Conversation
I gather your story through a series of relaxed, confidential recorded interviews, usually in your own home.
Privately commissioned biographies
Your life story,
thoughtfully preserved
I create privately commissioned biographies from recorded interviews, guiding each project from conversation to a beautifully printed book.
Discover the biography service40+ biographies • Hundreds of oral history interviews
A life, held in your own words
More than a record of events
A personal biography preserves the stories, memories and character that photographs and family trees alone cannot hold.
I offer a complete, highly personal service—from our first recorded conversation through transcription, writing, careful consultation, book design and printing.
You have final say over what appears in your book. Our interviews remain confidential, allowing you to speak freely while I work with discretion and respect.
How it works
A considered process,
from memories to book
Craft
I shape our interviews into a compelling first-person narrative while carefully preserving your voice and character.
Printed legacy
After your review and approval, the biography is professionally designed and produced as a beautiful book for your family.
A full biography is an unhurried collaboration, generally completed over 18–24 months.
About me
Listening for the life behind the facts
Hello, I'm Margaret. I am a Perth oral historian and biographer with more than 26 years' experience. I have written and produced over 40 biographies and conducted hundreds of oral history interviews.
Through Nine Lives Biography Services, I bring patience, warmth and editorial skill to every commission. My approach honours your natural voice while giving your biography the shape and clarity of a beautifully told story.
I undertake every biography project personally—from the first interview to the final page.
My oral history work has included projects for Kings Park, Royal Perth Yacht Club, Hale School and Edith Cowan University. In addition to conducting interviews, I have produced edited audio files, interview summaries and transcripts, and published articles for use in social and historical projects.
A lasting family heirloom
Books made to be held,
shared and remembered
Begin a conversation
Every biography begins
with someone's story
If you are considering preserving your own life story—or that of someone you love—I welcome an initial, obligation-free conversation.