Sometimes I get asked if I give my clients audio recordings of our conversations and yes, sometimes I do. But the written word is more powerful than the recorded word.

When I transcribe a life story, I keep rewinding the tape ensuring I catch every single word and every expression, exactly as they’ve said it. Every turn of phrase, every nuance. So that when their children and grandchildren read their story, they will be able to hear their voice.

Rather than pressing a key on a computer or phone to switch on a recording, my client’s child can hear their parent’s voice in their head as they read – at any time. I am sure of this because I have a book that my father wrote.

It is a skill to be able to write exactly the way you speak and I’m proud to say Dad had that skill. He was a man of few words and you listened when he spoke. Each of his sentences in his book is effortlessly packed full of meaning; no syllable is wasted, just as he spoke. While I read, I can feel his rhythm and cadence in my head, almost as if he’s here at my desk with me.

I’d say this is the greatest gift life story writing can bring.