FAQs on Life Story Writing
- Q. My family and I are going to travel around Australia. I would like to write a book about it but that’s what everybody else seems to be doing. How do I make sure it happens?
- A. Start with keeping a travel diary. Once the trip is over, study the market to see how your story measures up. Are you prepared to spend a year or so on getting it ready for publication? Perhaps not … but at the very least, you’ve already created something invaluable for your family and descendants and this may well be the best, the most achievable outcome of all.
- Q. I’m challenged by copyright issues.
- A. You own what you create – unless you sign it away. That means if there’s a commercial value in what you have written, it’s yours to gain from. You’ll become more comfortable with how copyright works as you develop and publish. Membership of professional writing organisations is a vital first step.
- Q. Why do individuals pay for Manuscript Services in advance?
- A. It’s efficient. I attend to your work immediately and return it without delay with my advice and a receipt. Remember, I guarantee to deliver inspiration and practical help.
- Q. Is there a therapeutic value in writing a life story?
- A. People often say there is, but the Zing Stories focus is on fine writing. Whilst careful support is given, it does not extend to therapy.
- Q. Have you written your life story?
- A. My two poetry collections are hybrids: life/poetry, life/travel/poetry. ‘When the Americans came to Town’ and ‘Korea in the Year of the Mountain’ in Writing Samples are examples of the short autobiographical essays I enjoy writing. I’m working on a full-length topic memoir.
- Q. I’m thinking of doing a writing subject at university? Should I?
- A. Not everyone wants to write as part of a degree (many people already have their degrees). My workshop method combined with my manuscript services works well for people who simply want to ‘get on with it’ at their own pace in a non-competitive and inclusive atmosphere. Working through one of the How-To books like Patti Miller's Writing Your Life or Carmel Bird's Writing the Story of Your Life can suit equally well. If you 'go it alone', consider having a writing buddy or joining a writing group. If you make it into a university course lasting a couple of years however, it could be the making of your career as a writer.
- Q. I am writing a family history. Can you help?
- A. Yes. I used family history techniques when researching my historical novel for my MA thesis (2002). If it’s an exclusive group (such as the Qld Family History Society) I adapt my workshop to suit. So far, every family historian who has attended a RLS workshop has reported benefits. The mix of family historians, memoirists and experimenters always proves fantastic!
Q. Do you give community groups a discount?
A. Yes. For all sorts of reasons, community initiatives usually take longer to put in place. Not charging for this extra time is the inbuilt discount.
Q. When is a private consultation advisable?
A. Whenever in-depth, confidential attention is needed, such as:
- before sending to an agent/publisher
- when writing basics have gotten rusty
- you need to restructure
- you need advice about self-publishing
- you’re struggling and want nobody to know
- you need help to wrap it up
- you’re famous and demand total confidentiality
- you need a ghost-writer and can afford to pay … think $65 000 pa
- an older relative needs special consideration.
Practice makes perfect.
Maleny writers
Lesley’s workshops are packed with readings, writing exercises, discussion, a recommended reading list, and individual attention.