Marie Rowe Memoir Writing

Marie Rowe is now starting a course in Guided Autobiography.

Whether it’s your story, your parents or your grandparents, now is the time to make history and to save a life. It’s a known fact that recalling life experiences and accomplishments enhances our appreciation of who we are today. And I’m here to help you realize the importance of your life. I will listen and record your story and have those remembrances presented in a book with your special photos, as a lasting and priceless gift for your family and friends to enjoy and cherish. It's your imprint on the world…your voice, your spirit, your soul and your heart. It’s inspiration for future generations and an enduring legacy.

Contact Details +44 (0)7447 993 714 mrowe97@gmail.com Stretton-on-Dunsmore, Warwickshire

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Capture the stories of your lifetime with Thanks for the Memoirs!

"It's your imprint on the world…your voice, your spirit, your soul and your heart. It’s inspiration for future generations and an enduring legacy."

MARIEROWE.COM

YOUR LIFE STORY

TESTIMONIALS

Guided Autobiography Classes

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"If I knew things would no longer be, I would have tried to have remembered better."- Sam Krichinsky, Avalon

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Thanks For The Memoirs

Gather your memories and bring photos to life by creating a one of a kind heirloom book as a priceless legacy for future generations. To sit at the knee of a grandparent and hear stories of times gone by certainly seems like a thing of the past. Yet, those stories make up the fabric of a rich and textured life and can give insights into our own existence. Knowing where we came from is not just about being able to put a family tree together, it’s about the value of the lives on that tree. What are their stories? What have they experienced? What can I learn from that life? What can I share with future generations?

Marie Rowe With her vast experience working in the television and film industries in Toronto and Hollywood, as well as her volunteer work and life in foreign countries, Marie has a unique perspective on the lives of others. She is passionate in her belief that we all have stories to tell, and each life has a value that needs to be acknowledged as well as preserved for future generations. To quote Mark Twain: ‘There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy.'

Capturing the memories of a lifetime

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Contact Details +44 (0) 7447 993 714 mrowe97@gmail.com Stretton-on-Dunsmore, Warwickshire

PRODUCTS & COURSES

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BACK TO MARIE ROWE

YOUR LIFE STORY

"Having been involved in so many different aspects of story-telling, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, the intrinsic value of sharing our accomplishments with others. We all need to be validated and acknowledged for the wonderful human beings we are – to know that our lives matter – and there’s no greater gift than to leave our story as an enduring legacy for generations to come."Marie Rowe

Her first job in Hollywood was at The Samuel Goldwyn Company in film distribution and marketing which led to an assignment as publicist for the American Cinema Awards, produced by David Gest, honoring veteran movie stars, such as Joseph Cotton and Joel McCrea. She was then hired as a staff writer on the revised version of the television show Divorce Court and ultimately became writing assistant to Barry Levinson on a comedy series for HBO TV, which was the beginning of a long association with the writer/director. Marie has worked in the areas of casting with Levinson on such award-winning films as Good Morning, Vietnam and Rain Man, but has primarily helped him develop several of his screenplays, including Tin Men, Liberty Heights, Avalon and Man of the Year. When Levinson wrote his novel Sixty-Six (Random House), he asked Marie to assist him.

The founder of Thanks for the Memoirs, Marie Rowe, has an extensive background in all areas of media communication. In Toronto she worked in public relations and went on to the Drama and Variety Departments of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation where she was a Production Manager. She founded Radio Women and produced human-interest programs for CBC Radio, including Incest – the Great Taboo, resulting from her volunteer work with troubled girls.

She has edited several books for published authors, including literary agent William Gladstone's The Twelve (Vanguard Press), loosely based on his life. She recently completed A Fortunate Life, the memoir of renowned child psychologist Dr. George Fox. Always available to support up-and-coming filmmakers, Marie has written, produced and cast films for charities as well as for students at various California universities, and the Alliance of Women Directors, a respected Los Angeles film group.

"There's no greater gift than to leave our story as an enduring legacy for generations to come."

Thanks for the Memoirs

As abridger/producer of books on tape for Dove Audio in Los Angeles, Marie dealt with a variety of books, from the classics and popular novels to psychology, business and the Bible. Marie was appointed Vice President of Creative Development for PowerPlay Audiobook Summaries where she was responsible for choosing and summarizing business books on subjects such as Leadership Development, Communication Skills and Creative Thinking. She then interviewed the authors and produced the studio recording sessions.

"We all need to be validated and acknowledged for the wonderful human beings we are. To know that our lives matter."

In addition, Marie has been a mentor/special friend/big sister to a number of under-privileged children for the past 30 years. She developed a mentor program and taught acting with Colors United – Living Literature in Watts and Venice High Schools in California. She was Artist in Residence at Hollygrove Children’s Home in Los Angeles, teaching creative writing and drama, and was responsible for implementing their Media Centre, with heavy emphasis on reading and creative expression. Marie is very proud of the fact that she guided these troubled children into producing two illustrated books of poetry, which greatly increased their self-esteem and was an essential element in their need to be heard.

Marie's memories of Robin Williams. Marie Rowe worked closely with Robin Williams when she was a Casting Director on Good Morning, Vietnam. After Robin’s tragic death, she shared fond memories with listeners of BBC Coventry and Warwickshire radio.

TEDx Leamington Spa

Part 2

Online_Toolbox · Marie Rowe from Thanks For the Memoirs tells us about herself

About Thanks for the Memoirs and Marie Listen to Marie's sound bite where she tells us a little more about herself and how Thanks for the Memoirs came to be.

Online_Toolbox · Marie Rowe Live on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire April 3rd 2015 Part 2

Part 1

Online_Toolbox · Marie Rowe from Thanks for the Memoirs tells her story live on BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire

Online_Toolbox · Marie Rowe Live on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire April 3rd 2015

Marie's Radio Interviews Since her return to England in 2012, Marie has been a popular interview subject with local BBC Coventry and Warwickshire radio, and has been invited into the studio several times to tell her own story. We have recorded these and you can listen again here. Marie Rowe tells her story live on BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire

Listen to Marie live on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire on April 3rd 2015

Online_Toolbox · Marie Rowe talks about her fond memories of Robin Williams live on Radio

Frequently Asked Questions Should you have any questions, please check the frequently asked questions section where you may find the answers.

The Value of Your Life Journey

- Reflecting on the experiences and accomplishments of your life enhances your appreciation of who you are today. - It's a validating experience which will energize and uplift your spirit. Alice in Wonderland - People who talk about their life experiences have lower blood pressure and a stronger immune system. - You will leave a valuable legacy of memories for future generations and provide insight and inspiration into the paths you took in life and decisions you made. - It is an opportunity to remember and embrace the relationships that have helped to shape your life. - Opening a door into your past will help you set the record straight and give you peace of mind. - Taking that trip down memory lane will truly be the best journey you've ever taken and will be a treasure that lasts forever

- You will leave a valuable legacy of memories for future generations and provide insight and inspiration into the paths you took in life and decisions you made. - It is an opportunity to remember and embrace the relationships that have helped to shape your life. - Opening a door into your past will help you set the record straight and give you peace of mind. - Taking that trip down memory lane will truly be the best journey you've ever taken and will be a treasure that lasts forever

Free one-hour project consultation. I will discuss the focus of your memoir and whether other people will be contributing to the book.Digital recording interviewsTranscription of oral interviewsEditing interviews into a smooth flowing narrativeProofreadingSelecting photographs and relevant documents from your collection to illustrate your story, and scanningDesigning and formattingPrintingBindingVoila! A beautiful keepsake book your family will treasure forever. Interviewing and Recording In a series of relaxed, enjoyable interviews in the comfort of your home or office, I will ask you questions about your past, putting you at ease and helping jog your memory. These interviews will be recorded and the CD will be part of the finished product. Most people need from six to twelve hours to tell their life stories. If you want to cover only a short period in your life, you'll need less time, while if you have many adventures to cover or multiple family members to be interviewed, you might need more time. Transcription & Editing of Tapes After your stories have been recorded, the material will be transcribed, ensuring that your story reads smoothly and clearly, while preserving your own distinct style. Revising and Proofreading After you have read the manuscript and made any corrections or deletions, I will revise and proofread and return it to you for your final approval. Book Publishing & Printing Services I will guide the finished manuscript through the publication process to create a beautifully bound hard or soft-cover book. This service includes selecting photos and documents; scanning and sizing photos; writing captions, and choosing page design, graphics, paper, printing process and type of binding.

Services Offered to Create your Memoir

Frequently Asked Questions Below are a selection of frequently asked questions, answered by Marie Rowe Why hire a personal historian? Writing your own life story can seem daunting, but working with a skilled collaborator turns the process from overwhelming to energising. Telling your life story to a neutral outsider who is trained to listen and ask appropriate questions, can help you recall key events in your life and elicit details that will be meaningful to future generations. How is personal history different from genealogy? A genealogist’s work is based on research to map a family tree, while a personal historian interviews people who are still living, relating stories and anecdotes within the story arc of that individual’s life. Personal historians connect generations - including generations unborn – through stories, insights and shared wisdom. So, you’re not just a name on a family tree, you’re a life. How do I begin a project? I will meet with you for a free one-hour consultation and we will decide what kind of a project you would like, the period you want to cover, general storyline and messages you want to convey, for example. What’s the process, once I decide to go ahead? The information I’ve gathered at our initial meeting, will determine the number of interview sessions required and we will arrange a schedule. I will also ask you to sign a contract and make a deposit toward the fee. Where are interviews conducted? Usually in the privacy of your own home, but wherever is most comfortable for you. It is essential, however, that it’s a quiet space with no distractions. How long does it take to complete a project? A typical book project might take anywhere from 6 months to 18 months, depending on how close together the interviews are, length of text, number of photographs and other documents you might want to include. What will a book project cost? Book prices vary widely, depending on the length and complexity of the process, but can usually be tailored to your budget. A manuscript based on four hours of interviews with 15 photos, bound into a book, could cost up to £1,500 whereas a much longer manuscript could cost more. Often a personal history is commissioned as a gift – for a special birthday, anniversary or milestone event - and family members may choose to share the cost, making the project an affordable investment for everyone, and from which all will ultimately benefit. Can I write my memoir myself? Yes, you can, and there are many books and classes* to help you do it, but most people never get around to doing it on their own. They often need the motivation, structure, prompting and encouragement that a professional personal historian can provide. That’s where I come in.

Frequently Asked Questions Below are a selection of frequently asked questions, answered by Marie Rowe. Why hire a personal historian? Writing your own life story can seem daunting, but working with a skilled collaborator turns the process from overwhelming to energising. Telling your life story to a neutral outsider who is trained to listen and ask appropriate questions, can help you recall key events in your life and elicit details that will be meaningful to future generations. How is personal history different from genealogy? A genealogist’s work is based on research to map a family tree, while a personal historian interviews people who are still living, relating stories and anecdotes within the story arc of that individual’s life. Personal historians connect generations - including generations unborn – through stories, insights and shared wisdom. So, you’re not just a name on a family tree, you’re a life. How do I begin a project? I will meet with you for a free one-hour consultation and we will decide what kind of a project you would like, the period you want to cover, general storyline and messages you want to convey, for example. What’s the process, once I decide to go ahead? The information I’ve gathered at our initial meeting, will determine the number of interview sessions required and we will arrange a schedule. I will also ask you to sign a contract and make a deposit toward the fee. Where are interviews conducted? Usually in the privacy of your own home, but wherever is most comfortable for you. It is essential, however, that it’s a quiet space with no distractions. How long does it take to complete a project? A typical book project might take anywhere from 6 months to 18 months, depending on how close together the interviews are, length of text, number of photographs and other documents you might want to include. What will a book project cost? Book prices vary widely, depending on the length and complexity of the process, but can usually be tailored to your budget. A manuscript based on four hours of interviews with 15 photos, bound into a book, could cost up to £1,500 whereas a much longer manuscript could cost more. Often a personal history is commissioned as a gift – for a special birthday, anniversary or milestone event - and family members may choose to share the cost, making the project an affordable investment for everyone, and from which all will ultimately benefit. Can I write my memoir myself? Yes, you can, and there are many books and classes* to help you do it, but most people never get around to doing it on their own. They often need the motivation, structure, prompting and encouragement that a professional personal historian can provide. That’s where I come in.

2 poodlesCelebrate a wedding, special anniversary, a milestone birthday, adoption, a university graduation or a retirement with a unique gift that will be cherished forever. Or you may want to honor a loved one who has passed – whether a person or a beloved pet – by recognizing the impact they had on your life. This Tribute Book could include eulogies and letters of condolence from family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

"Everybody needs his memories. They keep the wolf of insignificance from the door ." – Saul Bellow

Photo Album/Keepsake Book

If the object of your affection is still a big part of your life, there's no better way to express your devotion than by writing stories, anecdotes and stating your feelings, along with a collection of wonderful photos of moments shared. If preserving your stories is important to you, or a loved one, please contact Marie Rowe at Thanks for the Memoirs. I look forward to knowing who you are. All fees are agreed-upon in advance and are all-inclusive.

Should you have any questions, please check the frequently asked questions section where you may find the answers.

Mini Memoir – Selected Stories from Your Life These could cover pivotal times in your career, your military experience, memorable holidays, working and living in a foreign country or voluntary work. The possibilities are endless.

Special Occasion and Tribute Books

Every picture tells a story and looking through yourPub Life photo albums is a fun and easy way to jog your memory. It could be a start to writing your memoir, or simply a way of organizing your photos with captions for future generations. This is also true for memorabilia. A child’s simple drawing can bring back a host of wonderful memories, as will the necklace inherited from a great grandmother. Photos can also be taken of mementos with the related stories included.

COURSES: As an alternative to personalised books, Marie can also help you write your own life story, two pages at a time, with her six-week course in Guided Autobiography. Designed to assist individuals to recall, organise and share the contents of their life experiences, these classes will help evoke memories through a variety of common themes. A maximum of six class members are requested to write two pages each week on specific subjects and then to share their writing in this small group format. Each class lasts for 2 hours. Please contact Marie for more information.

Photo Album / Keepsake Book

Every picture tells a story and looking through your photo albums is a fun and easy way to jog your memory. It could be a start to writing your memoir, or simply a way of organizing your photos with captions for future generations. This is also true for memorabilia. A child’s simple drawing can bring back a host of wonderful memories, as will the necklace inherited from a great grandmother. Photos can also be taken of mementos with the related stories included.

Celebrate a wedding, special anniversary, a milestone birthday, adoption, a university graduation or a retirement with a unique gift that will be cherished forever. If the object of your affection is still a big part of your life, there's no better way to express your devotion than by writing stories, anecdotes and stating your feelings, along with a collection of wonderful photos of moments shared. If preserving your stories is important to you, or a loved one, please contact Marie Rowe. I look forward to knowing who you are. All fees are agreed-upon in advance and are all-inclusive.

Celebrate a wedding, special anniversary, a milestone birthday, adoption, a university graduation or a retirement with a unique gift that will be cherished forever. Or you may want to honor a loved one who has passed – whether a person or a beloved pet – by recognizing the impact they had on your life. This Tribute Book could include eulogies and letters of condolence from family and friends.

Marie has worked with many different people over the years, bringing her creativity and writing experience with her. Here are just a few testimonials she has received:

"Words cannot express the pleasure and pride I take in your artistic gift of my memoirs. The completed book far surpassed my deepest expectations. Your creative generosity is expressed in the continuing praise by family and friends when they read this wonderful book." Dr. George Fox "Marie Rowe is one of the best editors I have ever worked with. She has a sense of style and language, which is rare in today's world of book publishing. Marie is one of the primary reasons my novel The Twelve continues to receive rave reviews from readers throughout the world. William GladstoneAuthor, "The Twelve" and former literary agent for Eckhart Tolle. “Marie has assisted me in completing many of the screenplays I have written, as well as my book "Sixty-Six", and her expertise and insights have always made the process much easier for me. "When I wrote the screenplay of “Avalon", based on my family, Marie did in-depth research into the various time periods the film covered and interviewed family members. This resulted in her developing long lasting relationships with my family in Baltimore, many of whom appeared in “Avalon", at Marie’s suggestion, rendering the film that much more personal and authentic." Barry Levinson Writer/Director, known for award-winning films such as: Good Morning Vietnam, Rain Man, Bugsy & Disclosure. "Marie was my partner when I founded PowerPlay Book Summaries. She is wonderful to work with… hardworking, smart, loving, dependable, loyal, spiritually wise, with a great attention to detail. She has the amazing ability to grasp the overall concept of a book then clearly and concisely summarize the main ideas. I feel blessed to have worked with her over the past years." Ellen Wohlstadter President, PowerPlay Book Summaries "I want to give a special shout out to Marie Rowe, who did the casting for Operation Gratitude. Marie is awesome and always goes the extra mile no matter how big or small the project." "Love working with Marie and recommend her highly!" Romell Foster-Owens Producer/Director/Writer - Alliance of Women Directors/Women in Film

Testimonials for Marie Rowe

Marie has worked with many different people over the years, bringing her creativity and writing experience with her. Here are just a few testimonials she has received:

Contact Marie Rowe

Writer and Personal Historian Address: Quince Cottage 18 Church Hill Stretton On Dunsmore Warwickshire CV23 9NA England Email: mrowe97@gmail.com Phone: +44 (0)7447 993 714