Life stories


Everyone has a story to tell, but sometimes they need a helping hand to see their story in print. I set up Brilliant Autobiographies to guide people through the process: I carry out recorded interviews and put your words into a book. The most important part is to ensure it is YOUR voice speaking from the page, and not that of the ghost-writer. The books are printed in the UK on a short run basis, for you and your family and friends.


Because the book is tailored just for you, there is quite a bit of flexibility involved - but here's a guide for you. The book size is generally A5, either paperback or hardback - it's your choice. Turnaround time depends on the length of the book, but I aim for eight to 12 weeks. The full audio interview is also provided as part of the package, together with a digital copy of all the material in the book, including the photos and completed manuscript. It is your copyright.

Pictorials


A fabulous, eye-catching way of presenting your story - or that of your family - is to have a pictorial, packed with photographs. The story is told in the captions. This is great for people with lots of photos dating back generations.


Memory Maps


A Brilliant Memory MapĀ© is a unique way of sharing your favourite memories, whether it's a potted life story or to mark a special occasion such as a wedding, anniversary, christening or retirement. 


Perhaps you run a business where this service can enhance your offering to your clients? Memory Maps are also a touching way to remember someone's life.


A Memory Map is also a perfect way to showcase a local history or the story of an organisation or club - such as the one I have written about Torquay United Football Club - visit the page to find out more and see how a map looks. If you manage an organisation or a tourism information centre for example, give me a call discuss large print runs for a map for promotional purposes or for retail. 


In 2016, I completed a Memory Map for the BBC to mark the official opening by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall of their refurbished South West HQ in Plymouth. A copy of the map, detailing the history of the BBC in Plymouth, was given to the Duchess. 



The map is exactly that: it has a glossy cover and back, and opens and folds, just like a map. There are 10 panels above the half-way fold, five along and two down, and exactly the same beneath the half-way fold.


For commissioned life stories, I interview you - in person preferably or over the phone - and write the text (or you may even want to provide the text yourself). You provide the images to include and within 10 to 14 days, your Memory Map is ready. When opened up, the map measures approximately 90cm deep by 63cm wide. The design work is by award-winning graphic designer Mark Hannon. The Memory Maps are printed by specialist map printers in the South West of England.


The price of a life story (book or map) depends on the number of copies wanted and the time it takes to compile and write - the cost will be advised ahead of any work being done.