Your life. Your stories. Your legacy.
I’m a bestselling ghostwriter specialising in memoir and company history.
I write books for good people and successful companies with great stories to tell.
A well-lived life deserves a well-written book
I help founders, owners, families and family businesses turn a lifetime of hard-won wisdom into a book that captures their legacy. I’m originally from Ireland but I’ve lived in New Zealand for over 20 years.
As a bestselling ghostwriter I specialise in writing:
Memoirs, biographies and life stories
Company histories and founder stories
Family stories of parents and grandparents
Not sure how or where to start?
You’re not alone. Most of my clients come to me with the same questions:
Is my story worth telling?
Who wants to hear my story?
How will I find the time to write a book?
I can help you answer these, and any other questions you might have about the process. Get in touch for a no-strings-attached chat about your book and how we can collaborate to create a timeless, priceless legacy for your team, family and friends.
Ghostwriting
Write a book about your life, career, company or big idea
I don’t just write your story with you; I help you discover it. I translate your experiences, expertise, and ideas into a book to educate and inspire your audience or celebrate your success. I also interview work colleagues, family and friends to get their insights and stories. Together we reflect on:
1. The big decisions and major turning points in your life and career
2. The sacrifices. The successes. The scars.
3. The mistakes you’ve made and the lessons you’ve learned.
4. The values that guided you.
5. The legacy you want to leave behind.
Origin Stories
Build your brand and your business by sharing the stories behind your success
If you’re not ready to write your book then the Origin Stories process might be perfect for you.
Knowing and sharing your Origin Stories helps you attract attention, build a powerful personal brand and lead with purpose.
Your Origin Stories define:
1. Who you are.
2. Where you come from.
3. What you stand for.
4. Why you do what you do.
What you get when you work with me
Bestselling Ghostwriter
My first book, Zero to 60 topped New Zealand’s non-fiction bestseller list. Since then I’ve written six books for founders and family businesses.
20+ Years of Writing Experience
I spent 15 years as an award-winning journalist before my ghostwriting career took off.
Collaborative Approach
It’s your story told in your voice. My job is to help you start and finish the book you’ve always wanted to write.
Global Clientele
I have experience working with clients across New Zealand, Australia, Dubai, Germany, Ireland, and the US.
“I’ve always believed that it’s a good thing for people to record what’s happening in their lives, no matter what stage they’re at. It doesn’t matter what kind of life you lead, telling your story is the most valuable thing you can do for yourself and for future generations.”
– Tony Quinn
“I loved working through the Origin Story process with Robert. He translated my life and my work into words and sentences that captured the essence of my story. I had tears in my eyes as I was reading it. I highly recommend Robert and the whole process”
– Faye Lawand
Who I’ve worked with
Some of the book projects I’ve collaborated with clients on include:
Ion Man: The Life & Adventures of Bill Buckley. The incredible story of a New Zealand business and technology icon.
Zero to 60 and Beyond. The rags to riches tale of Tony Quinn, a self-made businessman and motorsport legend.
Highlands: If You Build It, They Will Come. A coffee-table style book to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of a tourism and recreation business.
A company history for a purpose-led entrepreneur to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the security/technology company he built.
Current projects include a life story for a successful Irish entrepreneur and a company history to celebrate the 60-year-anniversary of an iconic New Zealand company and its founder.
Writing sample
In Zero to 60 & Beyond, Tony Quinn shares some of the secrets to his success in business and his philosophy on what makes for a good life. He also reflects on the horrific car crash in 2022 that left him fighting for his life.
Here’s an excerpt from the book I wrote with Tony.
“The accident highlighted the fact I’m getting old and Mother Nature is going to beat me. Mother Nature beats all of us. She always wins and we’re fighting a losing battle.
I still think I’m young until I look in the mirror. Despite the fact that my body is failing me and my hair is receding at a rate of knots, I still think that I can achieve things, go places and live a full and interesting life.
The reality is I can’t do what I used to do and it’s annoying. It’s frustrating for everybody my age. I might have the time and money to go and do things that I want to do, but I have to listen to my body. I have to watch what I eat and try to do some exercise while all the time I’m losing my balance and my eyesight is going and different parts of my body hurt at different times. Most of all, I’m annoyed that it’s all coming to an end.
I’ve no regrets, but then most people don’t. If you ask people what they would change if they could live their life all over again, most people — even if they’ve had a shite life and clearly haven’t played their cards well — will tell you they wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve heard people say that and thought to myself, ‘F**k me. I’d change a lot if I were you!’
I can honestly say I wouldn’t change a thing. For someone who started out with nothing, I’ve had a great life. It would be greedy of me to say it could have been better.
I’ve had my share of bad days. Everybody has, but it’s how you cope with the bad days that’s important.”