Write now, benefit tomorrow

One of the reasons I love memoir writing is that these stories reveal the unknown rich history within each person. 

The older we get, the more stories we carry within us. To have gone to the trouble of organising them into a book is not only a very considerate thing to do for our families (since our history becomes their history!), but it can be good for our relationships. It can serve to explain our backstories, including why we are the way we are.

A handful of times, over the last few years, people have asked me to help write stories for people who are unwell and are being cared for by health professionals, people who aren’t well today, but have led rich, fascinating lives.

People who can’t speak for themselves. 

Often families are anxious that health professionals and caregivers realise how special their loved ones really are. They want them to see beyond the ageing patient, and connect with the beautiful human inside.

A memoir can do that. Though they can take time to read, and often people in healthcare are too busy to take the time. So I’ve designed a new offering called Life Posters.

Life Posters are A3 posters that summarise the life stories of patients in words and imagery.  They are designed to build connection between caregivers and patients. 

If you would like to be among the first to commission me to make you one, you can do so here. 

How it works is, you fill out a questionnaire and upload some images, and I will turn your answers into a Life Poster, just like this one that I made about my Gran Joyce. She died 14 years ago, but she could have done with one of these, when she was living in a rest home.

As for your story – taking the time to write it now, in your words, is a way to ensure your voice will one day be heard, when you’re unable to use it. 

So write on dear one,

Charlotte x