Finding the courage to tell our own story can be one of the most powerful acts of self-discovery. Yet for many, the first hurdle is believing our story is worth telling. Local writer Jan Ballantyne knows this journey well. With years of reflection and writing behind her, Jan shares the story of “How and Why I Started Documenting My Memories”, and the joy this creative process has brought into her life. Her insights remind us that every story matters - especially our own. As a delightful bonus, Jan treats us to another story from her collection titled “Memories of Cabbage!”- proof that even the simplest memory can blossom into something special when given a voice. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

Living and working in Saudi Arabia is a journey that few of us have experienced. This week our guest Sue Winstanley, opens a window into a world we can only dream about. Sue, a neonatal nurse, recounts a story from her early days in Saudi Arabia, reflecting on the new friendships she established and the cultural learning curve she experienced during Ramadan. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day, is the day, we honour the war dead – both uniformed and civilian. It’s a day that is revered in my family, and so it’s appropriate to share a story about my dad who as a teenager lived and worked in Coventry, an industrial city in Warwickshire England, during WW2. It’s an opportunity to share snippets of context – time and place, describe the pivotal events that took place and the lasting impact of these events, not only on my dad and the decision he subsequently made, but also on the general population of this city – lest we forget.   Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

In the process of documenting our life stories, memories come to mind, that took place in an environment that was very different to the one we live in today. Reflecting on her childhood in the 1950’s, local resident Catherine Richarson Jaubert captures these vivid details beautifully in her story entitled Tales of Growing Up In Glenside. Written and read with care, Catherine presents a family narrative that also sheds light on aspects of New Zealand’s social heritage. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

Researching family history is a very popular and time-consuming hobby, that requires endless patience and meticulous record keeping. Through storytelling we honour those who came before us. They can stir emotion – a smile, a tinge of sadness, and often an element of mystery and intrigue. These stories help us understand where we’ve come from and deepen our understanding of our place in the world. Today, Barn McDavitt, shares his learning journey and a captivating story he has painstakingly researched and written about one of his ancestors named Francis McDavitt. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

In addition to your collection of cameo stories, you might like to think about adding front and back matter to your manuscript to give your life story or family history a clear beginning and end. In this episode Angela provides examples on how to write a dedication, an introduction, a postscript, and acknowledge the people who have encouraged you along the way. These features help you to set the tone, guide your readers into your world, and leave them with lasting reflections on the stories they’ve read about your life. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

A good memoir isn’t just about what happened. It’s about the people who shaped the journey. None of us live life in isolation. Some people walk beside us for years, others just pass through, but all leave their mark. In this episode, Angela shares ideas on how to spot the characters you might want to include in your story, and how to bring them to life on the page. She also provides a few examples of characters in action so you can see how it works in practice. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

Our special guest on our programme is local resident Jan Flecther, who shares two of her cameo stories with us. The title of the first is called Scattering My Mother’s Ashes, and in the second, Becoming a Public Servant Jan shares her teenage aspirations and commitment to work for the greater good in New Zealand, the process involved in getting the job, and the reality of how the role unfolded. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

Writing a memoir or a family history isn’t just about recording events. It’s about shaping a story that resonates. How you tell the story is just as important as the facts. In this episode we’ll explore Narrative Voice, Tone, and Point of View. In a nutshell, our unique voice, shaped by our experiences, beliefs and world view reflects who we are. The tone we use reflects the attitude behind our words. And the point of view refers to who is telling the story. The choices you make in each of these areas influence how your readers experience your story. Along the way, you’ll find ideas, tips, and encouragement to help you refine and strengthen these aspects of your writing craft. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

In this episode, Angela reignites the lost art of documenting your life story in letters. Instead of simply recording events and facts, the beauty of the letter format invites you to speak directly to those you care about, sharing personal reflections, wisdom, and everyday details as if you are writing to them across time. Think of each letter as a conversation - sometimes heartfelt, sometimes playful, that captures your experiences and the relationships with those who will one day read your words. Ideas, tips end encouragement on how to apply this technique are provided. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

Jenny Greer, inherited a treasure trove of family heirlooms which included her Nanna’s travel diary, letters, details of a voyage from NZ to the UK in 1952, and samples of her embroidery. Intrigued, she began researching and documenting her Nanna’s life, while referring to and preserving the integrity of her diary. Jenny shares her learning journey, insights into her Nanna’s early life, and excerpts from her diary written when she returned to England for the Queen’s Coronation. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all. Reflecting on our life experience, pivotal events and life changing flashes of insight often come to mind. Today, our guest, Horowhenua resident Murray Staples, shares examples of these occasions when sharing stories from his early life. The first, entitled Tangiwai, is a poignant story about a steam train trip from Wellington to Auckland as a 12-year-old. An inquisitive lad, he narrates two related vignettes sharing the eureka moments when his destiny became clear and summarises the steps he later took to achieve his goals.

Capturing our life stories provides us with a sense of purpose. It’s more than just preserving memories; it’s a journey into self-awareness that touches every part of our wellbeing. This week Christine Jackson reflects on her experience in Vanuatu. Narrating her stories, Arriving in Tanna and Outreach in Tanna, Christine paints a vivid backdrop, guides us through the sensory details, enabling us to visualise the scenes in a culture so different to our own. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all. Today our special guest is Graham Gibbs. Reflecting on his life, Graham has chosen to share 4 cameo stories from his memoir written for his children, grandchildren, and the wider whanau. The titles are My Story Begins, The Chemistry Lesson in the Vegetable Garden, A Whole New Way of Life and The Truth in a Tube.

We welcome Alasdair Finnie back into the studio. With an unwavering commitment to capturing his memoir, Alasdair narrates the next chapter in his life story entitled Moving to Wellington. Thoughtfully structured, using well defined sections with subheadings, he guides listeners through the narrative building as sense of progression as his story unfolds. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

This week’s special guest is Yossarian Fay, an experienced, qualified naturopath, reflexologist, teacher, and prolific author. Yossarian reflects on her personal learning journey and shares aspects of her latest book Take Back Your Health - reclaiming your health and wellbeing without breaking the bank  This self-help book is a well-researched, easy to read, powerful guide, full of practical tips that can be readily applied to empower busy women of all ages seeking balance, confidence, and clarity in their lives.

The journey of moving from one country to another is a courageous step into the unknown filled with excitement, challenges, and the promise of new beginnings and infinite possibilities. Our guest, Alasdair Finnie, shares a story about his 'First Experiences in New Zealand'. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

In this episode, Angela is delighted to welcome Gillian van Raalte back to the studio. Sharing 4 fascinating stories; 'The Bolgoda Yacht Club in Ceylon', A Furlough in the UK as a Newlywed', and two stories of life and work in West Pakistan, Gillian provides us with a glimpse into a world from another era, that is so different from what most of us have experienced. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

This week we focus on identifying, developing and writing about the key characters in our stories. As an example, Bill Robertson shares an insightful story about his grandfather Leonard Melrose Craigie Robertson, along with snippets about the lives of others in his family tree. Who in your ancestry stands out as someone worth writing about? Suggestions on how you might write about them are provided. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

This week Shirley Clarke shares a breathtaking adventure, demonstrating her unwavering spirit to enjoy life regardless of age and stage. At 78 years of age, Shirley cycled down Death Road, in Bolivia - what an incredible achievement. Tips and encouragement on structuring a travel story of your own are also provided. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.