Meet Natalie, The Memoir Writer
I became The Memoir Writer because I know the importance of life stories, and I know what it feels like to lose family stories forever.
There is so much I don’t know about my grandparents and great-grandparents. I often wonder what they were like, what they laughed about, dreamed about, believed, and endured. Their stories were never written down, and now they’re gone... forever.
My father is living with dementia, and it’s sadly too late to capture his memories too.
That curiosity and sense of loss sits at the heart of my work.
I’m Natalie Stockdale, a Big Sky Publishing author and host of the Animals & Us podcast. I’ve spent years interviewing people and writing true stories. My goal is to make the memoir-writing process simple, warm, and enjoyable. You talk. I guide, listen, and craft your memories into a beautifully written book your family will always treasure.
My adult life has taken me from teaching in the Northern Territory to raising my daughters on remote sheep and cattle stations, and into the world of Humane Education and leadership, including as CEO of the Jane Goodall Institute Australia. These experiences, collectively, taught me how to listen well, ask the right questions, and handle people’s stories with respect and care.
I’m also a Certified TRTP™ (mental health) Practitioner, which helps me keep our conversations calm and grounded, especially when emotional memories arise.
“We are all visitors to this time, this place.
We are just passing through.
Our purpose is to learn, love, and grow
- and then we return home.”
- Unknown
As The Memoir Writer, I help people throughout Australia preserve those learnings, love and growth … before they disappear.
Client Reflections
“My name is Mike Pearson, and it is my absolute pleasure to share my experience working with Natalie as The Memoir Writer.
To say I’m elated with the end result would be an understatement. The finished book is exactly what I had hoped for — and more.
From our very first conversation, I felt comfortable. Natalie sent through a clear, well-structured worksheet that helped me think carefully about what I wanted included in my memoir. It made the whole process straightforward and purposeful.
I chose to write my memoir for my family — my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren — so they would know who I was, what mattered to me, and what shaped my life. What I didn’t expect was how cathartic the experience would be.
During our Zoom interview, Natalie handled my story with genuine sensitivity and care. At times, it became emotional, but she guided me through those moments respectfully and calmly. She asked thoughtful questions and took me into places I may never have gone on my own, drawing out reflections and insights that are deeply important to my story.
The final presentation of the book is something I am very proud of. It captures not just the events of my life, but the values behind them. Importantly, the Word file she provided allows me to add to it over time. After all, I’m still here — and I intend to keep writing as life continues.
I highly commend Natalie for her professionalism, warmth and ability to truly listen.
If you are considering preserving your story for your family, I can say from experience — it is well worth it.”
Mike Pearson, QLD
“As a retired business owner, I’ve always understood the importance of passing down knowledge. What I hadn’t done was preserve my own story. Natalie asked thoughtful questions that helped me articulate not just what happened in my life, but what I learned along the way. My children and grandchildren now have something they can return to long after I’m gone.”
Clive Bradshaw, Qld
“This writing service was given to me as a 70th birthday gift. At first, I was reluctant. I thought my life was quite ordinary. But the interview was relaxed and surprisingly enjoyable. Natalie made the whole process simple. When I read the finished story, I realised my life wasn’t dull at all.”
Marjory Dawson, NSW
“I always wanted to write a book for my kids, but I didn’t know where to start. Natalie made it straightforward and was great to work with. She understands the bush and didn’t overcomplicate it. She asked the right questions and knew what she was doing. Now I’ve got a great little book that means something to our family.”
Peter Williams, Qld
If you’ve ever thought about writing your life story,
I’d be very happy to talk with you about it.
Simply contact me to arrange a conversation.
“When I first discovered Natalie writes memoirs, I wasn’t sure whether to go ahead. With a history of boarding school and war in Zimbabwe, and a lifetime of extreme sports, parts of my story aren’t easy to talk about.
But I’m glad I chose to work with her. Natalie gently prompted my memories and helped me through the emotional parts with sensitivity and compassion. She has a real gift for helping people express the hard things.
Her approach is especially good for veterans. During the interview, she makes you feel safe, calm and understood. Never judged.
Everyone has a story worth telling. Your family will be grateful you did.”
Mike Stewart, Qld
“If it wasn’t for Natalie and her Memoir Writer service, my story would have remained untold. Natalie is very professional and made the process easy. I highly recommend “The Memoir Writer” for anyone wanting to share their life story.”
Tessa Colliver, SA