I've been thinking

Project Brief

“Around the time he turned 90, my father Tom decided he’d finally like to write the story of his life.  He’d been thinking about it for a good while and had made a start but, never having done anything like it before, he wasn’t sure how to go about it.

Dads lived a long, well-travelled and interesting life starting in Canada, then to Ireland at a young age, finally ending up in Australia with his young family. There were many stops and capers along the way - some we knew and some we didn’t - so we were keen to support him in any way we could to get them written down. 

My sister Margaret and I approached Simon to provide the objective guidance, skill and support dad needed to accomplish his goal, along with a good dose of understanding and empathy.”

Noreen Wright (youngest daughter)

From the Client

“We were really pleased with the way Simon was able to work with dad as he wrote each chapter, offering edits as well as encouragement to flesh out some of the stories and zero in on particular points and experiences in his life, making it a valued, but sometimes difficult, meander down memory lane for dad and a much richer read for us.  This would have been a difficult task at times, but Simon’s sincere interest along with his ability to gain trust and make dad comfortable to talk more (never easy) and to accept suggestions was impressive.

While speaking with dad about his experience, he said he enjoyed the time he spent with Simon talking about his life and that he is a gentle, kind and thoughtful man, and a pleasure to work with.

Dad’s very proud of what he’s achieved in writing his life story, sharing it with family and friends world-wide.  He’s very appreciative of Simon’s input and acknowledges the support and encouragement he gave in realising the dream.  Marg and I are thrilled that working with Simon and the book itself turned out so well.  We’d encourage anyone looking for a writing mentor to work with Simon.

Thanks Simon, from us"

(Daughters – Noreen and Margaret)

PS:  Dad’s keen to catch up for a Guinness to toast the book!