What is Lori Writes?
Lori Writes is a business that specializes in writing biographies and life stories for interested individuals. Memoir consultation is also available.

What motivated you to start Lori Writes?
I recently heard someone say, “When a person dies, it is like a library burning down.” This powerful statement sums up my desire to help people preserve their own stories before their library burns down.  

How does the process start?
Responding to a biography-writing request, I start by finding out why, and for whom, the biography is being written. Based on this information, I conduct a series of interviews tailored to the style of the biography subject.

How long will the interviews take?
The interview process can be completed in as little as a week or could stretch out to a month, depending on the availability and health of the person whose biography is being written. It is often a good idea to allow a few days between interview sessions in order to gather thoughts and memories. Interview sessions run between one and three hours, depending on the stamina of the interviewee. Total interviewing time is usually between ten and twenty hours.

Why would someone want a biography written?
There are numerous reasons people want to have their life stories written. Many times a person simply wants to pass along family history to children and grandchildren. Others want to express their life lessons and experiences. Some want to pass along funny stories, harrowing escapades, military experiences, family relationships, historical changes, or their thoughts on the world. Equally important is a person’s desire to be guided through a life reflection as a way of summing up and letting go. 

Why don’t people just write their own biographies?
Many people don’t know where to start, don’t make the time, or they know themselves well enough to know they just won’t do it. Lots of people feel they don’t possess the skill necessary to articulate what they want to say. People often need an outside observer to help them organize their thoughts and experiences.

Why are you committed to writing biographies?
My personal experience had led me here. I would love to read anything written by any of my grandparents or ancestors. I treasure a 3-year diary my mother wrote during World War II. Not only is it full of historical data and a glimpse of day-to-day life experienced during a major war, it gives me a sense of my mother’s hopes, dreams, and reactions.

What experience do you have?
As part of past work experiences, I have written more than 100 family histories. I realized during that time how much I enjoy the interview process as well as the organizing and writing involved. I have also spent many years as a social worker, educator, and successful grant writer. When it comes to writing, I can’t discount the disciplined Catholic school education I had as a child and young adult.

How can Lori Writes help with memoir writing?
Writing one’s own life story is quite an undertaking. Some people tackle memoir writing and then need help to move the process along. A person may get stuck at a certain point or have trouble fitting it all together or realize a central focus is missing. Sometimes all that is needed is “another set of eyes” or a person to simply provide motivation. Services also available are: typing from handwritten notes, assembling copy, and proofreading.