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August 09, 2022 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Children’s memories with their grandparents are something they will cherish for the rest of their lives. Sometimes it can be difficult to find something fun to do together. Here’s a list of 10 activities both children and grandparents will enjoy while making memories together.1. Go on a walkTake ...
October 13, 2021 | Published by
I grew up across the street from my grandparents and saw them every day. I considered our relationships very close. However, after they passed away, I realized I had let time slip away without asking some very important questions. It turned out I didn’t know anything about their early years—those before I came into the picture. Although a lot of us spend time with our loved ones, we may not know them as well as we think. Sure, we might kn...
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August 01, 2024 | Published by Olivia Savoie
We take great care with writing life story books in the tone and vernacular of our subjects, all while aware that these narratives will serve as lasting legacies to inform and inspire their families. It takes determination, dedication, focus, emotional intelligence, meticulousness, creativity, and a natural aptitude and passion for storytelling. It takes striving for excellence in the big picture and smallest details. It usually takes eight to...
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June 05, 2023 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Do you know much about your family history? If not, why would you need to know? You may be surprised to learn there are many benefits to knowing your family history.You gain a sense of identity. Discovering your ancestors can help you learn and embrace your culture, traditions, and background. This in turn can give you a feeling of belonging.You connect with others. Learning about your ancestors’ lives helps you connect with them, showing you ...
May 31, 2019 | Published by Olivia Savoie
(That Will Inspire You to Put Your Own Down on Paper)November 2, 2018 | Olivia SavoieAll of us have a story inside. And a story worth telling, too. But if we don’t have experience with writing a book-length work, the task can be terrifying. That’s why we professional life story writers at Raconteur Story Writing Services recommend you read the incredible autobiographies and memoirs listed below. Pay close attention to their craft, writing...
July 17, 2022 | Published by Olivia Savoie
COLLECTING RECIPESAsk loved ones for their favorite family recipes. Make copies of the recipe cards or pages from cookbooks you receive. Since many cooks don’t use recipes but instead cook from habit and memory, ask these relatives to take the time to write down the recipe. If that isn’t possible and they only know that “a pinch” of this goes in and “a bowl full” of that, a great way to get clarity is to film the cook preparing the dish. ...
July 05, 2022 | Published by Olivia Savoie
1. Know the Difference Between Memoir and BiographyWhile your life story certainly has a beginning, you don’t necessarily need to document every detail and life event. It is more important to share the most important memories and events rather than every minor detail. A memoir is meant to capture a more personal, focused view of memories. Keep readers engaged by sharing the important parts of a story or event, while allowing emotion and vulner...
September 18, 2019 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Towards the end of our interview time, we ask a series of reflective questions, such as What is a time you did something spontaneous? What were some of the most frightening moments of your life? What is an example of a time you surprised yourself? When asked those questions, one storyteller had a REMARKABLE story to tell. A story about a time he did something spontaneous and frightening and surprised himself. A time that even 50 year...
June 11, 2024 | Published by Sydney Guidry
When we interview our subjects, we often include stories from their childhoods with their fathers or lessons they learned from their fathers. In honor of Father’s Day, here are four stories from some of our subjects about their fathers. *David recalled his father’s lesson on the financial rewards of hard work:Dad’s every thought and action seemed to be centered on what was functional, productive, and would teach survival. When I was about...
May 31, 2019 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Do you have a phenomenal life story to tell? Maybe you know the intrinsic value and inspiration your life story can bring to your loved ones. Maybe you want to preserve your life and legacy in a book that will outlast your lifetime. But maybe putting pen to paper is harder than you thought.Perhaps you have dreamed of hiring a ghostwriter to write your life story but don’t want to pay $50,000 to produce a book. Or maybe you see the super cheap ...
December 02, 2020 | Published by
Our life story books are the perfect gift for anyone, but especially for your hard-to-buy-for loved ones who already seem to have everything they need. We have found that even those who seem to have everything they need are still missing a life story book. A life story book makes a great birthday, Christmas, anniversary, or other holiday gift. Life story books are often given from grandchildren to grandparents, from children to parents, f...
November 14, 2022 | Published by Olivia Savoie
When a loved one passes away, their memory can live on. Here are some great ways to honor your loved one:1. Create a memorialCreating a memorial is not only a great way for you to honor your loved one, but to share their memory with others. Photos from your loved one’s life can be made into a slideshow or video which can then be shared with friends and family. Add your loved one’s favorite song to the slideshow or video as a special tribute. A...
May 31, 2019 | Published by Olivia Savoie
1. What is the difference between a ghostwriter, life story writer, a memoir writer, and a biographer? A ghostwriter is any writer who pens a manuscript on behalf of another person. So, life story writers, memoir writers, and biography writers often fall under the overarching term of ghostwriter. A life story writer can be a memoir writer, biographer, or both; it is an all-encompassing term. At Raconteur, we broadly consider ourselve...
December 21, 2022 | Published by Olivia Savoie
How to Interview a Holocaust SurvivorTips from Our Co-Founder Olivia SavoieI recently had the honor of interviewing my very first subject who survived the Holocaust. Never have I sat through such heavy interviews laden with tears. And never have I heard such moving, miraculous verbal memories. It’s heartbreaking to thing that had I not sat down with this subject and not documented his memories on his behalf, these memories would one day be gon...
June 15, 2022 | Published by Olivia Savoie
As people age, they tend to need more and more help with everyday activities, especially if they have an illness. You may be caring for your parents and want them to be as comfortable and happy as possible while remaining at home.The most important thing to remember is to have empathy for your parents. It’s difficult to face loss as we age: loss of independence, careers, mobility, health, energy, and more. Think about how you would feel if you...
May 27, 2022 | Published by Olivia Savoie
How to Sort and Organize Your PhotosIf you are like most people, you have a few boxes full of photos, a stack of albums containing printed photos, and even more on your smartphone. The job of sorting through all these photos is daunting, and it requires a significant amount of time, so many people delay it or never get around to it at all. But why put it off? Here are some tips to help make this job easier.*Creating a PlanThere is no right or ...
April 08, 2022 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Our storytellers commission us to write their life story books for a variety of reasons. At the top of the list is the goal of having their children, grandchildren, and future generations know their story. One storyteller, Mr. Fred, had an even more focused purpose for his life story book: to infuse it with life lessons for his grandchildren. Those lessons are timeless and invaluable. Here are a few meaningful ones:1. Do Your Best, and Do...
December 28, 2023 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Every life story inevitably includes life lessons, usually interwoven so intrinsically into the narrative that they don't jump out at children and grandchildren as they read, but that make an impact nonetheless. In one special case, a grandfather wanted his life lessons and words of wisdom to leap off the page and catch his grandchildren's eye. He asked for a special design to highlight life lessons that correspond with certain stories of...
March 18, 2024 | Published by
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer? In college, I was the weirdo who loved writing papers because I loved organizing information in a cohesive and persuasive manner. Early in my career, I always sought assignments that required writing and seven years ago segued into becoming a grant writer for a nonprofit. What led you to want to become a life story writer? Learning of the opportunity to become a life st...
October 30, 2023 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Unlike most of our subjects, Fr. Floyd Calais's book was written not as a family heirloom, but as a community heirloom that will inform and inspire those who love him and whose lives he has touched for years to come.ChildhoodFlo circa 1937Floyd, nicknamed “Flo,” was born in rural Cecilia, Louisiana in 1926, the only child of hardworking farmers. He grew up speaking French, and his parents’ home didn’t have electricity, water, or indoor plumbin...
May 30, 2021 | Published by
A Tribute to Eldridge Michael Brunet1947-1967This Memorial Day, we honor the son of one of our storytellers.Eldridge Michael Brunet was born on February 13, 1947, the second of Ruby and Dolores Brunet’s 11 children. He grew up just outside of Houma, Louisiana. Eldridge was a sweet-spirited young man who loved God and music. He was always looking to help someone in need. He was the only Brunet child who took after his father’s love for mus...
February 23, 2024 | Published by
We’ve seen many great technological changes in the last several decades. While children and young adults today grew up with some or a lot of technology, many grandparents were adults before they even saw or owned a television. When they were children, they entertained themselves with a variety of games.Some of our life story subjects who were born between 1925 and 1945 have shared fond memories of their favorite childhood games, some of which ...
March 03, 2023 | Published by Olivia Savoie
I recently reread one of my most-loved memoir writing handbooks, William Zinsser’s Writing About Your Life. It captivates me every time and incites my passion for life story preservation. Below is a selection of inspiring or enlightening quotes from Zinsser’s remarkable book paired with my musings.“Writing about one’s life is a powerful human need. Who doesn’t want to leave behind some record of his or her accomplishments and thoughts an...
October 28, 2022 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Here are four poems our co-founder Olivia wrote about her experiences with or relationships to storytellers.*Hello We are going to laugh until our sides hurt We’ll probably cryAnd I will know your earliest memory Your first impression of the love of your life How you spent your first dollar But first things first My name is Olivia * Pirated Lessons I learned the easy way not to touch kerosene heaters fall in love with sailors o...
April 12, 2022 | Published by Olivia Savoie
“Quelle étrange petite fille!” said an agitated woman in the grocery store.I asked my mother what she’d said. My mother didn’t reply, even though she knew some Cajun French.At home later that night, I combed through the French to English dictionary. What a peculiar little girl. Even at eight years old, I knew that woman in the store was right. Especially since the kids at school never let me forget it. Neither did the kids in the neighborhood,...
October 14, 2022 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Most people take for granted that their loved ones will be around tomorrow. But what if tomorrow will not happen? What if you have a loved one who is entering hospice care? What are the most important things to ask them?When we learn a loved one is nearing the end of their life, we feel an urgency to connect with them, hear their stories, say things we always meant to say, to help them find the meaning in their life, and be at peace with their...
May 12, 2020 | Published by
“Memoirs are the backstairs of history.” –George Meredith “Inside each of us is a natural-born storyteller, waiting to be released.” –Robin Moore “Memories too often die with their owner, and time too often surprises us by running out.” –William Zinsser “After nourishment, shelter, and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.” –Philip Pullman “God gave us memory so that we might ha...
May 31, 2019 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Many of us rush through our day to day, hardly reflecting on the past. But it’s the sum of your past days that equate to the person you are today. By recollecting those days, you can learn more about yourself. In turn, your loved ones can learn about you too. One way to explore your history is to write your memoir. There are plenty of reasons to preserve your life story. Here are a few:1. Your family will be SO glad you didWe often go thr...
January 08, 2023 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Reflections on Being on The Kelly Clarkson Show by Olivia Savoie I had the honor of being a guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show. I spoke about my inspiration from my grandmothers, my process from first interview to finished book, my passion for preserving memories, and the “adopted grandparents” (former subjects) I’ve accumulated over the years. The episode aired on January 9, 2023. Kelly Clarkson herself couldn’t make it, but who better to ...
April 19, 2021 | Published by Olivia Savoie
How commissioning Raconteur to write your parents’ life story in a book will teach you things you didn’t know about them.Many times, successful men and women’s professional endeavors are well known by their families, but their most personal, meaningful memories—those that explore what made them who they are—are not. Our life story writers pen biographies that endeavor to change that. We have encountered a prosperous real estate investor w...
September 14, 2022 | Published by Olivia Savoie
In the 1850s, New York City had a population of about 500,000. By 1920, this number had increased to over 2,000,000. This increase was caused by massive waves of immigration—people fleeing poverty, famines, political unrest, and religious persecution. They viewed America as a place where they could make a better life for themselves and their children. Because immigrants often spent all the money they had on the voyage to the United States, the...
December 27, 2019 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Ruby and Dolores: 1942Growing up [on the bayou], I knew older guys who had played the guitar, and I wanted to be like them. So, I ordered my first guitar out of the Sears catalog and paid $14. I also bought music books to teach myself and then spent a lot of time practicing and learning. The only time I stopped playing was when my daddy told me he wanted to sleep! I really loved playing the guitar and I really loved music. I loved music even m...
February 15, 2021 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Are you curious about your family history? Are you ready to dive into the deep rabbit hole of genealogy? Our life story books often include a chapter on the subject’s origins—their ancestry. Sometimes, the subject provides existing ancestral resources to our writers, but other times, we do the digging ourselves. Along the way, we have learned some tips and tricks that may help you get started on the exciting journey of discovering your fa...
August 23, 2022 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Have you ever wanted to share your life story but were unsure how to start? Here are some tips you should consider when putting pen to paper on your memoir.1. Think Like a Fiction WriterWhile a memoir is a true story of your life, you should incorporate the structural elements that make fiction compelling. Don’t merely set off to include a litany of facts. Think of how the story will unfold, what information will be disclosed when, and what th...
November 15, 2022 | Published by Olivia Savoie
It can be hard for grandparents to connect with their grandchildren, even though they love their grandchildren. Maybe you live far apart from each other or you live close but think you have nothing in common. Here are some things you can do to connect with grandchildren in meaningful ways:Call/Text/Video Chat. It’s easy to stay connected with the help of technology. Set up regular calls or video chats to keep in touch with your grandkids....
September 01, 2022 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Have you ever thought about how much your children and grandchildren know about you or how you want to be remembered? Many people know very little about their grandparents’ lives and even less about their great-grandparents' lives. How can you begin to share your stories and teach your family valuable lessons?Here are eight ways you can preserve your legacy for future generations:Share family traditions. Traditions can help a family creat...
January 19, 2024 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Writing, designing, and printing a life story book involves a lot of work. At Raconteur, we have written and produced more than 70 life story books for a diverse group of subjects, so we know the process well and have perfected our art. Our team of professional writers, editors, and designers work diligently to ensure a high-quality heirloom book for you and your family. When you work with Raconteur, you receive the following:A Caring Wr...
June 19, 2023 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Memoir vs. AutobiographyYou’ve heard of, and have likely read, autobiographies and memoirs. The terms are sometimes wrongly used interchangeably, as they are both nonfiction, first-person accounts of a person’s life. Though memoirs and autobiographies share many similarities, there are some key differences.An autobiography is a chronological account of the events of a person’s life, written by the subject or ghostwritten on behalf of the subje...
September 03, 2021 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Choosing to hire a life story writer is an important decision. The writer you choose will take your verbal interviews and craft a narrative that will become your legacy. The choice should not be taken lightly.
When it comes to choosing a private biographer to work with, here’s why Raconteur stands out:
1. One-On-One Relationships
With Raconteur, you will get a one-on-one experience with one writer who you can...
March 25, 2025 | Published by Olivia Savoie
At Raconteur, we take the practice of writing keepsake life story books very seriously, knowing our books will serve as invaluable records for families today and generations down the line. Keeping this importance at the forefront of our minds, we strive to produce perfectly accurate books.To make that happen, a lot of research goes into every project. We attempt to verify every proper noun spelling (such as the names of people, towns, business...
February 09, 2024 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Once you’ve received your heirloom life story book, you probably want your loved ones to read your story. Here are five things you can do with your heirloom book:1. Host a book signing Invite family, new and old friends, distant relatives, and whoever else you’d like to your home, the home of one of your children, or an event venue. Throw a party complete with cake and punch. Give everyone a copy of the book and sign each copy with a spec...
August 01, 2023 | Published by Olivia Savoie
We all know someone who isn’t easy to shop for and seems to have everything they need. So, what do you get for the person who has everything? Perhaps you’ve been giving them gifts for years and are out of ideas. Perhaps you want to give them something especially meaningful.How about giving them the gift of experience? After all, many people find experiences far more valuable than material things. Experiences create invaluable memories. Check o...
June 28, 2019 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Everyone has a story inside of them. The question is, how do you condense sixty, seventy, eighty, or even ninety plus years into one memoir? How do you sort through the stockpiles of memories and select the ones that will create the most poignant, meaningful biography? And if you don’t consider yourself a creative writer, how do you proceed? As a professional life story writer for hire and author of dozens of life stories, I have formulated a ...
November 28, 2022 | Published by Olivia Savoie
At Raconteur, we write corporate histories. We interview company owners and current and past executives and/or other employees. Combining interviews with researching newspaper databases and combing company archives, we present the full history of a company. We include photos alongside timelines and relevant text.Why worry about the history of a corporation when the present has plenty of challenges? Yes, the present is important, but we can lea...
July 03, 2023 | Published by Olivia Savoie
Life story books (also known as legacy books or autobiographies) provide a first-person, often chronological account of the events of a person’s life. Some life story books include a timeline.You may be wondering, If I read the account, which should include all the major events of a person’s life, why would I need to see a timeline that gives the same information? Why is a timeline relevant to the telling of a life story?Timelines are a practi...
July 17, 2020 | Published by Olivia Savoie
There are a lot of great reasons to preserve your life story in a book revolving around the benefit of others. Some include history preservation, informing your family about your experiences, and inspiring present and future generations of your family. But there are also a lot of great reasons to preserve your life story that directly impact you—the storyteller. 1. Recollecting happy memories will positively impact your mood. Telling your...
