Getting Started
“The events in our lives happen in a sequence in time, but in their significance to ourselves, they find their own order … the continuous thread of revelation.” —Eudora Welty
Speak Your Story
Hire Mary to be your personal historian
Are you eager to record your story but not interested in writing it?
With a host of memory jogging exercises and questions, Mary will help you choose what you want to focus on, and together you will determine the focus of the interviews she will conduct.
How it Works
- Mary will interview you about the time periods and topics you want to share. These meetings unfold like comfortable conversations and last between one and two hours. They can take place in your home or office, on Zoom, or on the phone. Choose whatever is most comfortable and convenient for you.
- The interviews will be transcribed verbatim and then woven together into a flowing, engaging narrative in your voice. If you like, we can add texture to your life story by adding historical details, other people’s memories, and photos.
- Mary will send a draft of the first couple of chapters for you to review.
- Once the first draft has been written, you will review it, adding details and making corrections. (If you see gaps that need to be filled, this would be the time to request additional interviews.)
- Then it’s Mary’s turn to incorporate your changes.
- With careful attention to the time period, content, and tone of your life story, a book designer will pull everything together to create your book.
- Once you, Mary, and a proofreader have reviewed the final draft, the book will be printed and bound. You have reached your journey’s end!
Write Your Story
Hire Mary to be your writing coach
Do you want to write your life story but don’t know where to start?
Mary can offer memory prompts and guide you through your journey down memory lane with writing exercises, a writing schedule, and ongoing feedback. Teaching, tutoring, coaching, and editing since 1982, she knows how to help people focus their efforts, express their thoughts, and write polished prose.
How it Works
- Mary will offer a wide range of writing exercises. Keeping in mind your audience and which aspects of your life you want like to share, she will tailor a life story curriculum for you.
- Each exercise includes various elements: brainstorming, free writing, outlining, writing, and revising. You might choose to confer with Mary at every step or only once a draft is complete. Perhaps you’ll skip the pre-writing exercises and go straight to writing a draft. Whatever you choose, Mary will offer feedback and help you stay on track. (Consider joining one of Mary’s writing groups; for more information, go to marywordworks.com.)
- You and Mary will toss your chapters back and forth until you are pleased with their content and style.
- Next comes discussing where to place photos and images, as well as documents such as letters and newspaper clippings.
- With careful attention to the time period, content, and tone of the life story, a book designer will pull everything together to create your book.
- Once you, Mary, and a proofreader have reviewed the final draft, the book will be printed and bound. You have reached your journey’s end!
Polish Your Story
Hire Mary to be your editor
Have you already written your life story and want an experienced editor to improve it?
Mary can help with anything from word choice and punctuation to organization and development. She has helped writers of all ages and walks of life organize and polish their prose. Some share their final manuscripts with friends and family members. Others go on to publish for the general public.
How it Works
- After reading your manuscript, Mary will offer feedback about what would enrich your personal history.
- You and Mary will toss your chapters back and forth until you are pleased with their content and style.
- Next comes discussing where to place photos and images, as well as documents such as letters and newspaper clippings.
- With careful attention to the time period, content, and tone of your life story, a book designer will pull everything together to create your book.
- Once you, Mary, and a proofreader have reviewed the final draft, the book will be printed and bound. You have reached your journey’s end!