Discover The Stories StoryTerrace Help Share.

Everyone Has a Story to Tell

Do you wish you knew more about your family history? Not just the facts, but the experiences and stories that made your ancestors who they were. When you know your past, you can appreciate the present moment even more. That's why for our latest research, we decided to delve into how Americans feel about writing their memoirs and documenting the past — both for themselves and for others.

We discovered a rich array of information, from how the pandemic has changed our ability to learn about our family to what people believe makes a good memoir — we even found out which type of celebrity memoirs they'd like to read!

Everyone Has a Story to Tell

By writing a memoir and sharing your story, you can inspire others, make sense of your past, preserve your heritage, and grow closer to your family. Do you know someone whose life story would make for incredible reading, or have you ever thought about documenting your own? Our research found that 72% of respondents know someone whose personal story would make an interesting book. A full 58% have also been told they should write a book about their lives someday, while 68% have already dreamed about writing their own memoir.

Preserving your personal history or family history is a powerful way to leave a legacy and ensure that the stories that matter are passed down and preserved forever.

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Our Founder Rutger (bottom left as a kid) with his grandfather Gerard (bottom right)

Keeping the Stories That Matter Alive

StoryTerrace exists because its founder, Rutger Bruining, regretted not capturing the stories his grandfather told about his time as part of the Dutch resistance during World War II. Our research reveals that this regret is an incredibly common experience: nearly three-quarters of people have a family member who died before they could have their stories written down.

Whose stories did you cherish as a child? We discovered that the top three family members respondents looked forward to hearing stories from were their mothers (54%), grandmothers (51%), and fathers (48%). Out of all those we asked, three in four Black respondents choose their mothers as the family member with the best stories.

Forgetting stories passed down from family members or close friends was also a common concern: 67% of people surveyed told us this was one of their fears. We also discovered that military members felt this the most strongly (43% of those asked), and those aged 25-40 years were worried about this the most.

When it comes to whose biographies Americans would most like to read, grandparents came in first place, while military members very much wanted to tell their own stories.

If you are worried about forgetting family stories, we can help you to capture them by pairing you with your ideal ghostwriter and creating a beautiful biography for you.

Are You Connected to Your Family's Past?

Despite the extreme challenges of 2020, we were happy to learn that 63% of people found that the pandemic increased their ability to learn more about their family's history. As the world locked down, the dramatic rise in the use of technology created the perfect conditions to have meaningful conversations with family and friends. Interestingly, our research found that children of first-generation immigrants felt this the most, while men felt this more than women.

Were you able to connect to your family history more over the past twelve months?

Famous Last Words

Now that we have a better understanding of what stories Americans most want to capture, we had to wonder: What makes a great memoir? Our research found that overcoming adversity, an interesting adventure, and a dash of humor were the top three elements people wanted in a great personal story.

We also found that men favored reading about a life of adventure, while women prioritized humor. Our research also revealed that 41% of Americans have a particular famous person’s memoir they are interested in reading. Favorite celebrity memoir categories include entertainment (55%), activism (53%), and history (53%).

It's clear from our research that Americans have a healthy appetite for learning about the lives of both their family members and celebrities. Stories are vital to human connection and our understanding of both the past and the present, so it’s important to write them down before the chance is lost.

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If you are looking to write your own memoirs or to capture a loved one’s story, contact StoryTerrace or sign up for our newsletter. We look forward to helping you!

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These blogs will inspire your storyYou’re writing your life story. So far so good - but writer’s block can get in the way of reaching your potential. In this article, we’re focusing on the creative solution to writer's block: Inspiration. Therefore, we’ve rounded up 7 of the most inspirational blogs to help write your memoir, autobiography, or life story. Check them out!1. Positive WriterPositive Writer is a blog for writers and all creative people. Created by writer, Bryan Hutchinson, it provides tips on overcoming fear and doubt. So if you find yourself stuck in doubt or uncertain of your abilities, then this blog will truly get you inspired.Quick tip: this article will certainly help you to get started with writing your life story.

(www.positivewriter.com)

2. Marion Roach SmithMarion Smith believes everyone has a story to tell, so she created this website to provide useful tips to write yours. The website offers everything you could possibly need to write your life story, such as online classes, blog posts, books, and much more!

(www.marionroach.com)

3. Scan Your Entire LifeWriting isn’t the only stumbling block when it comes to creating your autobiography. Digitizing your photos can be difficult, too. Founded by Curtis Bisel, this website provides useful tips and articles: from organizing your memories to restoring and scanning your photos.

(www.scanyourentirelife.com)

4. Memory Writers NetworkJerry Waxler founded the MWA with the idea that the act of writing about your life can be considered a tool of change to develop a more interesting future. On the website, you'll find useful blog posts to inspire you to write your life story, autobiography, or memoir.

(www.memorywritersnetwork.com/blog)

5. Shirley Hershey ShowalterThis blog started when Shirley Showalter wrote her first memoir about her childhood ‘Blush: A Mennonite Girl Meets a Glittering World’. You can sign up for the weekly Magical Memoir Moments which include photos, writing prompts, and the ‘Write a Memoir’ eBook for free!

(www.shirleyshowalter.com)

6. Memories and MemoirsMeet Linda Joy Myers, president and founder of the National Association of Memoir Writers and Memories and Memoirs. This blog will help you find all kinds of information about writing your life story. In addition, the site provides information on upcoming events and coaching classes such as ‘Write your Memoir in Six Months’!

www.memoriesandmemoirs.com

7. Memoir Writer’s JourneyFounder of this website, Kathy Pooler, believes that we can all benefit from the stories that we share with each other. This is why she is currently working on her second memoir. On the website, you'll find inspiring blogs that encourage conversation, writing tips, workshops, and events.

(www.krpooler.com)

Feeling inspired yet?Make sure to read through these helpful blogs and start writing! You can also check out our article: 7 Amazing Apps that Will Help You to Write Your Autobiography.

We have so many incredible book covers and 'life quotes', we had to share some more. Behind each of these covers is a remarkable story.

You have a story that needs to be told as well - whether it's your own, or that of a loved one. We hope these covers inspire you to tell it!

Alan Robbins
Reflections at 80

"Over the course of my life, I have found that, even after achieving material and professional success, your family and the wonderful friends you make along the way are ultimately the things you will value most. My wish for you is that you cherish the people most important to you, as these relationships are what will sustain you for the rest of your days."

Angela Belli-Infante
Left-Handed Scissors

"Many times over, I could have let myself drown beneath the pain striking my body, but I forced myself to shake it off and climb ... there have been many small victories that make the mounds of dirt worthwhile: my wedding day, graduating from college, hearing the news that I was officially cancer-free, enjoying beautiful meal after beautiful meal with my family. I have learned how to shake off the dust and grow stronger with each and every obstacle." 

Bud McJunkin 
In God's Hand

"I have been very blessed throughout my life with the hand of God reaching for me, even when I didn’t recognize it. Many times, God’s hand has protected me. He has watched over me as a child, as a young man, as a professional, a newlywed, a father, and now as a grandfather. His hand has blessed me in work and been upon me in relationships. His hand has certainly led me. His hand has saved me, and despite all of me, His hand has wrapped itself around me and loved me."

Nina and Martin Rosenzweig
B'Yachad 

"Our lives have been dedicated to surrounding ourselves with children and grandchildren that would carry on the traditions we believe in so strongly. First and foremost is our faith in the teachings of the Torah. We cannot survive without integrity, selflessness, and honesty.We conveyed to all of you the importance of a good education and the ethic of working hard to achieve your goals. Above all we hope we were able to make you all feel loved, protected, and cared for, because then we will have succeeded in accomplishing what we set out to do."

What is the best way to share your memories with your loved ones?Writing a memoir is not an easy task, with memories and emotions all trying to make their way out of your head and onto the paper. Thoughts can get jumbled and memories distorted. Getting it just right might seem like a daunting task, requiring you to dig deep into your memory bank to drudge up old and occasionally even painful memories.However, the importance of documenting your story cannot be overstated. Writing about your life can be transformative, helping you put things into perspective. Creating your memoir may help to connect the dots, identify themes in your life, and, of course, document your legacy for your family. It provides the means for you to share your experiences and wisdom with future generations.Everyone has a memory to share, and yours is waiting for you to take that first step to begin.As exciting as it may be to get started on this journey, it’s natural to be stopped short by one big question: “What if I get it wrong?”The simple answer is that these are your memories, and there is no wrong or right to it. But while the memories are yours, you still want to tell the story in a way that will keep your readers engaged.When writing your memoirs, avoid these common problems to make sure your book is one that readers will enjoy for years to come.!

Photo Credit: Monkey Business Images1. Memoir Versus BiographyProblem: Most people want to begin their memoirs with the day that they were born. While your life story certainly has a beginning, your memoir is not an autobiography of your entire life, documenting every detail and life event. It is more important to share the specifics of the most important memories and events rather than every minor detail of your life. A memoir is a snapshot in time capturing a more personal, focused view of a memory.Solution: Keep your reader engaged by sharing the important parts of the story or event, allowing emotion and vulnerability to shine through. Use this time to document the details of an event or memory instead of worrying about sharing a chronological history of your life.2. Stream of Consciousness WritingProblem: You may be so eager to document the event that your writing is disorganized and fragmented. Writers often share events as a stream of consciousness, divulging random memories and thoughts as they pop into their heads. Unfortunately, this does not make for an interesting read and may even confuse the reader — especially if it leads to long, run-on sentences that are hard to follow.Solution: Use an outline to lay out the story and details in an organized fashion. Following a step-by-step process will also trigger unexpected memories, helping you to enhance and improve the story as you go. Resist the urge to share facts, figures, and dates that are not related to the specific memory to avoid confusing the reader.

Photo Credit: Getty Images3.

Will Others Be Offended?Problem: Many writers have avoided writing their memoirs for years or even decades in fear of hurting others’ feelings. A memoir is a personal recollection of an event from your perspective. Not everyone who reads your story may like it or agree, but these are your memories. Censoring your thoughts will lead to a much weaker story.Solution: Do not allow fear of persecution or disagreement to prevent you from sharing your story as you recall it. Ignore the haters and naysayers and tell your truth. Your recollection is unique and should not be tainted or skewed by the opinions of others.4. Avoid Giving AdviceProblem: Readers pick up a book or a memoir for entertainment. It is usually not meant to teach, inspire, or motivate, although these are possible outcomes of good writing. As you write your memoir, resist the urge to tell the reader how to overcome something in their own life and focus on what your journey means to you.Solution: Think about the telling of your story as a novel. What will keep the reader entertained and motivated to continue reading? Share words of wisdom as lessons that you have learned, rather than writing a “how-to” manual. Avoid giving the reader unsolicited advice!Writing your memoir should be fun and rewarding as you retrieve possibly long-forgotten memories and share your feelings and emotions with an audience. Remember that this is your story. In the end, the most successful memoirs are the ones that remain true to their writer’s vision.Story Terrace Can HelpAt Story Terrace, we understand the importance of sharing your memories exactly as you recall them. Our experienced writers and streamlined editing process eliminate many of the common pitfalls and roadblocks you may encounter in writing your memoir. Through in-person, video, or telephone interviews, one of our writers will help you share your story in your voice, guiding you through each step of the journey.We also make the process enjoyable! Writing your memoirs shouldn’t be stressful. Whether you tackle the task on your own or with professional help, make sure to take the time to enjoy the process of reliving your most important memories and sharing them with your future readers.If you're interested in sharing your memories with family and friends, we can pair you with a Story Terrace writer near you to streamline the process. You can also sign up for our newsletter for more helpful writing advice.

Storytelling is as old as time itself. For thousands of years, our stories have bonded families, connected communities, and inspired individuals. But when it comes to writing your biography, many people worry that their tale isn't worth telling."Who would want to read my story?""Aren't biographies for famous people?"The truth is that everyone has a story to tell, and everyone's story matters. That includes you, reader! Here are our top seven reasons to put pen to paper and write your story.

1. Do it for your familyMaybe you feel like writing your biography is showing off. "What's so special about me?" you ask.Let's turn this question around: don't you wish your parents and grandparents had written down some of their experiences? Wouldn't it be amazing to have a record of what life was like for them sitting on your shelf? Your children and grandchildren will probably feel exactly the same way. You may underestimate how much your anecdotes and memories matter to them. Your stories are part of who they are—and getting it down on paper in your voice will mean a lot to them. Look at it as your family's biography. Writing your story doesn't have to be something you do for yourself!“It's wonderful that my parents' story is finally in print and that the books will be passed down to future generations so that they will get to know their family history”— Audrey

2. Your story is interesting!Perhaps you're worried your stories aren't interesting enough for a book. We've found that if you ask the right questions, everyone's life is interesting. You don't have to be a celebrity or politician to have a story worth capturing—especially if your audience is your own family.If you think about members of your family, your thoughts probably land on loveable idiosyncrasies and funny moments, as well as challenges, achievements, and milestones. The same is going to be true when a family member thinks about you. Anything can make for a meaningful or amusing anecdote. Once you start writing your biography, the problem is almost always what to leave out.

3. Writing your biography preserves your family heritageMost biographies aren't just about the storyteller—they also document family history. You can use your book to preserve memories of your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents. Where did they live? What was a working day like? What was a big family meal or vacation like? These are precious details that will be lost if you don't take the time to write them down.If you take the long view, you are a link in a chain going back generations—and that makes you the custodian of your family's story, as well as your own.

4. It's a rare moment for self-reflectionThought experiment: what would the chapter titles of your biography be? It's an interesting way to reflect on things. Most of us get so consumed by daily routine, family obligations, and work that we neglect to take a moment to reflect on our life, the things we’ve accomplished, and the people that we’ve touched along the way.Creating a book and giving events a structure is one of the most important benefits of biography writing. It gives you a “big picture” view of your life and draws out the real themes in your life so far.

5. It might just be good for your healthOur customers often tell us that writing their biography was a surprisingly therapeutic experience. According to Psychology Today, “Every time you tell your story and someone else who cares bears witness to it, you turn off the body’s stress responses, flipping off toxic stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine and flipping on relaxation responses that release healing hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, nitric oxide, and endorphins.” That's medicine within itself.“I came across Story Terrace in searching the internet for help to write my life story. I had made a few attempts at writing the story, to leave for my children and grandchildren. Lack of direction or discipline made me realise that I needed help if I wanted to have my story told”— Gerard Dieters

6. It's a great bonding experienceIn the 21st century, families are often spread out across the nation—and even the globe. This distance takes away much of the storytelling that naturally occurs around the kitchen table, in the living room, or even driving in the car together.Writing your biography is a great moment for your family to reconnect. Get them involved in the process—talk over their favorite memories, or ask them for their favorite photos. You can do this online, over the phone, or best of all in person. You may soon find yourselves all laughing together over old tales long forgotten, and new ones uncovered for the first time.

7. It's easier than ever to get it doneBiography writing doesn’t have to be a solo act. In fact, many celebrities and other well-known individuals don’t actually write their own memoirs. Instead, they hire ghostwriters. If you use a ghostwriter, you can talk freely about varying parts of your life, and they will ask pertinent questions to fill in holes or get a better understanding of events. Story Terrace has made ghostwriters available to everyone—we work with over 500 qualified writers worldwide, and manage the entire book creation process, from finding the right writer to printing your books.“We tell ourselves stories in order to live”― Joan Didion, writer and journalistIf you’re ready to capture your story, Story Terrace can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation, or sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on the power of storytelling.

All stories have themes, and your biography is no exception. Theme, after all, is just another word for a central idea that runs through a narrative. Lots of common themes crop up again and again in literature. In fact, you’re probably already familiar with some of them: Love, power, politics, and history are all common themes that crop up in all forms of media.When it comes to memoirs, themes can be as varied as people are. US presidents, for example, have published memoirs with themes as varied as dealing with crises, hope for the future, and the art of making a deal.Working out the theme of your memoir can make it way easier to write. Your theme is what your book is about — what you’re going to focus on when writing. In some cases, it can be the key that opens up your story and allows you to tell it in a way that really works.

5 Classic Memoir ThemesThere’s no right or wrong when it comes to picking a theme for your memoir, but there are some common themes to be aware of. Here are a few of them. Do any fit with your story? 1. Triumph Over AdversityYour memoir might be the story of how you got to where you are today: how you ran a marathon, started a business, traveled the world, or met the love of your life. The common theme here is success, no matter what obstacles you found in your way.There are dozens of famous memoirs that have success against the odds as a central theme. Take a look at Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings or The Water Is Wide by Pat Conroy for some well-known and highly-regarded examples.2. SurvivalThroughout history, people have survived some extraordinary circumstances — everything from world wars to plane crashes to being lost at sea. A survival story not only tells the tale of how someone escaped a sticky situation, but also about the rest of their life and what events equipped them with the skills and mindset to pull through.If you fancy taking a look at a great survival-themed memoir, you could try Aaron Ralston’s memoir Between a Rock and a Hard Place. This book was the basis for the film 127 Hours — an extraordinary true story of how Aaron survived when trapped in a canyon in the desert.3. Friends and FamilyOur friends, family, and partners are what make us who we are. Many memoirs have friends and family as a central theme. They tell the story of how these people helped shape the narrator’s life or allowed them to find their place in the world.For some great examples of memoirs that put friends and family front and center, take a look at the StoryTerrace biographies Reflections at 80 by Alan Robbins and This is Me by Joyce Powell. Both of these memoirs celebrate not just their subjects, but the most important people around them, too.4. Coming of AgeGrowing up isn’t always easy. A coming-of-age story focuses on the narrator’s younger years and tells the tale of how they navigated childhood and adolescence — while laying the foundations for their adult selves.There are hundreds of great coming-of-age memoirs out there. Everyone from film star Michael J. Fox to ex-President Barack Obama to children’s author Roald Dahl has penned one. Even the most famous celebrity has a childhood, and the sometimes-funny, sometimes-messy process of growing up makes for a great read — especially when you already know how it turns out in the end!5. Accepting ChangeLife is full of surprises. Some are good while others can be difficult to deal with. A great theme for a memoir is accepting a sudden or unexpected change. That change could be moving to a new country, losing your job, or taking on an incredible journey to find a new direction in life.The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion (a National Book Award winner) is a great example of a book that makes change its central theme. And it’s not alone. Famed memoir Eat, Pray, Love also tells a story with transformation at its heart.

So What’s Your Theme?If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to telling your life story, picking out a theme can be a huge help. Your theme can be a central pillar around which you build the rest of your story or the scaffolding that helps your story stand up.But how do you find the theme that’s right for you?Talking to the important people in your life can be incredibly helpful. You might ask friends and family what they think defines you. Their answers can help you decide whether your life story should focus on exotic travel, your business dealings, or something else.Sorting through your souvenirs and diaries can also help jog your memories. What have you kept over the years? What do you most value? Have you held onto things that make you laugh? If so, then maybe a central theme could be comedy, or the absurdity of life. If it's mementoes from a life of fulfilling work, then make work your theme.You can also chat with your StoryTerrace biographer about themes. Once you’ve sat down and told them your life story, they’ll be able to suggest a good theme to build your memoir around. After all, a professional writer is an expert at crafting a narrative around a central theme.

Got a theme in mind and want to discuss it further? If so, get in touch to see how we can help you write your memoirs. Alternatively, you can sign up for our newsletter for more about writing and sharing your life story.

Susie Cornell MBE: From Party Girl to Deputy LieutenantIn 2007, Susie Cornell earned herself an MBE by doing incredible work to improve the lives of people who, like herself, suffer from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a degenerative, life-long condition that currently affects more than 100,000 people in the UK.But before that, she was "Birmingham Sue," a DJ spinning tunes on Radio Majorca and living the high life. I recently spoke to Susie over the phone to learn more about her fascinating journey from party girl to Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, and everything in between.

The cover of Susie Cornell's StoryTerrace autobiographyInspired by Angel WingsWhen Susie was given a sign to write her autobiography, she didn't hesitate. "I was in a garden center and saw this flower. It was beautiful, with white petals and white leaves. My husband picked it up and said, 'Oh, it's called Angel Wings.' And later that night, my mother died."Susie had been thinking about telling her story for some time, but that night she knew what she had to do. She knew her mother would have wanted her to tell her story, and Susie dedicated her autobiography, Totally Driven, to her memory.

Susie, her sister Yvonne, and her mother on holiday in BlackpoolOne of Susie's friends had already written an autobiography with StoryTerrace and gave a glowing review, so Susie decided to give it a try. "I didn't know where to start. It was something completely new. I had a story, but didn't know how to tell it. They made it so easy."Once Susie connected with the right writer, she found it easy to share all the different threads of her life. And it has been quite a life! Susie was kind enough to share some of the photos from her book with us below.The Queen of the May

Susie at age 7 as the Queen of the May, sitting on her throneYears ago, many villages throughout the UK celebrated May Day with maypole dancing and other festivities, including the selection of a "Queen of the May." When Susie was 7 years old, she was chosen as her school's first-ever May Queen. She was also their final May Queen, as they discontinued the celebration the next year — but it wouldn't be Susie's last time in the spotlight.Introducing Miss Birmingham

Susie won the title of Queen of Miss Birmingham City at age 17Though she had never before dreamed of entering a beauty contest, Susie's boyfriend at the time encouraged her to do it. He was convinced she'd win; she thought he was ridiculous. But her friends encouraged her, and her fluffy pink dress with exposed midriff caught the judge's eye. She won, and later that night she went on to compete in the Miss Jersey Holiday Queen contest. "You can see how nervous I was on my face," Susie recalls, "but it was now or never."The Glamorous Life in Majorca

"Birmingham Sue" was a popular radio DJ in Majorca. Susie with radio station owner Ricki "Lash" Lazzar (above) and live on air with British footballer George Best, which featured in the Majorca Daily Bulletin (below)

In her 20s, Susie lived and worked in Majorca, a practically unheard-of opportunity to work and live abroad. She started out selling tickets to the Barbarella Party Boat, but eventually she was in the right place at the right time to be discovered by American Ricki Lash. Convinced she would be great on the radio — despite a total lack of experience — he hired her as a DJ. It didn't pay much, but the position was too good to pass up. Birmingham Sue became an island celebrity and rubbed elbows with all the rich and famous visitors to Majorca in the 1970s, including former Manchester United footballer George Best.On a Mission to Help Others

The Multiple Sclerosis Home Exercise Programme, one of the home videos Susie put together that was later bought by most physiotherapy departments in hospitals across the UKBy the time Susie approached StoryTerrace about her autobiography, she had already written a book and published several exercise videos on her own. The Complete MS Body Manual was a collection of everything that Susie had learned about living with MS. When Susie was diagnosed with this degenerative neurological disease in 1974, there was no treatment but rest, and she was warned that she would likely end up in a wheelchair.But through a stroke of incredible luck, Susie ended up seeking treatment at the Peto Institute in then-Communist Hungary, where she learned that much of her mobility loss was due to the rest she had been prescribed. Truly, the human body is a use-it-or-lose-it machine, and in Hungary Susie learned a holistic approach to health that included an exercise regimen.When she returned to the UK after her treatment, Susie was ready to share what she had learned to help others with MS live healthy, independent lives.Click below to LISTEN to Susie as she reads from her autobiography about her return to England:The Honour of a Lifetime

Susie's investiture at Buckingham Palace in 2007In addition to her book and exercise videos, Susie also worked at an exercise clinic to help people with MS regain their balance and strength. She trained at Derby General Hospital to become a certified therapist and devoted her career to helping people with MS. In recognition of her extraordinary work, Susie was awarded her MBE by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace.You Can Call Her Ma'amSusie is also the Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, which means that she takes on official duties when required.The Lord Lieutenant has deputies to cover various responsibilities, and in Essex, that's Susie Cornell. As Deputy Lieutenant, Susie is sometimes called upon to take over the Lord Lieutenant's duties — which means that, on occasion, she is serving in the role of Queen.From Queen of May to Queen of Birmingham City to stand-in for the Queen of England, Susie Cornell has led a truly fascinating life. So if you see her, be sure to tip your cap and address her as "Ma'am." She's earned it.If you’ve been inspired by Susie’s story to write your own autobiography, StoryTerrace is here to help! Get in touch to find out how you can write your memoirs to inspire others today and sign up for our newsletter to hear more fascinating stories from our clients.

Desiree Home has two simple yet powerful words for her catchphrase.Desiree’s life has taken her on interesting, unexpected, joyful, and scary journeys. Early on, she realized that when she’d tell people her story, she’d always say “and then,” as she transitioned from each experience to the next. “The title of my StoryTerrace book came to me straight away,” said Desiree, who was absolutely delightful as we chatted over Zoom. “I’ve wanted to write my book for ages, but I needed help — it would have taken forever to write by myself, and I wasn’t sure how to structure it.”That’s where StoryTerrace came in. Our writer met with “Des” and captured every detail that was important to her, starting from when Desiree was a young girl growing up in Tonbridge, Kent, UK. What was particularly special for Des was her mum Wendy’s involvement. She shared the family’s timeline, stories about Desiree from an early age, and other important family matters. “It was so nice for Mum, who’s now 85,” noted Des with a smile. “And it was lovely hearing Mum tell those stories and for us to remember things together.”

Dad, My HeroOne of the many special family memories they focused on for the book was Desiree’s father, Ron, who passed away 20 years ago. “Dad was a performer! He played the Jew’s harp (yes, it’s really called that), spoons, and guitar. I even have his guitar hanging on my wall,” Des boasted. “He’d sing and dance in pubs — he’d roll his trousers up and his socks down, ruffle his hair, and do the ‘Sand Dance.’ He loved to party! He was my hero.”

Fond memories of her dad and growing up with three siblings eventually segued into a pivotal time in Desiree’s life, only she didn’t realize just how important it was in the beginning.And Then, the WrensDesiree's sister Beverly had joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service — or the Wrens — at the age of 17 and was enjoying traveling and working for an ad agency in London. “She was having a good time, so I followed her. I sailed through all the basic training. Since I’d been to secretarial college, as did Beverly, I decided that my specialty in the Wrens would be writing,” remembered Des.

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“We could be placed in different locations, and the only place I did not want to go to was Scotland. Out of 21 people in my Wrens’ program, I was the only one they sent to Scotland. But, three weeks after I got there, I met my husband, Geoff. We’ve been married for 41 years.”Watch Desiree read an excerpt from her StoryTerrace book:Watch Desiree read an excerpt from her StoryTerrace bookAnd Then, the HorsesDesiree happily spoke of her own three children and the passions she passed on to them. While her family had many “fur babies” and other pets, they especially loved horses. Des started taking riding lessons when she was just 5 years old. She’s not sure how they did it, but she’s forever grateful that her parents managed to scrape together money to pay for the expensive lessons. “When I turned 40, I bought my own horse named Murphy. He was a Shire horse. A rescue. What a character! I trusted that wonderful horse. And all my kids rode him,” said Des as she beamed talking about Murphy, whom she had for 21 terrific years.

“All my children ride horses, but my youngest daughter, Jessie, took it on herself to carry on the equestrian passion. She begged for a pony, and we finally gave in and got her a pony named Floyd when she was 10. After Floyd came Freddie. Jessie’s daughter, my granddaughter, rides him today.”

And Then, a Scary TurnDesiree was diagnosed with cancer. While battling to save her life from the disease, she and her husband lost their cherished home. They were forced to give up their beautiful house because they’d used every penny they had to pay for cancer treatments. “We were in financial ruin,” Des explained.With part miracle and part fight, Desiree beat the nasty disease. And then?Des won the lottery. Not figuratively. Literally. A windfall of cash. “When we won the lottery, it was such an incredible thing to go from being so low with cancer, nearly losing my life, being in financial despair, giving up our beautiful house … to clearing our debt, and where we live now and being so high, it’s just incredible.”That’s exactly why Desiree realized it was finally time to write her story.And Now, No More Delays“I find it so inspirational when people say, ‘You don’t know what’s round the corner.’ It’s so true! I want people to stay strong, never give up hope. I want them to know that they are much more than they think they are. Things change, things can happen. Look at my life! The theme of my book is positivity. You can get through hardships.” Des said cheerfully.“If I can pass anything on to my kids and grandchildren, this book is it. Yes, the family history is wonderful and important, but I want to share my philosophy as well. I want my family to be happy and upbeat and believe in themselves — to know that they can come through the worst. That’s why I wrote the book.”By the time Desiree’s book was complete, she was happier than a horse in a pile of hay. “StoryTerrace and my writer, Jamie, were so nice and helpful throughout the process. Jamie and I spoke a few times, and he visited me in my house. We’d have lunch and chat. We really became friends, and I looked forward to him coming by,” Des said of her book-crafting experience.“StoryTerrace really knows what they’re doing. I’m so glad I did it! My family loves my book, and I love it. My story is everything I hoped it would be and more.”Well, Des, we definitely look forward to hearing about your next “and then.”Are you finally ready to share your story? We’re ready for you! First, sign up for our newsletter to read more inspiring stories from StoryTerrace clients just like Des. Then, get in touch to learn how our talented team can create your very own book full of special memories.

Discover Your Roots: The Fascinating World of Family HistoriesHow much do you know about your ancestors? For many people, the answer to that question is not much! Even people who have thought about writing their memoirs often haven’t gotten around to investigating their roots.However, taking the time to research your ancestors and the lives they lived can often provide a wealth of surprises. You might learn the answers to family mysteries or discover more about your own life in the process.Perhaps that’s why we love Who Do You Think You Are? so much. Each episode of the show takes a famous face and helps them uncover their past. The results are often astonishing, emotional, or downright unbelievable. Here are a few of our favorite episodes — no big spoilers, of course! Daniel Radcliffe Daniel Radcliffe is best known as the star of the Harry Potter films. In these, he played a boy wizard whose past held some extraordinary secrets. Surely his own family history couldn’t be nearly as exciting?As it turns out, the lives of Daniel’s ancestors are peppered with drama — not least a fake bank robbery, staged to try and collect on an insurance policy!

The highlight of this episode, though, is the cache of love letters exchanged by Daniel’s great-great-uncle Ernie and his sweetheart Genie. Hearing Daniel read the actual words of his descendants really brings their heartfelt relationship to life. Indeed, even decades after they were written, Genie’s words still have the power to make Daniel smile.Smokey RobinsonIconic Motown musician Smokey Robinson didn’t know much about his family history — at least, not until an appearance on series nine of Who Do You Think You Are? The show sees him travel to the Los Angeles Public Library, where archival documents reveal some truly astonishing secrets about his grandfather.

During his travels, Smokey also discovers a lot more about his grandmother’s side of the family. It’s clearly an emotional journey for him — all the more so as the influence of his family, and his mother in particular, has been a big factor throughout his musical career.We love this episode because Smokey is so obviously intrigued, and often uplifted, by the lives of his ancestors. It goes to show that there’s a lot to learn from the people who came before us, and that they can still be hugely inspiring even if we can’t meet them face to face.Courteney CoxSeries nine of the show sees Courteney Cox (also known as Monica from Friends) travel to the UK to investigate evidence of a royal connection in her past. Her research takes her to Berkeley Castle, where her family was once caught up in an incredible royal scandal. There’s murder, mystery, and an imprisoned king.Uncovering the exact details of what took place requires the translation of a slew of Old English documents. These letters, diaries, and records open a window into a long-distant past — one that is clearly as mind-blowing to Courteney as it is to the genealogist who helps her along the way.

This episode shows that it’s all too easy to forget that past generations lived lives that were complicated, intense, and full of drama. Indeed, it’s only due to carefully kept records that all of the excitement of long-gone decades hasn’t faded from memory altogether.Sarah Jessica ParkerAt the beginning of her episode, Sarah Jessica Parker (star of Sex and the City) admits to being wary about exploring her family history. It’s not that she thinks she might find it overwhelming. Instead, she’s mostly worried that there won’t be anything interesting to uncover!Sarah’s research, however, unearths some truly amazing stories, including the tale of her great-great-great-grandfather's 2,000-mile odyssey across America during the California gold rush. Sarah follows in his footsteps when her research takes her to California to continue her investigation, although her journey there is considerably easier than the one her ancestor took!Sarah’s ancestors were also among the first immigrants to follow the Mayflower across the ocean in the early 1600s and were caught up in the Salem Witch Trials not long after that. Far from being boring, Sarah’s ancestors were intimately involved in several of the biggest moments in American history.

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We think this episode demonstrates something important: You never know what you might reveal about your ancestors until you look. When reading memoirs or paging through archives, surprises wait around every corner.So Who Do You Think YOU Are?The one thing that all these stories have in common is that they wouldn’t be possible without written records of the past. These records might be in the form of books, photographs, census data, letters, or personal diaries.Whatever shape they take, these records matter a great deal. Unless someone took the time to put their experiences down on paper, it would be impossible to know about their life today. All of their most important moments and memories would be lost to the ages.That’s one reason why we think it’s so important to write your memoirs. After all, you’re the only one who has experienced your life, so (with some help from a talented ghostwriter) you’re the person who can tell your story best.And if you do tell your story? Then perhaps one day it’ll be one of your descendants who is awestruck, humbled, amazed, or thrilled by the things they discover about you and the life you lived.Ready to get started with writing your memoirs? Or do you want a little more guidance and advice about how to begin? Get in touch for a chat with one of our friendly advisors, or sign up for our newsletter to learn more about the importance of writing your memoirs.