From Past Clients

Kathy and I wrote a history of Seiler Instrument Company and the Seiler family. I am not sure that I, by myself, would have gotten our history of the company and the Seiler family completed. Kathy was a great help in helping me complete the history. Her help in writing and finishing the book was paramount and it turned out as I had hoped. I would recommend Kathy’s help with any history or written documents that might be needed.

Eric P. Seiler | May 2021

Kathy, you did a great job. I talked way too much, and you listened . . . you listened well. You really made my story come into being. They were my words, but you put them together and listened between the lines.

It’s been important to me to write this book, to pass on what we built and what we value. I hope our kids and grandkids read it and learn something about what it was like to build the hotel business and about the family they came from. This modern world is a hard place to get along, but if they can learn the lessons my folks taught us nine kids growing up on the farm during the Depression, it might just help them make it. Mom and Daddy taught us about church, family, giving to the poor, hard work, and how not to get kicked by the same mule twice. I hope my book passes those lessons along to our kids and does our family some good. Thank you for all you did.

Charles L. Drury Sr. | Don't Get Kicked by the Same Mule Twice | 2019

Over the past few years, Kathy Evans has written my memoir as well as our Walker family history. I recommend her without reservation. She has done a thorough, sensitive, and even-handed job, and it's been a great pleasure to work with her. Her listening skills and writing skills are both top-notch. She's done a great deal of research to bring alive my life and our family stories, all in their historical context. It's meant so much to our family to learn more about the lives and histories of our ancestors in the city of Saint Louis, beginning with the arrival of my great-grandfather, David Davis Walker, in 1857. She's uncovered some wonderful history that none of us knew about!

Through a long business career and in the course of my service as US Ambassador to Hungary (2003-2006), I've had the opportunity to meet many outstanding writers. Kathy Evans without doubt is among the very best if not at the top of the list. I am glad to be contacted with any questions regarding this fine writer.

George Herbert Walker III | A Fourth City Family: The Lives and Legacies of the Walkers in St. Louis | 2019

My cousin in Canada told me the book I sent him was required reading for his sons.

Bill P. | Gear Up: A Good Flight | 2011

Writing this book with you has been a lifelong plan, and it is a dream come true. I had it in my head and memory and brain, and you and you alone tapped the spot in my heart to draw it out and put it all together. I couldn't imagine my life story ever becoming what Dancing on His Shoes turned out to be.

The day you came up with that title, I knew I was home safe with a friend that knew me as well as I know myself. I was in your hands and I knew all would right. It was a very long journey in a short amount of time, but that is also true of my life. Our chats were so therapeutic for me, and I felt healthier because of them. It meant more to me than you can know.

Shirley D. | Dancing on His Shoes | 2007

It was at the suggestion of the late Bert Walker that I approached Kathy Evans of “Write for You” Life Stories, an outstanding memoirist and biographer here in St. Louis. She later recruited Eric Engles of Editcraft and Suzanne Fox of Bookstrategy to all of whom I literally owe the completion of this work. Writing biographies is a very special skill that does not come naturally, and I have learned a great deal from each of these very talented individuals.

Kathy's superb editing skills helped me to build my rough manuscript into something of which I could be truly proud—far better than I could have achieved on my own. She is a true master of the written word.

Peter Raven | Driven by Nature: A Personal Journey from Shanghai to Botany and Global Sustainability |  2021

Family comments after reading our book: “Exceeded our expectations.” “It is a treasure, and I can’t put it down.” “I learned some things I didn’t know.” “I go to my porch and read some each day, so it will last longer.” “It is the prettiest book I have ever seen.”

We have a home film that features our parents and aunt and uncle reminiscing at the Christmas dinner table. Their good spirits and candid conversation reveal present times and feelings. Their familiar smiles with quiet chuckles are, as always, contagious.

At some point, my siblings and I realize following generations may never know our voices, faces, and stories. We grasp value in a book for our next generations. At this point we contact Kathy Evans to ask her opinion about our proposed book. Kathy suggests a family meeting. After a summer reunion, all the siblings and spouses gather to introduce ourselves to Kathy. In a six-hour meeting, sitting around a table, we tell stories and answer Kathy’s questions. I do not think that long meetings are normal, but our family is scattered, and this will turn out to be the only opportunity for all five of us together to meet face-to-face with Kathy.

We scatter family photos on the table. Kathy is drawn to a photograph of Mammaw holding her great-granddaughter, then only six weeks old. Kathy lifts the picture from the table and gets tears in her eyes. At that moment, she endears herself to our family. We enjoy a comfortable afternoon conversation about family stories.

Throughout our book Kathy weaves parallel family stories with historic events. Her concise sentences and sculpted vocabulary flow to flawless reading enjoyment. A family poet joins Kathy to give the pear tree a poetic voice; Kathy is open to new ideas. We find our lost ancestors, some of whom are Scottish, some of whom traveled on the Mayflower. We consider this glossy polish to our ancestry. We change our course during the writing: new voices, chapters rearranged, always keeping the family heart in the book.

Much of our work is during the pandemic. This book takes longer than we expect. True depiction of family goals, accurate family profiles, and a clear intent to preserve our parents’ values take time. Our family believes that hard work has its rewards, and our family book is an example of hard work. It exceeds our expectations.

Kathy, we are joyful with our book in hand. Thank you.

Linda Lankford | What the Pear Tree Saw | 2021

Greg sent me the finished copies of My First 80 Years after I had left for Florida. So when they arrived, I headed for the sun and read it to the end. Thank you, Kathy, for an excellent story of those 80 years. How you did it from the tapes, phone calls, and our personal interviews, I don't know. I am handing copies out as my family visits us here. Thank you for everything.

Ray Case | My First 80 Years | 2001

When I began writing my autobiography, Because It's There, I realized I needed a good editor to assist me. I immediately contacted Kathy Evans of Write for You. We met at my apartment in St. Louis and I discussed my ideas. She was interested in the project and accepted the employment.

I knew absolutely after our one talk that she had the talent for the job, plus an outgoing cheerful attitude that gave her confidence in my ability in this uncharted area. I asked only that she would make sure we would end up with MY book that reflected my ways and ideas. She followed my directions faithfully and helped create a book that all my family and friends say is precisely how I talk and think. I will be eternally grateful to her for her help and guidance.

Kathy is not only a gifted writer, she is pleasant and cheerful to work with. She always had the proper approach at hand. I particularly admire her complete commitment to keep appointments and schedules. She always was prepared so all work went easily and smoothly. I completely recommend Kathy Evans for any writing project and say I worked with her closely for two years and I enjoyed every moment.

Jeremiah Nixon X | Because It's There | 2013

I wish to take a moment or two to congratulate you and express my appreciation for your work in preparing my life story. Since the completion of the book, it has made the rounds of many of my family members and several individuals at my law firm.

Most of the readers did not realize what a "rounder" I had been in my younger life, and without exception, they were all truly impressed with your skills and professionalism in making the narrative such interesting reading. Of course, I told everyone that I didn't have the courage to let all the skeletons out of the closet!

I think I may have influenced others to do what I have done, with your help. You can rest assured you will have my strongest recommendation if they choose to do likewise.

Jerome Bollatto | The Life of Jerome Bollatto | 2004

Thinking about writing a book? Not sure if you’re able? Don’t know how to start? Call Kathy Evans at Write for You. She has answered all of the above questions for me, and my book is a reality.

This book was about my life, but it was also about Kathy’s work. Thanks to her, a million times. Also, the layout was beautiful; John did a really nice job, and the maps added so much. 

Barbara Hill | Shout Gratitude! | 2020

Even though you don't hear from us often, we think of you. We loved having you take the histories of our lives and appreciated all the work you did on both books. They continue to be gifts to us and to our whole family. It was fun and serious when we met with you, and we do hope others will go with you.

We had fun sharing our histories and we really had a lot of joy being with you and a lot of laughter. I hope you had the same fun with us. With our biographies, the biggest problem that we have encountered is that everyone wishes to read them, and they want to take it with them. When we loan a copy, we have a hard time having it returned! They all think it's wonderful. We wish you the best in your business.

Ed and Betty Cunliff | A Life of Gratitude and The Tapestry of My Life | 2012

Thanks to Kathy Evans, who helped me organize my messy manuscript and sketches, encouraged me to add details to my commentary, edited much of my writing, and helped me immensely with my genealogy.

Ed T. | Life Lessons from my Boyhood in the Bootheel | 2013

It was a pleasure working with you on the Gordon Memoir. You were very brave to take on a project with five authors. The conclusion of the project was very timely. We lost both our beloved middle sister and our aunt just before the book came out, but both had the chance to read the full manuscript before passing. Thankfully, all five sisters were able to participate in writing the book.

Kathy, as the family members read the memoir the feedback has been full of appreciation and thanks for this family treasure that is so well written.  

A special “Thanks” from Dick and I for your professional guidance & patience  throughout this beautiful project! Our experience left us with the highest regard for you and your professional talent, and we wish you the best in future projects.

Nancy and Dick Shoemate | Dale & Alzata Gordon: A Patchwork Quilt of Memories | 2019

I could not have been more pleased with your professionalism and with your style of writing in recording my story. The members of my family who have read the book are extremely pleased with the way you were able to include bits of humor into an otherwise factual narrative.

Kathy, it was a real pleasure working with you. Your ability to adjust your busy schedule with my busy schedule made it possible to accomplish the otherwise impossible! I would certainly encourage others to seriously consider having you record their life story—even those who don't feel they have anything of interest to record. They will be very pleasantly surprised! The very best of everything to a very talented lady!

Ray W. Harmon | A Privilege To Serve | 2003

What’s the worst that can happen? This was my first thought approximately ten years ago when I made the somewhat shaky decision to pen my memoir, to tell my story and that of my family's heritage. After much contemplation, reading how-to books, taking a class at the community college, sitting in front of my computer with loads of good intentions, I had my answer. It is much harder than I ever imagined.

Mentally, I put the project away, thinking it would never happen. And then along came Kathy Evans of Write for You. Now after four years and many hours with Kathy, I have my story. Thank you, Kathy! I've written this story for my children, grandchildren, and all those people who might be interested. Obviously, there's a lot I've left out and I'm sure there's a lot I've forgotten, but this is a memoir, so I'm counting on my memories.

I now leave the story to my children and grandchildren. Let them continue to tell the story of the Sandy Jaffe family and all that comes after. They will be creating and relating their own stories to their children and grandchildren.

Sandy Jaffe | What's the Worst That Can Happen? | 2014

From the Families and Other Readers

Kathy! Please don't change a thing that you're doing. The process has been a healing and happy one for Dad. Dad told me on Thursday that this book has been one of the "greatest experiences of his life." I want it to continue in that vein.

This process should probably be prescribed for everyone who is grieving! Thanks Kathy, for providing him with this tremendous opportunity. The whole family is looking forward to reading it!

Missy Fish on her father's book, One Damn Thing After Another | 2007

Hiring Kathy Evans was a 70th birthday present for my husband, C.W. Scherer. He is an Army Special Forces Viet Nam veteran, a Green Beret, who rarely speaks about his experiences in the military. I had long wanted a written record of his life for our children and grandchildren, but he could never seem to find the time to write anything. Kathy did a wonderful job of talking with him and bringing out his story during her visits. Her research about the Viet Nam era placed his story in historical context. Kathy wrote the book, but she captured C.W.’s voice in telling his story. The book was exactly what I was looking for in recording C.W.’s life. I cannot thank Kathy enough for the time and effort she gave to this book.

Barbara Lowes on her husband's book, Silver Wings and a Green Beret: The Life of C.W. Scherer | 2017

I ordered Absolutely Fearless, and my husband finished it last night. He reads tons of history and military books. He said it was the best military book he has ever read and maybe the best book he has ever read. He’s getting a copy for our library. He said he was crying at 1:00 a.m. as he read it.

Lisa Brennan on Absolutely Fearless: The Life of Raymond H. Littge, Missouri’s Top Scoring WWII Fighter Pilot Ace | 2020

My mother and my family took a wonderful journey of discovery and delight with Kathy Evans’ Write For You Life Stories. In research that she conducted for my mother’s autobiography, Kathy found records and print media unknown and unavailable to the family. She wove them with my mother’s anecdotal reports into a complete and loving narrative portrait.

Kathy’s writing perfectly captured my mother’s English voice and easygoing conversational manner. My initial anxiety about the rather unknown total cost pricing was largely allayed as time progressed when I saw the detailed billing and realized what the final product would be. Our family was delighted with my mother’s book and cherish it and writer-biographer Kathy. Prospective clients of “Write For You” Life Stories will have an heirloom to pass along to family members that keeps memories fresh and loved ones alive forever. And that is truly what my mother wished to do.  

Christopher Kurth on his mother’s book, My Life on Both Sides of the Pond: The Life of Diana K. | 2012

Kathy, Dad is thrilled and I can't thank you enough. In retrospect I realize that it was the process of life review that you took him through, not the product, that meant the most for Dad. He looked forward to each and every interview with you and would often call soon after to recount what you'd discussed. He couldn't believe how interested you were in him and his life. You drew things out of him that his children never knew about. I know he's disappointed that the two of you don't have your chats anymore!

Of course, for the rest of us it is the product that we will cherish—for generations. You did an excellent job of capturing and organizing Dad's life. It is classic Dad through and through—though perhaps a bit more polished! I flowed right through my first reading of it and just loved everything about it. Your writing style was perfect. I can't thank you enough. The entire experience of working with you—from start to finish—has been a joy. 

Greg Case on his father’s book, My First 80 Years | 2001

Kathy, What you wrote is far beyond what we expected when we asked you to write the story of Dick’s uncle, Ray Littge, Missouri’s highest scoring fighter ace of World War II. We thought it would just be a matter of getting his stories on paper and taking information from newspaper articles, but what you did far surpassed that. Setting the story in its time and in the context of the war in the European theater made the story much richer. This book will mean a lot to his family and perhaps to others who are interested in the P-51 Mustang pilots, in particular the Bluenosed Bastards of Bodney.

An unexpected bonus is that we thought we were just hiring an author but we ended up gaining a friend.  Working with you and getting to know you has been our pleasure.  In addition to being very professional, you are a warm and considerate lady.  It has been gratifying to interact with you on this project and we couldn’t be more pleased with how you have told Ray’s life story.  His legacy will live on through your writing.

Carolyn Becker and Dick Schmelig on Dick’s uncle’s book, Absolutely Fearless: The Life of Ray Littge, World War II Fighter Pilot Ace | 2020

Thank you for the time you spent with Molly. She enjoyed your conversations more than you can imagine. Her story, written in your book, will be with our family for generations, and we are ever grateful to have that story now.

Jan D. on her mother-in-law's book, Far From Home | 2003

I want to thank you for the incredible gift you've given me of my father's life story. It is priceless. I have picked it up several times and read a few pages, and marvel that my father's life is in a book—a beautiful book. The workmanship on the binding, the layout of the pages, and the printing are all first class. The best and most marvelous thing for me though, is that when I read the pages, I heard my dad's laughter coming through as if he were right there telling the story to me. His voice, his unique way of turning a phrase, is captured in the words. It truly is not just a story about him, but he is telling his story.

I am grateful that his story will live on. His children, grandchildren, and their children will be able to know him even though he may no longer be with us. His great-grandchildren might read this book and see part of themselves in their great-grandfather. While you were working with my father, he would call and thank me for sending you his way. Memories bubbled up that he hadn't thought about in years. It was a cathartic experience for him at 75 to think of all he had done, all the people he had touched, and all who had touched him. He relished you coming over to not only hear his stories but to record them so his life story would live after he was no longer able to tell it.

You witnessed his life by listening to him and you made his story into a beautiful book that my family will always treasure. Thank you.

Kathy James on her father's book, You Can't Push Me to Heaven | 2001

My father greatly looked forward to your weekly visits; they were the highlight of his week. I am sure his story is as complete as it is because he did not want your visits to end. Your special way of listening made him feel comfortable and at ease with telling his story. With you, a non-family member but a trusted confidante, he could freely plumb his memory and share openly in a way he wouldn't have with one of his children. Reading the book was an experience full of wonder for us—his children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. We learned so much about his life that we had never heard before. His recollections about his upbringing on the farm were detailed and colorful, and accounts of his service during World War II left us all astonished. Recounting his story became his "life review" and gave him a deeply felt sense of integration, completion, and the satisfaction of setting the record straight.

Our family treasures his published memoir, and we are very grateful that he made an investment in something that will be cherished for generations.

Paula Gill on her father's book, I'm a Believer | 2013

In the last year of Dad’s life I saw an ad in the Webster-Kirkwood Times about Kathy Evans helping a person to write the story of one’s life. I already had some memories written down by my mother and father 15 years earlier, but I thought I would never write a book and, with my mother deceased, I knew that Dad wouldn’t write one either without help and guidance.  So I contacted Kathy.  

I told her that it would be wonderful for us to have a book after she would interview and visit with my dad.  She told me that it would be wonderful for him!  And it truly was.  Each day she visited was a joy to him as he would say, "When is she coming back?"

Kathy wrote down his memories to capture HIM, his life in old North St. Louis from 1908 to the 1930s, then marriage and moving to Baden, then Crestwood and finally, Webster Groves. Dad always thought everyone would read his book and enjoy it.  Well, everyone who has read it has enjoyed it! She incorporated my mother’s and my father’s written anecdotes and created a book that we cherish.  However, the most important part of the whole experience was that he got to relive his wonderful 97 years in the last year of HIS life.  Thank you, Kathy.  Without a writer, it would not be a book.

Perrin Stifel on his father’s book, The Life of Eugene Herbert Stifel: A St. Louisan for the Twentieth Century | 2006