Everyone has a story t-ellleytouurss
Have you always liked the thought of putting your life story down in words, but struggled when it came to writing it? That’s where LifeBook, the world’s leading private memoir and autobiography service, can help.
Their expert project managers, interviewers and ghost-writers will work with you to capture the story of your life in a beautiful book which your loved ones can enjoy for years to come.
And there’s no reason to delay, as the LifeBook team is currently working virtually via video calls. A free tablet is sent to each ‘author’ (the person who’s purchased or been gifted a LifeBook), with full technical support available so that everyone can easily stay in touch – it’s the perfect lockdown project!
Arthur Law, 88, had been considering writing a memoir for a while, but it wasn’t until his great nephew asked him a question about his National Service that the idea really took hold. During lockdown last year he saw an advert for LifeBook and after phoning to find out more, he took the first steps in his memoir writing journey. He met his project manager Isabella via video in June and very quickly they established a firm timeline; Arthur wanted to have the book ready as a surprise Christmas gift for his family.
Most of the 90-minute interviews (12 in total) took place over Zoom before lockdown eased. Arthur then paid for additional interviews as he had so many stories to tell, some of which were done face-to-face over the summer when it was possible.
It was a team effort which included Arthur, Isabella, interviewer Katherine and ghost-writer Linda – who all worked together to capture his story and voice.
Arthur says: “I was very impressed with the way Linda had interpreted my ramblings. She was the fourth member of our quartet and she did us proud.”
As well as chapters on his horse racing career, which saw him meet Princess Anne, the book is dedicated to his late wife Maureen. “A significant portion of the book relates to the very happy 55 years I spent with my wife. It was remarkable what memories were brought back to my mind once I started,” says Arthur.
The book is a chance for younger members of Arthur’s large family to get to know Maureen, who among many wonderful qualities was a talented seamstress and superb cook who Arthur proudly says “made the finest scones in the north east of England”.
Once completed, Isabella arranged for nine copies of Arthur’s autobiography, titled “A Law Unto Myself”, to be sent to his family, with strict instructions not to be opened before Christmas Day.
The family were both shocked and delighted at their gift. Arthur said: “My brother-in-law said to his daughter that he’d been very impressed with the standards of my journalistic abilities!”
As well as enjoying the experience of writing his LifeBook during lockdown, which Arthur describes as “a real lifesaver”, he’s also been “extremely delighted with the end result”.
Arthur explains: “There’s no question about it in my mind, we would never have got anywhere near this without the professional assistance of Isabella, who has been wonderful. To have somebody so talented to hold your hand while you’re going through it made all the difference to my efforts.”
He adds: “For anybody who is interested in the idea of capturing their memoirs, I would thoroughly recommend working with LifeBook.”