Whether yours is a story of triumph over adversity, unexpected change that led to equally unexpected joys, a way of processing a difficult or traumatic period in your life, or a simple tale of a life well lived, we’ll go on a journey together to create the book of your life There’s usually laughter and smiles, nostalgia, and sometimes sadness too, as you recall the events of your life, but it’s always an enriching experience, and I’ll explain the process at every stage, and give you regular updates - from initial enquiry to interviews, first draft, selection of photographs, editing and design of your book, to receiving your beautiful book of your life to keep and share with your family
As well as running my own business, I’m also one of biography-writing service Story Terrace’s pool of freelance writers, and I still teach mindfulness classes. In my spare time I volunteer with bereavement charity, Cruse. When I’m not writing I can often be found outdoors at my home in rural Shropshire, growing things and enjoying the soap-opera lives of my flock of rare breed hens.
Since the dawn of time humankind has told stories as a way of understanding who we are and coming to terms with change.  Working as a Civil Funeral Celebrant brought home to me how many stories are lost forever when an older relative dies and I decided to set up Life Story Writer to help people pass on their stories before that happens.  Whether it’s a story of ordinary decent folk doing the right thing by their family and their neighbours, or a story of overcoming the odds, each life is a treasure trove of experiences and reflections on what it means to be human
I’ve always been fascinated by people and their stories: as a child I would sit in the doctor’s waiting room, wondering about the other patients and imagining their lives. Before turning to writing I worked as a teacher, community musi - cian, counsellor, mindfulness teacher, and Civil Celebrant, all roles where people’s stories are central. Those earlier experiences have made me an expert at gently helping people remember the details of past events, and it’s a privilege to work with my clients to tell their stories in the way that feels right for them.
About me - and Life Story Writing
What’s it like to work with a Life Story Writer?
Sharing your story with a near stranger might feel a little odd at first, but I’ve got lots of experience of putting people at their ease,
For more information about how it all works, click here, or use the buttons below to get an information pack or contact me direct
 Penny McCarthy 2025 Privacy Policy
Book a  free consultation, request samples of my writing, or ask a question Download an information pack
As well as running my own business, I’m also one of biography-writing service, Story Terrace’s pool of freelance writers, and i n my spare time I volunteer with bereavement charity Cruse. W hen I’m not writing I can often be found outdoors at my home in rural Shropshire, growing things and enjoying the hilarious soap-opera lives of my flock of rare breed hens.
Since the dawn of time humankind has told stories as a way of understanding who we are and coming to terms with change.  Working as a Civil Funeral Celebrant made me realise how many stories are lost forever when an older relative dies and I decided to set up Life Story Writer to help people pass on their stories before that happens.  Whether it’s a story of ordinary decent folk doing the right thing by their family and their neighbours, or a story of overcoming the odds, each life is a treasure trove of experiences and reflections on what it means to be human
I’ve always been fascinated by people and their stories: as a young child I would sit in the doctor’s waiting room watching the other patients and imagining their lives. Before turning to writing I worked as a teacher, community musician, counsellor, mindfulness teacher, and Civil Celebrant, all roles where people’s stories are central. All those experiences have made me an expert at gently helping people remember the details of past events, and it’s a privilege to work with my clients to tell their stories in the way that feels right for them.
About me - and Life Story Writing
Whether yours is a story of triumph over adversity, unexpected change that led to equally unexpected joys, a way of processing a difficult or traumatic period in your life, or a simple tale of a life well lived, we’ll go on a journey together to create the book of your life There’s laughter and smiles, nostalgia, and sometimes sadness too, as you recall the events of your life, but it’s always an enriching experience For more detailed information about how it all works, click here
What’s it like to work with a Life Story Writer?
I’ll explain the process at every stage of creating your book - from your initial enquiry to interviews, first draft, selection of photographs, editing and design, and keep you regularly informed about progress
Book a  free consultation, request samples of my writing, or ask a question Download an information pack  Penny McCarthy 2025 Privacy Policy
Associate of the Society of Authors Link
About me - and Life Story Writing
 Penny McCarthy 2025 Privacy Policy
As well as running my own business, I’m also one of biography-writing service, Story Terrace’s pool of freelance writers, and i n my spare time I volunteer with bereavement charity Cruse. W hen I’m not writing I can often be found outdoors at my home in rural Shropshire, growing things and enjoying the hilarious soap-opera lives of my flock of rare breed hens.
Since the dawn of time humankind has told stories as a way of understanding who we are and coming to terms with change.  Working as a Civil Funeral Celebrant made me realise how many stories are lost forever when an older relative dies and I decided to set up Life Story Writer to help people pass on their stories before that happens.  Whether it’s a story of ordinary decent folk doing the right thing by their family and their neighbours, or a story of overcoming the odds, each life is a treasure trove of experiences and reflections on what it means to be human
I’ve always been fascinated by people and their stories: as a young child I would sit in the doctor’s waiting room watching the other patients and imagining their lives. Before turning to writing I worked as a teacher, community musician, counsellor, mindfulness teacher, and Civil Celebrant, all roles where people’s stories are central. All those experiences have made me an expert at gently helping people remember the details of past events, and it’s a privilege to work with my clients to tell their stories in the way that feels right for them.
Whether yours is a story of triumph over adversity, unexpected change that led to equally unexpected joys, a way of processing a difficult or traumatic period in your life, or a simple tale of a life well lived, we’ll go on a journey together to create the book of your life There’s laughter and smiles, nostalgia, and sometimes sadness too, as you recall the events of your life, but it’s always an enriching experience
What’s it like to work with a Life Story Writer?
For more detailed information on how it all works, click here
I’ll explain the process at every stage of creating your book - from your initial enquiry to interviews, first draft, selection of photographs, editing and design, and keep you regularly informed about progress
Book a  free consultation, request samples of my writing, or ask a question Download an information pack
Associate of the Society of Authors Link