This month’s review is a podcast by Rachel Johnson entitled “Difficult Women”. A name inspired by Ken Clarke’s description of Theresa May as “being a bloody difficult woman”. In this podcast, the journalist, presenter, and writer speak to various influential and successful women in their industry. Johnson discusses the title they have been as “being a difficult woman”? A term typically applied to women by men, or are they, in fact, just passionate and determined?
The podcast style is very much interview/conversation with the added bonus that the women are able to answer the question. It is obvious some of the interviewees are friends with Johnson, or they socialise in the same circles. The opening podcast is with Lady Brenda Hale, who in 2004 was the only woman appointed as a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary. Then in 2017, she served as the President of the UK Supreme Court. She is now a member of the House of Lords.
Criticism – Well, there would be!!
There has been criticism of the podcast in that, so far, the women are all middle-class with middle-class views. What is wrong with that? Being a middle-class woman with views and opinions is not a crime. In the interview with Sasha Swire, Swire discusses how the wives of some politicians express their political views. They are then regarded as an object of fun with views that are unimportant.
If you listen to the stories, some of the women interviewed had to work hard from poor backgrounds and carve out a career for themselves. The significant takeaway is that education is a great advantage. Whether you went to grammar school or secondary school and then worked your way through the education system, you must take a risk, fight the ‘Old Boy Network’ and at times fight prejudice and discrimination.
I have enjoyed these podcasts, and if you want to listen to Sarah Vine, Baroness Joan Bakewell, and Prue Leith discuss the differences, barriers, and discrimination they had to overcome, this podcast will be for you. Leave your political view of her brother aside, your idea of what a middle-class woman should be and listen to the inspirational stories of these exceptional women at the top of their field.
You may wonder why you could hire a ghostwriter to write your memoirs. After all, you have lived an extraordinary life full of exciting stories and experiences. So why not just sit down and write them yourself?
What is a ghostwriter?
A ghostwriter is an author whom clients commission to write books, content for blogs or websites, speeches and eulogies.
There are two ways in which a ghostwriter can work.
The ghostwriters will select a client, or the client contacts them as they have an exciting story they wish to tell. The writer will need to feel what they want the story to be about and what kind of book they want to write. After that, the ghostwriter will do extensive research on the client’s life and compile all the information into a book proposal. This proposal will market the book to potential publishers. If a publisher is interested, they will offer the ghostwriter a contract and an advance. Once the contract is signed, the actual work begins. The ghostwriter will then write, edit, and perfect the book until it is published. This type of arrangement is for someone famous for something they have done.
The client may want to have their memoirs written. The client compiles the information and interviews the potential writer. The writer will then take the information, accompanied by interviews with the client, family and friends and then write the book. The manuscript is handed back to the client to get the book published. There is a fixed fee for this service, often paid in instalments.
Why use a ghostwriter?
There are several reasons to consider why you might hire a ghostwriter to help you with your memoirs.
Writing can be very time-consuming. If you have a busy life, it is not easy to find the time to sit down and write your memoirs.
To help you organise your thoughts and memories. If you have trouble remembering specific details or events in your life, a ghostwriter can help you put them into words.
Help to structure your memoirs in an entertaining and readable way.
A ghostwriter can also add their voice and style to your memoirs, making them more exciting and enjoyable to read.
How do you select a ghostwriter?
If you are interested in hiring a ghostwriter to write your memoirs, you should keep a few things in mind.
It would be best to find a ghostwriter with whom you feel comfortable working.
Ensure the writer is experienced and has an excellent track record of writing memoirs. There are many types of ghostwriters, so you want to make sure you find one that specialises in the genre you are interested in.
Be prepared to share your life story with the ghostwriter. Includes both the good and the bad. The writer will need to know everything about your life to write an accurate account.
Have a clear idea of what you want your memoirs to be about and the story you want to tell. This will help the writer create a book that accurately reflects your story.
Hiring a ghostwriter is a big decision. The most important thing to remember when writing your memoirs is, to be honest. Don’t hide anything from your writer. Be sure to tell your story interesting. Do your research and find a suitable writer to ensure that your story is accurately represented and that you are proud to hand it to people to read.
How to hire a ghostwriter to write my memoirs?
Once you have found a few potential ghostwriters, you will need to interview them and see if they are a good fit for the project. Be sure to ask them about their experience, process, and how much they charge.
If you decide to hire a ghostwriter, be sure to sign a contract that outlines the terms of the agreement. This will protect both you and the ghostwriter.
Choose a writer that charges a reasonable price for their services. You don’t want to overpay for their services, but you also don’t want to underpay. You want to make sure that the ghostwriter charges a fair fee.
Copyright and ghostwriter contract
As mentioned earlier, it is essential to have a contract when you hire a ghostwriter. This contract should outline the terms of the agreement and protect both you and the ghostwriter.
Be sure to read over the contract carefully before you sign it. The contract should include information such as how long they will work on the project, how much their fee is, the instalments, and the rights you have for the finished product.
It may also be advisable to copyright your memoirs to ensure that no one else can copy or sell your work without your permission.
If you are unsure how to copyright your memoirs, you can talk to a lawyer or an intellectual property expert. They can help you determine the best way to protect your work.
Where do I find a Ghostwriter to write my memoirs?
Several companies offer ghostwriting services. However, it is essential to make sure that you choose a reputable company. You should read reviews of the company before you hire them, and you should also make sure that they have an excellent track record.
You can also look for ghostwriters through online directories. These directories will list a variety of different ghostwriters, and you can read about their experience and qualifications. You can ask around among your friends and family. This can help you narrow down your choices and find a suitable writer for your project.
In conclusion, hiring a ghostwriter can be a great way to write your memoirs. However, it is important to remember that you need to find the right ghostwriter. Choose a writer that charges a reasonable price for their services. Interview them and ask about their experience. Be sure to sign a contract that outlines the terms of the agreement. Be sure to follow these tips to ensure a positive experience. Once you have found a suitable ghostwriter, you can be sure that your memoirs will be accurately represented and that you are proud to hand them over to people to read.
A memoir is a type of nonfiction book that tells the story of a person’s life. Often, an autobiography focuses on a particular time or event in the author’s life. They are usually written in first-person point of view, and they often include the author’s thoughts, feelings, and reflections on the events being described. There are four different types of memoirs, each with its purpose and style.
Teaching memoir
Transformative Journey
Historical Memoirs
Confessional Memoirs
If you’re thinking about writing a memoir, it’s essential to choose a topic that you feel passionate about and that will have broad appeal. Knowing which type of memoir you want to write will help you determine your book’s style, tone, and structure. It will also help you choose the right publisher and marketing platform for your book.
A teaching memoir is written to share the author’s expertise and experience with others. These books often focus on a particular subject or skill and are written in a how-to style that includes examples and tips from the author’s life.
Transformative journey memoirs are often the most difficult to write, as it requires the author to delve deep into their own emotions and experiences. However, these memoirs can also be the most rewarding to write and read.
Historical memoirs look back on the life of a person or people. The memoir might focus on a particular time in the author’s life, such as their childhood or time in the military. It recounts the past, often highlighting important events or people. It could include the history of a family or just one person or the journey a family undertook for a brighter future.
Confessional memoirs explore the author’s most profound thoughts and feelings, often sharing intimate details of the author’s life. A confessional memoir can be very cathartic. It could explore the author’s thoughts and feelings about a particular event, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one or their experiences in war or prison.
What types of memoirs should you write?
Knowing what you want to do with your memoir will dictate the style and types of memoirs you will write. Do you want to teach, explore your emotions, look back at history, or confess something? Each type of memoir has a different purpose and will be structured differently. Choose the memoir that best suits your story and your goals for writing it.
There are three ways to write a memoir: thematic, chronological, and retrospective.
Thematic memoirs are structured around a central theme or event, such as love, loss, war, and betrayal. The author weaves together different stories and events from their life to illustrate the central theme
A chronological memoir tells the story from start to finish, in the order that it happened. Starting at the beginning is the most common type of memoir, as it is the easiest to write and follow
A retrospective memoir looks back on a particular time or event in the author’s life. It often includes reflection and analysis of what happened during that time
Choosing which type of memoir to write depends on your story and your goals for writing it. If you want to write a teaching memoir, a chronological structure might be best. If you’re going to write about a transformative journey, a thematic biography might be the way to go. And if you want to share your deepest thoughts and feelings, a confessional memoir might be the right choice.
For whom are you writing?
When writing your memoir, it’s essential to consider who your audience is. Are you writing to your family and friends, or are you hoping to reach a wider audience? Your choice of publisher will also dictate the style and tone of your book. A traditional publisher will probably want a more polished and professional book, while a self-publisher or small press may be more interested in an edgier or more personal story.
No matter what type of memoir you choose to write or whom you’re writing it for, the most important thing is that you tell your story in a way that is true to you. Be honest, be vulnerable, and be brave. Your account is worth sharing.
Ways to record your memoir
Once you’ve decided what type of memoir you want to write, it’s time to write. But how? There are several ways to record your biography, and the best method for you will depend on your story and your goals.
If you want to write a traditional memoir, you’ll likely want to sit down and write out your story in chronological order. Using pen and paper or a computer, whichever is more comfortable for you, will be immensely helpful.
If you’re hoping to write a more personal story or one that is less structured, try keeping a journal. A journal can be helpful if you’re having trouble getting started or if you get stuck while writing.
Another option is to create a scrapbook or photo album. Images can be a fun and creative way to record your memories, and it’s also a great way to involve other family members and friends.
You may also wish to record your story using a camera and talk directly to the viewing audience. Video can be a great way to capture your emotions and expressions, and it can also be helpful if you have trouble writing.
Alternatively, you could record your story using a dictaphone and get the narrative transcribed, and then edit the printed script.
You could also use a ghostwriter to write your memoir. You sit with the writer and tell them your story, and they will take notes and hand you a finished manuscript.
No matter what method you choose, the most important thing is to write.
In conclusion
There are four different memoirs: transformative journey, history, confessional, and teaching. Each type of memoir has another purpose and will be structured differently. Choose the memoir that best suits your story and your goals for writing it. Keep in mind who your audience is and be honest with your story. Your story is worth sharing.
This month I thought I would let you know about a new podcast entitled ‘Go Love yourself’. It’s one of the latest podcasts for women on a mission to figure out who they are and how life treats them. The idea behind this show is that everyone deserves love, regardless of size or shape – something which can be difficult when surrounded by the diet culture. This podcast talks about everything from body image issues to self-love and the lessons learnt along the journey of life. The hosts are two best friends, one of whom you might know from The Great British Bake Off, Laura Adlington and Lauren Smith.
The podcast takes on a light-hearted tone as it explores the reality of womanhood. With interviews, open discussions and events happening in the world, you will be entertained and thought provoked! The podcast style is more of a coffee, a chat, and a giggle rather than preaching at you.
What’s discussed on Go Love Yourself
One of the biggest topics they discuss is weight loss in both an open and honest way. The two ladies discuss the diets they’ve tried but ultimately rejected because they didn’t work for them – or at least not long term. They also discuss their hatred of the diet industry and how they portray a negative image of how a woman should act and behave. Their core belief is that the diet industry will keep:
You on a diet for the rest of your life
Counting calories, points, or syns forever
Punishing you for not being the size; they believe you should be
You feeling guilty for eating cake
Unaware that the diet industry is all about money and the more weight you put on, the more money you earn
They are open and honest and invite their listeners to participate in the content via texts, emails, and social media.
Go Love Yourself – required listening
This podcast should be required listening for any woman feeling self-conscious, has body confidence issues, or needs to build confidence in their appearance. The idea is to get women to look differently at themselves, love themselves, and, let’s be frank, give each other a break. Life is hard enough without adding hidden pressure that doesn’t have to be there.
One of the most entertaining quotes from the show is when someone says, “You’re not fat, you’re beautiful”, and their response “b**ch, I’m both”. The go-to question for any guest is always, “What is the best bit about you?”
These ladies are undoubtedly brave; talking about their weight in a world where being bigger than a size 10 is a social offence. There is some offensive language, but the information and content are encouraging and empowering and will make you smile.
From a personal point of view, I agree that we have to break this cycle of women-hating ourselves and our bodies because society tells us how we should look. Please don’t take my word for it; listen to their podcast yourself. Available from all good podcast providers.
Writing your memoirs is not a vanity project. A memoir is a way to keep your family history alive and to make sure the stories are never lost. It’s a way to keep your family history alive and make sure the stories handed down from one generation to the next. It’s also a way to find out how life was in the past and ensure we don’t forget. So, if you’ve been thinking about writing your memoirs, now is the time to start. You won’t regret it.
Where do you start?
Life is so full of adventures and stories, and it may be difficult to find or remember stories from your life. Here are some tips to help get started writing your memoirs.
Start with the basics. Write your full name, date and place of birth, and parents’ names. This will give you a foundation to work from as you write your memoirs?
Write about your childhood. What were your favourite memories? Did you have any fears? What did you want to be when you grew up?
Make notes about your adolescence and young adulthood. What were some of the defining moments of this time in your life? How did you change during this period?
Write about your marriage and family life. What are some of the happiest moments you’ve shared with your spouse and children? What have been some of the challenges you’ve faced as a parent?
Talk about your work life. What have been some of the highlights of your career? What are some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Write about your spiritual life. What role has faith played in your life? What are some of the ways your beliefs have helped you through tough times?
Mention about your hobbies and interests. What are some things you enjoy doing in your free time? What are some of the things you’re passionate about?
Write about your travels. What are some places you’ve been lucky enough to visit? Discuss your most memorable experiences you had while travelling?
Discuss your hopes and dreams for the future. What do you hope to accomplish in the years ahead? What are some of the things you hope to see and experience?
Write about your life today. What are some of the things you’re grateful for? What are some of the challenges you’re currently facing?
Tools to help you remember
When thinking of the above, use the tools available to you. Talk to your parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters. Look at old photographs, home movies and family albums. Read old letters, postcards and journals.
You can also use the Internet to help you remember. There are websites that allow you to create a timeline for your life. You can also create a blog or website to share your memoirs with your family and friends.
You may find stories that you have long since forgotten that are retold to you. There may also be new stories that you never knew before. Either way, writing your memoirs is a way to keep your family history alive and to make sure the stories are not lost. So, what are you waiting for? Start writing today!
Don’t worry about getting it perfect
When writing your memoirs, don’t worry about getting them perfect. Just write from the heart and tell your story the best way your know-how. Your memoirs will be a source of enjoyment for you and your loved ones for years to come.
No matter what you choose to write about, just remember that writing your memoirs is not a vanity project. It’s a way to keep your family history alive and to make sure the stories that have been handed down from one generation to the next are not lost. So, if you’ve been thinking about writing your memoirs, now is the time to start. You won’t regret it.
A word of warning
Writing your family history can be fun, but you may also upset some of your family by reminding them of sad occasions or stories they had wished to forget. If you are going to write about such things, it is best to speak to the people involved beforehand and get their permission. This way, they will not be caught off guard when they read your memoirs. In some circumstances, you may decide to remove that story from the memoir. There is nothing wrong with that. Writing your memoirs is meant to be a fun project, sometimes cathartic and other times a form of self-therapy. It is not meant to hurt anyone.
If you have any concerns about writing your memoirs, please consult a professional before going to print. A solicitor will be able to help with liability law. You certainly don’t want the deformation of a character lawsuit.
Keep it real
When writing your memoirs, keep it real. This means being honest about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It also means not embellishing the truth or making things up just to make your story more interesting. Memoirs should be an accurate account of your life, so stick to the facts as much as possible.
Of course, there will be some parts of your life that you may not want to share with everyone. That’s perfectly understandable. Just remember that if you choose to write about such things, it is important to be respectful of the people involved and to use discretion when sharing details.
Writing your memoirs can be a fun and rewarding experience. Just remember, to be honest. Just as important, once you have written your memoir and it has been published, the facts are out in the world and you cannot unread a story. So, if you are not ready to share your story with the world, don’t. Memoirs are meant to be enjoyed by everyone, so take your time and write when you’re ready.
When you are ready to write your memoirs, there are many ways to go about it. You can write them yourself, have someone else write them for you, or even dictate them to someone. Whichever way you choose, make sure that the story is true to your life and is a respectful way of the people involved.
Thank you for reading this article. I hope it has been of help to you. If so, please share it with your family and friends. Writing your memoirs is a great way to keep your family history alive. So, what are you waiting for? Start writing today!
The Nazis Knew My Name by Magda Hellinger and her daughter Maya Lee
What can I say about this book? For one, I couldn’t put it down. It’s one of those page-turners that has your heart in your mouth because we all know a little about the Nazi concentration camps. We think we know the atrocities that the SS inflected on the occupants of the camps. Jews, Gypsies, Criminals, and Political prisoners. However, putting it in writing, listening to a personal account moves that understanding to a reality of what the SS did. It makes the account real, vivid and breaks my heart.
I didn’t know that the Slovak government selected the first inmates of the camp to be women. The ages of which were from 16 to 25. Not only that, the women were sold for 500 Reichsmarks (£44) each to the German Authorities.
The lies they told the young women to get them to obey, of working in factories for 3 months. In reality, most of the women never saw their families again, if they survived. Then the inhumane processing of these women. Making them stand naked on footstools while all their hair was cut and taking their clothes and jewellery. In our liberal beliefs today, we would find this shocking. However, in 1942, women still had chaperones for evenings out, and the head of the house controlled their daily lives. It must have been devastating.
Book Review under 400 Words
This is the story of Magda Hellinger Blau, who at 25 and a kindergarten teacher and business owner. She was one of the first women sent to the concentration camps (Auschwitz) and how she survived. The role she played in saving and helping other women survive the camps and her determination to help the other women live through the horror. The torture of the female prisoners is beyond belief, trying to sterilise the women so that they couldn’t have more children, measure their brains, and the indignity bestowed upon them just for living.
Then the manner in which the bodies are thrown away like a dirty bag of potatoes. Magda was extraordinarily lucky in her time in the camp. (If you can use the word luck in these circumstances, may be blessed or fortunate, I can’t think of another way to put it). She was selected by the SS to become a Jewish leader within the camp and eventually became a Lageralteste (Camp leader). This enabled Magda to help the women around her, to show them how to survive and live to tell their stories. Stories that must be told so we never forget.
Taken from Youtube on 13 September 2021
It is harrowing, and every new chapter is worse than the last and yet strangely compelling. You want to yell out to do something, stop the cruelty, and stupidly hoping that Magda survives. We know she survives. This is her story, but you can’t help wanting to put out a gentle hand to say come this way. Let me help you.
The Nazis Knew My Name is an important book, what a shame it is still happening in the world
The saddest part of this book is that it is still happening today. Women are still being tortured, being brutalised, and treated with disdain.
Printed Version £16.65
Ebook Version £8.99
Audible Version £12.59
These links are from an affiliate link with Amazon. I will get credit for any sale, this does not affect the price paid. The featured image used on this post was taken from The Sydney Morning Herald
