Create a memoir and embark on a journey of discovery.
Perhaps you know someone whose memoirs you'd like to read one day? Why not give them the perfect gift to make it happen?
For non-computer users get the print version.
My comprehensive guide to creating a memoir is designed to enable anyone to create a personal memoir and to make the process as enjoyable as it is simple to use. This can be online for computer or iPad users or in printed form for others. There are no distracting advertisements as on other services - just pure advice, unique tools for memory stimulation and guidance on what makes a good memoir. If you do need help with anything else just ask. An initial consultation is free of charge.
If you are comfortable with an i-Pad or computer you can subscribe to the online version of the guide for just £5 per month cancelable at any time. During this introductory period the total you will pay is £50 as, after 10 months, you will have life-time personal access to all services including updates. Your online Guide will be individual to you and password protected. It includes a personal and secure on-screen notepad on each page so that even the most passing of recollections or thoughts can be captured easily and never lost.
Our memories are unique to us and, arguably, define who we really are. Unfortunately, they can be ephemeral. A memoir is the best possible way to safeguard and preserve them.
The best kind of memoir is not, necessarily, a chronological account of your life. It should be more a recollection of the events that - for diverse reasons - have meant most to you and can be retold, ideally, as stories about those events and the people and places involved.
Life's events can carry so much momentum that the opportunity to reflect on them is sometimes lost before the next event or experience comes along. A memoir is an opportunity to indulge that reflection with the benefit of a greater perspective and, hopefully, the wisdom that experience can give.
Who is a memoir for?
Primarily, it will be for your benefit. The next set of beneficiaries will be those near and dear and some, perhaps, yet to be born. In some way they will have been shaped by what happened in your life and they will be fascinated to learn as much about it as they can. And, who knows? Sometimes a memoir can take off and find a life of its own and a much wider audience. Our generation has seen - and had to cope with - more changes than any other.
Create a memoir and your memories will never be lost - either to you or anyone else. There's no time like the present to make it happen.
I am a BAFTA-winning filmmaker and have produced over 100 documentaries and programmes featuring all walks of life including prime ministers and royalty.*
*See British Film Institute link for details.
Services
My Guide is a road map that will lead to a completed memoir. However, in the same way that some benefit from a personal trainer to help get underway and stay on track, anyone embarking on a memoir may need similar assistance and encouragement. For that reason I also offer a limited bespoke service if it becomes required. I am based in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire but, thanks to Skype or FaceTIme, if English is your native language, distance need not be a barrier.
However, I recommend that you begin with the Guide alone. Once you are underway you'll find the memories will come quickly and the accompanying advice and tips will make the process easy. You might also consider teaming up with a friend or even getting a group together for mutual encouragement and benefit.
If you prefer not to write or type all you need is a smartphone to talk into. Your personal site will have an upload facility so the audio can be easily transcribed.
A book is not the only option these days. A digital memoir can combine text, photographs, voice, video and even old cine film. It can also be easily added to and updated as required.
Images can sometimes be a good place to start.
If required, I can assist with getting old cine, video and slides into digital format.
David Rolfe
Memoir Services
Performco
Town Hall
Penn Road
Beaconsfield, HP9 2PP
Email