularly powerful when the memoirist comes from a marginalised or underrepresented group. By sharing nuanced, personal experiences, memoirs can break down stereotypes and promote understanding across different communities and cultures. Powerful memoirs can motivate readers to take action on social issues through political engagement, charitable giving, or personal behaviour changes. By allowing readers to step into the shoes of others, memoirs can foster empathy and understanding and lead to more compassionate societies.

The evolution of memoir writing and ghostwriting from the days of the daibi to the present day reflects broader changes in society, technology, and our understanding of personal narrative. As we move forward, the democratisation of memoir writing through new technologies and collaborative approaches holds the promise of amplifying a diverse range of voices and experiences.

However, this evolution also brings new challenges. Ensuring ethical practices, maintaining authenticity, and navigating the complex interplay between personal narrative and public consumption will be ongoing concerns for ghostwriters, memoirists, and publishers alike.

Ultimately, the power of memoirs lies in their ability to connect us through shared human experiences, to challenge our perspectives and give a voice to stories that might otherwise go untold. As ghostwriting continues to evolve, it will play a crucial role in expanding the reach and impact of these important narratives.

The future of memoir and ghostwriting will be characterised by greater accessibility, increased diversity of voices, and innovative approaches to storytelling. By embracing these changes while remaining true to the core principles of trust, authenticity, and powerful narrative, the memoir genre can continue to evolve and maintain its significant place in literature and society.

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26th March 2024 - Exploring this year’s London Book Fair (12-14th March 2024) was like delving into a bustling literary hub, where insights flowed as freely as the networking. Over the span of three days, I made two key observations that are reshaping the book publishing landscape.

Firstly, the surge of interest in self-publishing is impossible to ignore. Authors, whether seasoned professionals or newcomers, are increasingly drawn to this avenue for its promise of control and direct reader engagement. It's not merely about putting pen to paper anymore; it's about crafting an author brand and connecting with one’s audience. Seminars I attended at the show underscored the importance of savvy marketing and inventive promotions for self-published authors.

Social media has emerged as a vital tool for engagement, albeit with its own demands for consistent content creation. Over the past couple of years, BookTok and Bookstagram have emerged as leading platforms for authors to connect with readers, build new followers, and ultimately tout their books. Success on these platforms, however, doesn’t come overnight. The time and effort authors need to put into creating their online brand requires almost as much dedication and organization as writing their books. But despite the challenges, the allure of independence and the chance to innovate in reaching readers while having total control over how one’s book is edited, packaged, and marketed, are driving more authors towards self-publishing than ever before.

Secondly, the buzz surrounding generative AI cannot be ignored. Despite initial reservations, it's clear that this technology is increasingly being integrated into the content creation process. The Alliance for Independent Authors maintains an open-minded stance, recognizing the potential of AI as a creative aid. However, ethical considerations loom large, and require ongoing scrutiny and adherence to guidelines, especially in regards to copyright infringement.

Unsurprisingly perhaps, not all corners of the literary world share this optimism. At one panel sponsored by the London Book Fair itself, attitudes towards generative AI and the “tech bros” who created it were notably skeptical, contrasting with the more cautiously optimistic prevailing sentiment elsewhere. Such resistance is viewed by some as “toxic” to those writers who embrace technological advancements in their craft.

The tension between tradition and innovation echoed throughout the fair. It's a balancing act between the established norms and emerging possibilities, each vying for prominence in a continuously shifting landscape. Self-publishing represents a quest for autonomy and creative freedom, a challenge to the long-established status quo. Generative AI, meanwhile, offers a glimpse into the future of how authors, book marketers and designers can blend creativity with technology. Yet, amidst the debates and discussions, one thing remains clear: an open mind and adaptability are key.

The future of publishing is being shaped not only by the pen and keyboard, but also by pixels and algorithms. Whether we embrace change or cling to tradition, one thing is certain: the journey ahead promises both challenges and opportunities for writers and publishers alike. As the cliché goes, in this ever-evolving industry, the only constant is change.

Jon Malysiak is the Global Publishing Manager at StoryTerrace.

Hoeveel weten we daadwerkelijk over het leven van onze ouders?

Wij gaan er allemaal van uit dat wij meer dan genoeg weten over de mensen die ons hebben opgevoed, maar denk alleen al eens aan alles wat je in je eigen kinder- en tienerjaren hebt meegemaakt. Je hebt waarschijnlijk honderden verhalen te vertellen.

Maar zou je ook honderden verhalen kunnen vertellen over het leven van je ouders van voordat jij geboren werd? Net als jij beleefden zij veel ups en downs en maakten bovendien een interessant stuk geschiedenis mee. Ben je voldoende op de hoogte van alle details om hun verhalen aan jouw kinderen en kleinkinderen door te geven?

Ga op zoek naar antwoorden voordat het te laat is

In een recent artikel in de Wall Street Journal betreurt Sarah Smith het dat zij haar moeder niet naar haar jeugd gevraagd heeft voordat haar geheugen haar in de steek liet als gevolg van de ziekte van Alzheimer. Dankzij onder andere sociale media wordt er van de huidige generaties veel meer vastgelegd dan van de generaties daarvoor. Net als Sarah Smith komen veel mensen te laat tot het pijnlijke besef dat er geen enkel verslag is van de hoop en de dromen van hun ouders of grootouders.

“Ik denk dat jonge mensen het moeilijk vinden om hun ouders en grootouders te begrijpen. Zij hebben immers hun levens niet vastgelegd om de manier waarop deze jongen mensen dat nu zelf wel doen via bijvoorbeeld sociale media”, aldus Rutger Bruining, CEO van StoryTerrace.

StoryTerrace heeft onderzoek gedaan naar hoeveel mensen over hun ouders weten, en we ontdekten iets schokkends: 45% van de mensen zegt meer over het leven van hun ouders te weten te zijn gekomen door het vinden van familiebezittingen, het toevallig opvangen van gesprekken, of door met andere familieleden te spreken, dan rechtstreeks van hun ouders zelf.

Daar komt nog bij dat 35% van de ondervraagden aangaven dat zij de prestaties van hun ouders bewonderen, maar niet weten hoe zij bereikt hebben wat ze hebben bereikt. En nog eens 21% zei dat zij niets van hun vader en moeder weten van vóór zijzelf geboren werden.

11 vragen die je nu aan je ouders kunt stellen

Als wij iets geleerd hebben van de pandemie, dan is het wel dat je nooit weet wat morgen zal brengen. Daarom geloven wij dat het belangrijk is betekenisvolle gesprekken met dierbaren te voeren terwijl het nog kan.

Om je op weg te helpen hebben wij een lijst met vragen samengesteld die je vandaag aan je ouders kunt stellen. Gebruik ze om een gesprek te beginnen en de mensen die je hebben opgevoed beter te leren kennen. Bereid je voor op opmerkelijke verrassingen!

1. Wat wilde je worden toen je klein was?
2. Wie was je beste vriend? Waar is hij/zij nu?
3. Wat was het meest rebelse dat je ooit als tiener of jongvolwassene gedaan hebt?
4. Denk je dat je het juiste carrièrepad gekozen hebt? Heb je ergens spijt van?
5. Hoe heb je de liefde van je leven ontmoet en wanneer wist je dat hij/zij de ware voor je was?
6. Wat voor ouder dacht je dat je zou zijn, en hoe verhoudt zich dat tot de ouder die je in werkelijkheid was?
7. Wat vond je het moeilijkste aspect van het opvoeden van kinderen? Is er iets dat je met de kennis van nu anders gedaan zou hebben?
8. Welk advies zou je mij nu geven?
9. Zie je iets van jezelf in mij?
10. Denk je dat wij nader tot elkaar zouden kunnen komen? Wat zou je nu aan onze relatie veranderen?
11. Is er iets dat je mij wilt vragen?

Nu je enkele ongelooflijke verhalen van je ouders hebt verzameld is het tijd om ze goed te bewaren. StoryTerrace is gespecialiseerd in het uitwerken van levensverhalen en herinneringen. We brengen ze samen in een prachtig boek dat nog generaties lang kan worden doorgegeven.

Neem vandaag nog contact met ons op en ontdek hoe je kunt beginnen met een biografie. Of schrijf je in voor onze nieuwsbrief zodat je niets van ons hoeft te missen.

Here at StoryTerrace, we typically write memoirs for older individuals who have extensive life stories – from the ages of 50 and above.

However, we have noticed a rise in the number of autobiographies being written by the younger generation. Not just in our service, but across a plethora of prolific figures in the public domain.

Therefore, we decided to explore this further and commissioned a large-scale, nationally representative study to delve into the lives of Brits to see how people are looking to turn their lives around this year, post-pandemic, to ensure they have life stories that are worth writing about in years to come.

What did we find?

What we found was extremely interesting and highlighted a shift in the younger generations who are motivated, now more than ever, to live life to the fullest with over half the population aiming to make their 30s their most exciting years yet!

How are they planning to go about doing this?

Our research demonstrates that our traditional life trajectories have evolved from our ancestors. For example, over a third of men and women across the nation have decided to delay starting a family until they have achieved more personal goals. This might be traveling the world, or taking the leap into your dream career, or expanding your social circle to meet more new faces. The opportunities in the modern world are endless, with over a third of the population agreeing they are determined to accumulate enough life experience in the next 10 years to be able to write a memoir by the time they’re 40.

What does this mean for the future of life stories being written?

Evidently, our life stories are peaking from a much earlier age. Subsequently, we are expecting to see a significant rise in the number of autobiographies being penned from a younger audience. Coupled with the stats, this is unsurprising as we live in a society littered with opportunity and easier access to exciting new adventures.

Here are the key findings from the survey* we commissioned:

• 34% (6,058,000) say they have decided to delay parenthood until they’ve achieved some personal goals.
• 33% (8,864,000) say they are no longer prioritizing marriage because they want to work on themselves and their future life plans.
• 10% (2,776,000) said they are putting their career prospects on hold so they can travel the world.
• 21% (3,838,000) are keen to have children earlier than they initially intended.
• 34% (9,162,000) said they will not be doing their current job in a year's time.
• 28% (1,282,500) said they want to make a new circle of friends for the new year.
• 13% (3,131,000) said they are planning on taking a sabbatical.
• 37% (1,689,600) agreed that in 2022 they will turn their life around as these past two years have been some of the worst of their life.
• 54% (9,864,000) said they plan to make their 30s the most exciting years of their life.
• 39% (1,000,800) feel that by the age of 40 they will have experienced enough to write their life story so far.

*The research was conducted by StoryTerrace across a nationally representative cohort of 2,090 respondents and complies with the British Polling Council. Due to the nationally representative nature of the research, our data is able to predict the number of people in the UK who would share this sentiment.

Have you been inspired to write your own biography? We're here to help! Get in touch with StoryTerrace or sign up for our newsletter to find out how we can help you to capture the life stories that matter.

Brian Lewis was 12-years-old when he beat an international chess Grandmaster at the game. But it wasn't just his age that made him exceptional, or even the fact that he had only been playing for four years.

Part of the first Windrush Generation, Brian hails from one of just eight Black families in Micklefield Council Estate, High Wycombe.

"As kids, we didn't know why our parents made us walk together, it was only when we got to school that we saw the name-calling and the jokes, and realized that we were different and that we were going to have to learn to defend ourselves or just take it," he tells VT of the implicit racism and bigotry within the town.

However, this all changed when an imposing new teacher, named Mr. Green, formed a chess club. As Brian describes it, "there was no Black or white — we were just a chess team".

The impact that this had on him, and other Black children within the school, was lasting.

Brian, now 55, says that he and his peers probably would have not known what chess was if it wasn't for Mr. Green.

The teacher, who was white, was more tolerant than the other educators within the school — and the chess club quickly became a place where Black children could integrate with white kids.

"We became a team and those racial barriers broke down eventually as we continued to play each other," he recalls. "It was probably the only interaction we had with white people outside of school because we couldn't go to their homes or play on the streets with them. Our parents realized that the club was a good chance to engage with someone from the white race outside of the classroom."

For his part, Mr. Green was keen to make sure the team bonded — he instilled in them the conviction that they together were 'Micklefield', a council estate school, who stood together when they went to play "posher" schools.

"When other schools played us, it was a shock, especially because there were black kids in the chess team. He told us that it was a middle-class game, but that we need to take our working-class values, and work hard, strive hard, and not be intimidated. We did it.

"The hostility wasn't obvious, but I would be stared at by the students and the teachers. You could tell that it was the first time that some of them had even shaken a Black boy's hand."

Eventually, the team produced five of High Wycombe's chess champions in four years — of which Brian was the most notable.

He won the local championships, and then he beat the man who had taught him the very game, Mr. Green — who pointed him in the direction of a local chess club.

It was there that Brian started to establish himself as a competitive player amongst adults. He was 12-years-old when he was chosen to play an International Grandmaster, who came to High Wycombe to play 20 members.

Speaking about that day, Brian tells me, "He had beaten everyone, and then there was just me left. You could see that there was whispering, but I was just focused on the game. Finally, he resigned, and I couldn't believe it. He looked at me, said 'Well done son,' and shook my hand."

"There was just elation that a 12-year-old Black kid had beaten a Grandmaster, who was in his 30s, and had earned his spurs by beating some of the best in the world. I thought it can't get any better than this. There was so much pride because I had not only become established in Micklefield, but in High Wycombe too."

Brian became somewhat of a local celebrity, and he says that the fame he accrued through newspaper articles and being stopped on the street helped ease racial tensions at his school. "I didn't know at the time that becoming a chess champion as a Black boy would get so much coverage, and that it would help other Black kids."

Soon afterward, he was made the first Black prefect of his school, which gave him "establishment". "The racism became less prevalent, and it definitely made it easier for the Black boys who followed me, because we weren't just 'Black' now, we were just normal kids who played football, chess, and cricket, so the hostility subsided quite rapidly."

Decades on, Brian acknowledges that this points to another issue — that is, the burden placed on Black and minority ethnic children to overachieve in order to be accepted. "Without chess, I don't know, the hostility may have continued all the way through. Our parents always told us that we had to overachieve and do better than the white person if we wanted to get ahead. It wasn't a level playing field and they made that very clear."

"I've met some Black students who said that my becoming a chess master helped them. We were all facing the same challenges, but the fact that I was an emblem of the school took away from all those stereotypical notions people held about Black kids."

Ultimately, Brian's chess journey ended on a high: on the day that he beat the International Grandmaster.

He explains that his secondary school didn't have a chess team, and that his parents split up. This resulted in him becoming a caregiver for his younger brother while his mother worked night shifts at the hospital. "Life just took a different direction, and I became a parent, really," he adds. "Chess was placed on the back burner because other things were going on in terms of family dynamics, and moving to secondary school. I just changed, really."

Brian does have one regret — seeing how far he could have gone. "If at that age, I could beat a Grandmaster, where could I have got to?" he questions. "That's when the book ended for chess and me, it ended when I was 12."

When I ask whether this has anything to do with privilege, he concedes that, yes, he would have been more likely to pursue the game if he had been born under different circumstances, and if he had attended a private school, which would have had the time and resources to push him.

Now, Brian is an accountant.

It's rather serendipitous, he laughs: "They do say that people who play chess are good with numbers. And I am good when it comes to retention and strategic thinking."

Brian did introduce his teenage son to the game, and it's a talent that clearly runs in the family as he went on to play for the county. Ultimately, however, his love of chess now boils down to pulling up an app when he's on a long journey, and playing against a computer.

But he still credits Mr. Green for his great achievement. He tells me that after leaving for secondary school, Mr. Green left Micklefield himself — and that they've had no contact since. Understandably, the 55-year-old wants to go back to where it all began, take the book he penned about the experience, Check Mate, and see if anyone has his contact details.

"If he's alive, I'd really like to thank him," he says.

This original article appeared on VT.co and is reproduced with kind permission. You can buy Brian's book on Amazon.

Contact StoryTerrace to learn more about how you can bring your - or a loved one's - story to life.

We all know the saying: With age comes wisdom.

If we add a little arithmetic to those words, you could say that people who are 100+ years old can offer up loads of powerful, time-tested wisdom. Think about it — those who have been blessed to become centenarians undoubtedly have lived long enough to corral a vast supply of advice from lessons learned, life experiences, happy occasions, distinct memories, and even perhaps a stop in the "School of Hard Knocks." Maybe that even describes you.

This year, the United Nations says about 573,000 centenarians are living worldwide. That’s up from 450,000 just two years ago. The U.S. has the highest number of centenarians on the planet with 97,000; Japan is #2 with 79,000.

More fun facts:

The world’s oldest person is a 117-year-old woman named Kane Tanaka, living in Japan. She actually gets the title of supercentenarian, since she’s older than 110. And the world's oldest man, Saturnino de la Fuente of Spain, just turned 112.

Researchers believe that if the U.S. population of centenarians keeps increasing at its current rate, there could be nearly 1 million people who are 100 years or older by 2050 in the United States.

At 95, Queen Elizabeth II of England knows just how remarkable it is to reach 100 years old. Her Majesty is one of the few heads of state who actually sends personalized 100th birthday wishes to anyone who requests it.

Here at StoryTerrace, we happily scoured our resources to pull together some thoughtful advice from people across the globe who are 100 years or older.

Sitting Still Is a No-No

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Of course, we know that working out, being on our feet as often as possible, and using our brain is good for our health and well-being. And these folks can prove it, which is likely why they shared this centenarian advice:

“You must keep active, or you will just wither away. Always be involved in some activity.” — Miriam Henson, 105

“Get involved. You’ll find pleasure and sometimes disappointment, but there is a sense of achievement if you participate in a successful undertaking, whether it is organizational or professional.” — Murray Shusterman, 100

“It is very important to have a widespread curiosity about life.” — Irving Kahn, 106

“Be good, don’t complain — just get up and do.” — Jennie Cascone, 100

“Do things that you’ve never done before.” — Lillian Modell, 100

“I’ll never retire as long as I live — that’s like retiring from life! I’ll never stop writing, teaching, lecturing. If you’re in good health, living is exciting on its own.” — Bel Kaufman, 101

They Talk, We Listen

Photo Credit: Getty Images

The power of positivity isn’t just a pithy phrase. These happy old-timers remind us that a good attitude and mindset can take you very far. It certainly worked for them!

“I try not to make a big fuss over things. I always said, ‘This too shall pass.’” — Barbara Brody, 102

“Think positively, enjoy your children, enjoy your life.” — Anne Lamont, 100

“If it can be fixed, fix it!” — Anne Lomedico, 104

“Don’t fight the day, just let it be. Get up and be positive.” — Gussie Levine, 100

“Sow good seeds for your children. Teach your children to give.” — Winifred Thomas, 101

Getting There Is Half the Fun

So how did these amazing humans get to 100 years old — and then some?

As you can see, many centenarians have happily doled out wonderful advice about anything you can think of. When it comes to their longevity, their suggestions run the gambit too — and some just have no idea!

When Alexander Imich was asked at age 111 how he lived so long, he replied: “I don’t know, I simply didn’t die earlier. I have no idea how this happened.”

“Ain’t no secret, just keep in touch with God and do the right thing, that’s all I know,” 110-year-old Agnes Fenton noted.

Then there’s 106-year-old Edith Atkinson Wylie who ate her favorite food every single day: Cheetos. She says it’s those crunchy bright orange snacks and her good genes that helped her live a long — and tasty! — life.

Food seems to be a common idea when answering the question of longevity.

Susannah Mushatt Jones, who lived to be 116, had a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs, and grits every day — and she’d swipe an extra piece of bacon to enjoy later. She loved it so much, there was even a sign in her kitchen that read: “Bacon makes everything better.” For Susannah, that sure does seem to be true!

When a doctor asked Elizabeth Sullivan if she was following a healthy diet, she said, “Certainly not, I drink three Dr. Peppers a day.” Concerned for her health, her doctor told her that was too much sugar and she’d die if she continued drinking so much soda. Well, she got to be 104, and it was her doctor who passed away years before she did. “So I guess the sugar in the Dr. Peppers has kept me alive all this time,” Elizabeth quipped.

Oh, What Fun

Susannah Mushatt Jones, the bacon lover, also had another unexpected response — she loved pretty underthings and wore them regularly. Her family shared a story that when she was undressing in a doctor’s office for an EKG, the doctors and nurses were surprised to see her wearing her Bloomingdale’s lingerie. To which Susannah responded, “Oh sure, you can never get too old to wear fancy lingerie.”

And finally, perhaps the advice we can all relate to is from centenarian Gertrude Weber, who died at 116. One of the secrets to her “happy life was an ability to nap whenever the urge to sleep” came around.

Photo Credit: JupiterImages

Your Turn

If you’re like us, all of this wisdom has us thinking that we, too, have some advice to share. We’re pretty sure you do, too.

There’s no better way to impart your thoughts to your children and grandchildren than by capturing your very own life story and wisdom in a StoryTerrace memoir. It’ll be a treasure for you and your family when you’re 100 years old — and hopefully even longer.

Have you been inspired to write your own biography? We're here to help! Just get in touch with StoryTerrace or sign up for our newsletter today. You and your family will be glad you did.

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.”

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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.