From her website:

Lessons From Life was created out of the life experiences of Susan T. Hessel, a newspaper reporter-turned freelance writer who found she was increasingly writing Corporate histories, personal memoirs, and family stories.

Clients appreciate Hessel's ability to get inside their histories and retell them with warmth, humor, and sensitivity.

"In every project, someone tells me, 'Oh you don't want to write about that. That was such a bad time.' I always answer, 'That is precisely what future generations need to know about--how you struggled and how you survived.' That's true for families and it's true for businesses."
Hessel enjoys telling the stories--what she calls the true "Lessons From Life" because they make individuals, companies, and families proud, and give insights and make connections between generations. Also, sometimes, there are anecdotes that make people laugh.
Whatever your project, it will get done on time and to your specifications.

Would you like Sue to speak to your group about writing your life story, family history and/or creating your ethical will? She is available for one and two hour talks and to teach multi-session classes to your organization.

Q: What does it mean to be a personal historian?
A: It means I save lives … without blood or guts but one story at a time. Typically I work with people who want to preserve their family stories, their business stories, their personal stories and just don't know how to do it or have the time or skill to save them.

Q: Why do you call your business Lessons From Life?
A: We don't have to be famous, wealthy or even important to preserve our history. I've come to realize that all of us have lessons to share that we have learned in life that we should pass on to future generations.

I helped LeRoy Butler with his book, From Wheelchair to Lambeau Leap. As he said about me, "In doing my book, Sue Hessel helped me share the lessons of my life--that perseverance, dedication, loyalty, and strong family ties will lead to success."

Q: OK, I'm convinced that I want to preserve my family history. How do I begin?
A: The challenge often is to convince your loved ones that they have something to say. Many people think because they aren't famous or important that there is no reason to record their stories. But it's the ordinary struggles in life that are important to share because they can give children, grandchildren and future generations courage to face their own challenges.

Q: What can someone do to prepare?
A: Gather historical photographs for scanning and labeling along with other memorabilia. Also gather dairies and journals, create a list of prospective chapter titles, identify historical events that will need research. Identify who in the family/business knows about the important stories that need to be preserved. Plan to record interviews with these family and/or business members.

Q: Why a personal historian?
A: Just about everyone wants to record their family, personal and business history today. But they never seem to get "'round to it." So another holiday season passes without their getting the greatest gift of all - a book, DVD or audio recording of the history that made you who you are.