How it Works

Writing a memoir can be daunting. However, as an experienced author, I make it simple and genuinely enjoyable. In fact, some clients use the word ‘cathartic’ when describing their memoir experience.

Scroll through the six simple steps below, using the arrows, then contact me to arrange a complimentary, no pressure, phone chat.

  • Rural man having a phone conversation with The Memoir Writer, Natalie Stockdale.

    Step 1: Complimentary Discovery Call

    We begin with a 20-minute, relaxed call so you can ask questions and make sure this feels right. In this call we will:

    get to know each other

    clarify why you want a memoir and who will read it

    choose the right package (Essential or Signature)

    confirm the interview date and next steps

    No pressure. Just a clear, friendly starting point.

  • Farmer in a sheep yard representing a photo for a memoir of a rural Australian.

    Step 2: Worksheet and Photos

    Complete a worksheet to help me prepare your interview and write your story.

    Send me your favourite photos.

    Photo allowance:

    Essential Memoir: up to 13 colour photos (including the cover photo)

    Signature Memoir: up to 17 colour photos (including the cover photo)

  • An elderly woman talking to author and memoir writer, Natalie Stockdale, during an interview for her memoir.

    Step 3: The Interview

    We meet on Zoom where I gently guide you through a relaxed conversation, ensuring we capture everything we need.

    Essential Memoir: up to 2.5 hours interview time (with a short break)

    Signature Memoir: up to 5 hours interview time (with a longer break)

    You simply talk. I’ll guide the conversation, ask thoughtful questions, and keep things flowing.

  • A happy, elderly couple walking along the beach, while their memoir is being written by author, Natalie Stockdale.

    Step 4: I Write Your First Draft

    This is where you relax and enjoy yourself, while your memories become a true memoir, written with skill and care by a published author.

    I write in your voice, only clearer and more polished, and I structure the story so it reads beautifully from beginning to end.

  • Person typing on a laptop with a notebook and pen in the foreground, representing the revision stage of the memoir writing process.

    Step 5: You Review and I Refine

    You receive your first draft for a light revision. Simply note any factual corrections or wording refinements, and I’ll make the updates and prepare everything for printing.

  • A woman giving her elderly father a printed memoir of his life as a precious gift.

    Final Step: You Receive Your Memoir (in 3 forms)

    You’ll receive your memoir in three formats, so it’s both beautiful and practical:

    Editable Word file — so you can update or expand your story over time

    Print-ready file — so you can order extra copies easily

    Premium A5 hardcover book — your finished book in print

A Memoir Client Shares His Experience

Mike Pearson recently received his memoir and kindly shared his experience of the process.

“To say I’m elated with the result would be an understatement.”

Mike Pearson
Memoir Client

Contact Natalie
Three white book covers with color photographs of elderly adults on the front. The left cover has a smiling woman with short gray hair labeled Amy Clarke, titled "My Story". The middle cover has a smiling man with gray hair and glasses labeled John Moitts, titled "My Story". The right cover has a bald man with glasses labeled Jason Pearce, titled "My Story".

Signature Memoir - $3,495*

A deeper, more expansive memoir for life stories that need more space.

The Signature Memoir is designed for lives with multiple chapters, rich family history, big transitions, or experiences that deserve more detail and careful handling. With additional interview time and a longer word count, your story can unfold with greater depth, clarity, and meaning.

Includes:

  • Approximately 10,000 words

  • A 4.5-hour recorded interview (with a longer break)*

  • Up to 17 colour photos (including one portrait photo for the front cover)

  • Your memoir delivered in three forms (Word + print-ready file/link + premium A5 hardcover)

  • One light revision round

Postage: Free within Australia.

*A single 4.5-hour interview (with a break) suits most clients. It allows you to settle into a natural flow. If you’d prefer two separate 2.5-hour interviews, a $120 fee applies to cover the additional administration time.

Which package should I choose?

Choose the Essential Memoir if you want a beautifully told story that’s focused, complete, and easy for family to read from the start to end.

Choose the Signature Memoir if your story needs more chapters, more stories, and more time to capture the details and meaning.

If you’re unsure, we can discuss this during our initial phone call.

Essential Memoir - $1,895 AUD

A beautifully crafted life story that is concise and focused.

This package is ideal if you want a memoir that captures the heart of your life: the people, the turning points, the values, the moments that shaped you, without trying to include everything.

Includes:

  • 5,000–6,000 words

  • A 2.5- hour recorded Zoom interview (with a short break)

  • Up to 13 colour photos (including one portrait photo for the front cover)

  • Your memoir delivered in three forms (Word + print-ready file/link + premium A5 hardcover)

  • One light revision round

Postage: Free within Australia.

Packages

Every life story is different.
Some can be captured beautifully in a focused, distilled memoir. Others need more space, more context, more chapters, more room to breathe.

I offer two memoir packages, based on length and depth, so your story can be told in a way that feels right for you.

Both packages include a professionally written memoir delivered in three forms:

  1. Editable Word document (so you can update or expand it over time)

  2. Print-ready file/link (so you can easily order additional copies)

  3. Premium hardcover A5 book delivered to your door

You’ll also receive one light revision round. Simply note any factual corrections or wording refinements, and I’ll update everything and prepare your memoir for printing.

Book a Discovery Call