Your Story - Your Memoirs

Jean L.S. Patrick
Author - Personal historian

As an author, much of my work involves research and history.  By far, this the most interesting part of my work!

I also work as a personal historian.  In other words, I help ordinary people record their memories and life stories. 

It doesn't matter if your face isn't on Mount Rushmore.  You have stories and memories that are unique to you -- stories and memories that are important to your family. 

If you've been thinking about writing your life story, please keep reading...

What is your life story?

What is your life story?  What memories would you like to put into words?

Likely, you have a wealth of memories that you want to put down on paper.  But if you're like most people, you've found that hurdles get in the way. 

Maybe you can't seem to get started.  Maybe you can't seem to keep going.  Or maybe you've finished, but you don't feel like it's quite good enough to share with others. 

Or perhaps the physical act of writing is difficult.  Perhaps your fingers don't have the same endurance as they used to. 

Here's what I can do:

* I'll listen to your life story and put it on paper.  (In other words, you can do the talking while I do the writing.)

* I'll help you get started with your memoir and provide a path so you can finish!

* I'll help you edit and polish what you've already written.

I will work with you individually to accomplish your goal, whether it be to produce a couple of pages of your favorite memories or to publish a book-length memoir.  Just let me know how I can help.

My fees vary, depending on the project.  Please click here to  contact me for an individual consultation. 

My Story

A couple of things have happened during the last year that helped me to see the value of preserving memories.

On a personal level, I'm watching my parents get older.  My mom, a very healthy 70-something, ended up in the hospital for nearly a month, completely unexpected.  She has recovered, but the whole experience was a jolt.  Both she and my dad have tons of stories and memories and funny sayings, and I want these to be preserved.

On a professional level, I'm finishing a project for the Mount Rushmore Society for which I have been gathering memories about Mount Rushmore.  Some of the memories are profound.  Others are light.  All of them are important.  They involve people, emotions, family, and values. 

Personally and professionally, I am committed to keeping memories alive.

Contact me

Please contact me with your ideas and questions.  I'm here to help you. 

Jean L.S. Patrick
Author - Personal Historian
605.996.2110