Meet Natalie, The Memoir Writer
I'm Natalie Stockdale, an author and memoir-writing educator.
My passion is helping preserve the stories of regional Australia, one memoir at a time.
Much of my adult life has been spent in rural and regional Australia. I taught in the Northern Territory, raised my three daughters on remote sheep and cattle stations around Longreach, Queensland, and have owned and operated small businesses in regional communities. Those experiences gave me a deep appreciation of country life and the extraordinary stories held by ordinary Australians.
I'm the author of two books published by Big Sky Publishing and have spent many years interviewing people from all walks of life and writing true stories with warmth, authenticity and respect. I have also served as CEO of the Jane Goodall Institute Australia and am a board member and storytelling facilitator with the not-for-profit organisation Kintsugi Heroes.
Today, I help rural and regional Australians transform their memories into beautifully written memoirs that preserve their stories for future generations. Because every family deserves to know the stories that shaped them.
Winner — Whitsundays Writers Festival Fast Fiction Competition 2026
Read the winning story here.
My Memoir Philosophy
Every life holds stories worth preserving.
Not because someone is famous or has lived an extraordinary life, but because their experiences reflect courage, resilience, love, humour and the wisdom gained through living. These are the stories that shape families, communities and the history of regional Australia. If they are not written down, they are eventually lost forever.
Many people tell me their lives have been "too ordinary" to write about. I disagree. I've seen people discover that what feels ordinary to them is fascinating and deeply meaningful to their children, grandchildren and future generations.
A memoir doesn't need to record every event. The best memoirs capture the moments that shaped a person's life: the relationships, challenges, triumphs, heartbreaks and turning points that reveal who they are.
My role is to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions and transform those memories into a memoir that feels authentic, sounds like the storyteller and preserves their voice with warmth and respect.
Writing your life story is an act of love. It becomes a lasting legacy that helps future generations understand the people, places and experiences that shaped their family.
One quote has guided my work:
"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."
It reminds me that while our lives are temporary, our stories don't need to be.
Let’s preserve the stories of regional Australia, one memoir at a time.
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
“Not knowing where to start and/or how to proceed with the lifelong memories I wanted to share in writing with my grandchildren and other members of my family , I recently signed up for a Memoir Writing workshop with Natalie.
In a few hours, skilfully guiding me through the different stages of my life, she provided the structure and framework I needed to get started, helping me select the events and memories that were meaningful and relevant to achieve my goal.
Her advice was very valuable, practical and to the point.
Now it’s time to do the work ! "
Dominique Noire, 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