Abstract:
A system for creating a memoir includes: a physical memory; and a processing unit executing instructions stored on the physical memory to perform the following steps: receiving a request from a user to create the memoir; obtaining information about a subject for the memoir; assigning writing of the memoir to a writer; receiving and distributing drafts of the memoir; and presenting the memoir to the user.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Time moves quickly, particularly as one grows older. This acceleration is exacerbated by the proliferation of electronics, which makes the speed at which “life” moves even quicker. As a person grows, certain milestones are celebrated, such as school graduations, marriage, children, etc. Typically, the individual and loved ones attempt to commemorate these celebrations by taking pictures. However, unless the individual is highly motivated, the pictures typically sit in a shoebox under the bed or, more recently, are stored on a computer hard drive along with hundreds of other photos that are rarely or ever revisited. One therefore cannot easily enjoy or reflect upon these special life events. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0002]    In one aspect, a system for creating a memoir includes: a physical memory; and a processing unit executing instructions stored on the physical memory to perform the following steps: receiving a request from a user to create the memoir; obtaining information about a subject for the memoir; assigning writing of the memoir to a writer; receiving and distributing drafts of the memoir; and presenting the memoir to the user. 
         [0003]    In another aspect, a method for drafting a memoir includes: receiving, using a computing device, a request from an entity to create the memoir from a user; obtaining information about a subject for the memoir; assigning writing of the memoir to a writer; receiving and distributing, by the computing device, drafts of the memoir; and presenting the memoir to the user. 
         [0004]    In yet another aspect, a method for drafting a memoir includes: receiving, using a computing device, a request from an entity to create the memoir from a user, the request including answers to a questionnaire that collects standard information from the user; obtaining information about a subject for the memoir, including receiving photographs and other information from the user; assigning writing of the memoir to a writer; providing guidelines to the writer for writing the memoir; setting a schedule for the writer to follow as the writer writes the memoir, including requiring a certain number of words to be created each week of the schedule; conducting interviews regarding the subject of the memoir; receiving and distributing, by the computing device, drafts of the memoir; allowing the user to customize a book encapsulating the memoir; and presenting the memoir to the user. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  shows an example system that supports the creation of a memoir. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  shows example individuals whom are involved in the creation of the memoir using the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  shows an example method for creating the memoir using the system of Figure 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  shows an example method for gathering information for the memoir using the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  shows an example method for drafting the memoir using the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  shows an example timeline for drafting the memoir using the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  shows an example computing device of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for writing memoirs. In examples explained herein, the systems and methods are configured to provide a consistent process to capture certain life experiences in a written and/or electronic format. The example memoirs can take different forms, as described further below. 
         [0013]    In example embodiments, the resulting memoirs have a novelistic style, with personal facts and history written in a literary narrative that will instill the reader with certain memories. It can be biographical, but personalized, so it is in a tone like a memoir. While the memoir is typically nonfiction-based, elements of novel writing are used in a way that makes the life of the subject readable, employing such elements as excitement, drama, and poignancy. 
         [0014]    Various subjects can be used for the memoir. In some examples, the memoirs capture a particular event in life, such as a marriage. In other examples, the memoir focuses more on the totality of the life or one or more protagonists. For example, the memoir can tell the story of a person, couple, family, or business. The resulting memoir, in hardcopy and/or electronic formats, captures the event or life, using facts along with interesting writing style and other materials (e.g., historical facts, photographs etc.) to allow the reader to relive the past event(s). 
         [0015]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an example system  100  is shown that is configured to allow for the creation of a memoir. The system  100  includes a client computer  102 , a writer computer  104 , a network  106  and a server computer  108 . Examples of the client computer  102  and the writer computer  104  are a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a mobile computing device like a cellular telephone or a tablet computer. An example of server computer  108  is a web server computer. More than one client computer  102 , writer computer  104  or server computer  108  may be used. Typically, network  106  is the Internet. 
         [0016]    In some examples, various individuals use the client computer  102 , the writer computer, and the server computer  108  to assist in the creation of the memoir. As shown in  FIG. 2 , individuals  200  that are involved in the creation of the memoir include a client  202 , a project manager  204 , a writer liaison  206 , and a writer  208 . 
         [0017]    The client  202  is the individual, group, and/or entity that commissions the memoir to be written. In this example, the client computer  102  is used by the client  202  to request the memoir, provide information for the memoir, and to review the memoir. For example, the client computer  102  can be used to access a web site hosted on the server computer  108  using a web browser. On that web site, the client  202  can request that a memoir be written, as well as provide information for the memoir. In addition, the client  202  can pay for the service and receive information about the memoir from the server computer  108 . 
         [0018]    The project manager  204  facilitates the process used to create the memoir. In some examples, the project manager  204  manages deadlines and is the primary interface between the client  202  and the writers used to draft the memoir. For example, the project manager  204  communicates with the client  202  through email or telephone to collect information needed to prepare the memoir. 
         [0019]    The writer liaison  206  and the writer  208  actually write the memoir based upon information provided by the client  202 . In one example, the writer liaison  206  is an editor that tracks deadlines and revises the memoir. The writer  208  is the individual that gathers facts and actually writes the first draft and revisions of the memoir. 
         [0020]    The writer computer  104  is used by the writer  208  to facilitate the writing of the memoir. For example, the writer  208  can use the writer computer  104  to access information from the server computer  108 , like information about the client  202  (e.g., biographical information, photographs, etc.). The writer computer  104  can also be used to draft the memoir, using word processing software like Microsoft Word from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash. Further, the writer computer  104  can be used by the writer  208  to communicate with the client  202  and the writer liaison  206  to, for example, submit drafts of the memoir for review. 
         [0021]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an example method  300  for creating the memoir is shown. Various steps of the method  300  are performed by the client  202 , project manager  204 , writer liaison  206 , and writer  208 . 
         [0022]    Initially, at step  301 , the client  202  commissions the memoir. This can be accomplished, for example, by accessing information about the process on a web site hosted on the server computer  108 . This information can include the type of memoir desired (e.g., personal—focusing on the life of one individual; couple—focusing on the lives of two individuals; family—focusing on the lives of a family; business—focusing on the history of a venture; etc.), amount of services requested (e.g., breadth of subject of memoir, external research required, and interior and exterior features of memoir), type of memoir binding (e.g., various themes can be used to define the binding of the memoir, such as: classical—bound in classic colors; landscape—bound in landscape orientation; colonial—in American colonial style; naturist—with clean lines), size and other features of the memoir, and/or pricing information. 
         [0023]    Next, after the desired memoir is selected, information about the client  202  is gathered at step  302 . This can include payment information (e.g., a retainer or full amount for services rendered can be collected). Other information can also be gathered about the memoir. 
         [0024]    For example, referring to  FIG. 4 , the client  202  completes an information sheet that gathers information needed to write the memoir. This information can be communicated electronically to the server computer  108 , or the client  202  can fill out a hardcopy information packet. 
         [0025]    As part of this process, at step  402 , information about the desired time frame for the memoir is identified, such as an entire life or specific years to be explored. In another example, a specific major event (e.g., marriage, child, etc.) can be selected, and information about that event is provided. 
         [0026]    Next, at step  404 , the purpose of the memoir is defined by the client  202 . For example, the purpose can be to commemorate a person or specific event. In addition, the predicted use of the memoir is provided, such as private (used privately by a set of individuals), heirloom (used for a particular family), or for sharing with others, such as family and/or friends. Further, such information as the main premise or theme for the memoir is provided, along with special circumstances, like whether or not the memoir is gift for someone else. Finally, information about certain events to avoid is also provided. 
         [0027]    Next, at step  406 , the relevant events for the memoir are identified. This is provided in a chronology that assists in the writing of the memoir. Examples of such events include date of birth, schools attended, jobs worked, places lived, marriage, and birth of children, as well as dates associated with each. Specific events can be identified as most significant or life-changing, so that special attention is provided to them. Further, topics such as unfulfilled ambitions and key memories can also be explored. 
         [0028]    Finally, at step  408 , the client  202  identifies contacts to be interviewed for the memoir. The contacts list can be provided in order of importance, and the list can include both contact names, relationship to the client, and contact information (e.g., telephone number and email address). As described further below, the writer  208  can use these contacts to gather information for the memoir. 
         [0029]    Referring back to  FIG. 3 , once the client  202  submits this information, the project manager  204  reviews the information and assigns a writer at step  304 . This process can include selecting a writer from a given talent pool (e.g., some writers may specialize in particular types of writing styles), availability, etc. 
         [0030]    In some examples, the writers are given a test to determine competency. This test can be standardized so that the skills of each writer can be objectively compared to other writers. In one example, each writer is provided with basic client information about a memoir and asked to write a portion or the entire memoir. The resulting writing is then analyzed to determine competency. Those writers showing a requisite skill set are added to the list of writers that are available to write memoirs for the system  100 . 
         [0031]    The selected writer  208  and writer liaison  206  are notified of the memoir and are provided with materials about the client  202 . Again, such material can be accessed using the writer computer  104 . 
         [0032]    For example, the client  202  can use the client computer  102  to access a personal portal hosted on the server computer  108  once the memoir is commissioned. As described further below, the client  202  uses the portal to review drafts, as well as provide information about the memoir. The client  202  can, for example, upload pictures, letters, keepsakes, and other information that is germane to the memoir. The writer  208  uses the writer computer  104  to access the uploaded information from the server computer  108  during preparation of the memoir. 
         [0033]    At step  306 , the writer  208  conducts interviews with the contacts provided by the client  202 . For example, if the memoir is about a wedding, the writer  208  may interview the bride and groom, as well as others associated with the wedding, such as the best man and woman, family, and/or attendees. 
         [0034]    This is accomplished by the writer  208  contacting each individual based upon the information provided by the client  202 . In some examples, a form email or script is provided that streamlines the communications between the writer  208  and the interviewees. The writer  208  schedules a period of time (e.g., 1-2 hours) with each contact to conduct the interview. In some examples, the interviews are recorded and transmitted to the server computer  108  for storage. 
         [0035]    In some examples, the interviews are conducted in person. In others, the interviews are conducted by telephone or video conference. For example, in one embodiment, the interviews are conducted online using a service such as Skype, and the interviews are captured as they are conducted on the writer computer  104 . 
         [0036]    During the interviews, the writer  208  follows a specific sequence for each interview. For example, the interviews can be done based upon the importance of each individual as ranked by the client  202 . Generally, the interviews are conducted in the order from the individual with the most information on down to the individual with the least information. For example, if the memoir is about a grandfather&#39;s life, the grandfather would be interviewed first, then the grandfather&#39;s son, since the son is likely to have the most pertinent information. This allows the writer  208  to assess the information obtained after each interview and to plan future interviews to obtain needed information. 
         [0037]    During each interview, the writer  208  asks questions that will assist the writer  208  in writing the memoir. These questions will be specific to the type of memoir that is being written. Typically, these questions are prepared in advance by the writer  208 , although the writer  208  is prepared to follow-up on questions as the interview progresses to obtain information. 
         [0038]    The interview is conducted in a conversational manner so that a maximum amount of information is obtained. Important information, such as the correct spellings of names and places, is emphasized so that the memoir is accurate when written. In addition, a time at the end of each interview is provided so that the interviewee can add any personal or philosophical statements about the subject of the memoir. For example, for the grandfather&#39;s memoir, the son is given the opportunity to express what his grandfather has meant to him over the years. This is typically accomplished using open-ended questions. 
         [0039]    In one example, one or more of the interviews are transcribed, and the content (e.g., audio and/or transcription) is stored on the server computer  108 . 
         [0040]    Next, at step  308 , the writer  208  is tasked with outlining the contents of the memoir. This process assures that the memoir is complete, and the writer  208  can be required to work with the writer liaison  206  to assure that the scope of the memoir, as defined by the outline, is agreed upon before the writing begins. 
         [0041]    Once the outline is finalized, the writer  208  begins writing the memoir at steps  310  and  312 . In some examples, the writing process is broken into specified segments with specified review so that the entire process of writing the memoir is standardized. 
         [0042]    For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the writer  208  begins writing the memoir by defining certain aspects of the memoir. 
         [0043]    These aspects can include defining the setting for the memoir at step  502 . The setting is important in establishing a sense of place in the memoir. This can be important to the client  202 , since place always has a lasting significance in one&#39;s personal story. At times, the writer  208  researches beyond what information is provided by the client  202  to develop the setting, such as place of birth or where the protagonist lived. 
         [0044]    In addition, the writer  208  identifies themes at step  504 . The themes typically come out of the interview process and highlight a characteristic or several characteristics of the memoir&#39;s subject. For instance, if the memoir is about adversity over difficult circumstances, this would be the main theme of the memoir. A secondary theme would be that, in each circumstance where the subject seemed to be close to defeat, some person or circumstance seemed to come at the right time to the memoir subject&#39;s aid. Another theme might be the subject&#39;s interest in a particular avocation or hobby, such as becoming a pilot, or a mountain climber, which, though separate from their work-day existence, had a large impact on their life. The theme and subthemes are developed by the writer  208  prior to writing the memoir. 
         [0045]    Further, the writer  208  manages and incorporates materials into the memoir at step  506 . Examples of such materials include photographs, letters, wedding and birth announcements, etc. This material can be incorporated as a featured part of the memoir when completed. 
         [0046]    In one alternative example, the writer  208  uses the writer computer  104  to assist in incorporating materials. For example, if a large corpus of electronic photographs is provided by the client  102 , the writer  208  can use automated and/or manual facial tagging to identify certain pictures for inclusion in the memoir. If the writer  208  is writing a memoir about a family, the writer  208  can conduct one or more queries on the writer computer  104  to automatically identify photographs of the family for inclusion in the memoir. In some examples, the facial recognition is manual, allowing the client  202  and/or the writer  208  to tag people shown in each photograph. In another example, automated facial recognition software is used to automatically identify the people in each photograph. 
         [0047]    In addition, the writer  208  can conduct follow-up interviews as necessary to gather additional information. For example, when preparing the outline, the writer  208  may realize that additional information about a particular subject is needed. If this is the case, the writer  208  can contact the appropriate interviewees to follow-up to obtain the needed information. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a timeline  600  is used to prepare the memoir. This timeline  600  assures that the memoir is prepared in a timely fashion and according to reproducible results. 
         [0049]    According to the timeline  600 , a length of 12 weeks is provided to write the memoir. More or less time can be provided, as needed, depending on the project. The timeline  600  is utilized to enhance performance and consistency across the different memoirs that are prepared. 
         [0050]    In one example, the timeline  600  is implemented on the host computer  108  so that an automated system is used to track the milestones on the timeline  600 . For example, in one embodiment, project tracking software, such as SharePoint 2013 and Project 2013 from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., is used. Other configurations are possible. 
         [0051]    During the first two weeks of the timeline  600 , the writer  208  conducts interviews, compiles notes, and prepare the outline. The writer  208  provides the interview information (e.g., audio files and/or transcripts) and outline to the writer liaison  206 . As previously noted, the writer liaison  206  approves the outline prior to work beginning on the writing of the memoir. 
         [0052]    At approximately four weeks, the writer  208  completes a first section of the memoir and sends the completed section to the writer liaison  206  for review. In some examples, each milestone requires a specific number of words to be completed, such as 1000 words a day or 5000 words a week. As each section is completed, it is communicated (e.g., by email) to the writer liaison  206 . The writer liaison  206  checks the quality of the work and discusses any issues with the writer  208  so that the memoir stays on course. 
         [0053]    The writer liaison  206  continues to review sections as provided each day and/or week. At six weeks, the writer  208  completes the first half of the memoir. At this time, the first half of the memoir is communicated to the client  202 . The client  202  is thereupon able to provide feedback. Typically, the feedback is in the form of factual revisions, rather than stylistic revisions. 
         [0054]    At week eight, the memoir is three-quarters complete, and the process of writing and review continues. At week ten, the memoir is complete, typically including approximately 40,000-45,000 words, although the length can vary by project. The writer liaison  206  reviews the work, and any final edits are made. The second half of the memoir can also be communicated to the client  202  for factual review. 
         [0055]    At week eleven, the complete memoir is communicated to the client  202  for a final factual review. The writer  208  and writer liaison  206  make any final changes to the memoir at this time, and the memoir can be formatted for printing. 
         [0056]    Referring back to  FIG. 3 , finally the memoir is completed at step  314 . This includes any final formatting, as well as binding of the memoir. The memoir is delivered to the client  202 , and electronic copies of the memoir (if provided) can be accessed from the server computer  108 . In some examples, multiple copies can be provided, and each copy can be individualized depending on the audience. For example, the cover can be changed depending on to whom the memoir is being given. 
         [0057]    Although the example described above relates to a memoir, other types of writings can also be done. In another example, the writing relates to a particular event, such as a wedding. As noted above, such a memoir would focus on the two individuals getting married, and the interviews and thrust of the memoir would be tailored accordingly. The process for preparing such a memoir would be similar to that provided above. 
         [0058]    In such an example, ancillary information and products can be provided in addition to the memoir commemorating the event. In some examples, such products include mementos like the printed wedding invitation, memorialized wedding vows, etc. 
         [0059]    Many or all of the tasks associated with the preparation of the memoir described above are tied to the computers and technology described herein. For example, the overall process can be tracked and facilitated by the host computer  108 , as described above. The interviews can be conducted and captured using the technology described herein. Finally, the writing, formatting, and presentation of the memoir can be done electronically. In some examples, the memoir is delivered in an electronic format, being hosted on the host computer  108  for access by the client. This technology is integral to the efficiency and consistency of the process. 
         [0060]    There are various advantages to the systems and methods described herein. One advantage of the methods described above is that the subjective process of writing a memoir is standardized, so that memoirs can be created for many clients using a predictable, repeatable, and scalable process. In this manner, the system can be scaled (increased or decreased) depending on demand. For example, if more memoirs are requested, additional writers can be retained. Because of the standardized process and review, the work product from these additional writings will conform to the other memoirs prepared by other writers to that a consistent product is delivered to each client. 
         [0061]      FIG. 10  illustrates example physical components of the server computer  108 . The description of the physical components of server computer  108  herein also applies to client computer  102  and writer computer  104 . 
         [0062]    As illustrated in the example of  FIG. 10 , the server computer  108  is a computing device that includes at least one central processing unit (“CPU”)  1002 , a system memory  1008 , and a system bus  1022  that couples the system memory  1008  to the CPU  1002 . The system memory  1008  includes a random access memory (“RAM”)  1010  and a read-only memory (“ROM”)  1012 . A basic input/output system contains the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the server computer  108 , such as during startup, is stored in the ROM  1012 . The server computer  108  further includes a mass storage device  1014 . The mass storage device  1014  is able to store software instructions and data. 
         [0063]    The mass storage device  1014  is connected to the CPU  1002  through a mass storage controller (not shown) connected to the system bus  1022 . The mass storage device  1014  and its associated computer-readable data storage media provide non-volatile, non-transitory storage for the server computer  108 . Although the description of computer-readable data storage media contained herein refers to a mass storage device, such as a hard disk or solid state disk, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that computer-readable data storage media can be any available non-transitory, physical device or article of manufacture from which the central display station can read data and/or instructions. 
         [0064]    Computer-readable data storage media include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable software instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Example types of computer-readable data storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROMs, digital versatile discs (“DVDs”), other optical storage media, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the server computer  108 . 
         [0065]    According to various embodiments of the invention, the server computer  108  may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to remote network devices through the network  106 , such as a local network, the Internet, or another type of network. The server computer  108  may connect to the network  106  through a network interface unit  1004  connected to the system bus  1022 . It should be appreciated that the network interface unit  1004  may also be utilized to connect to other types of networks and remote computing systems. The server computer  108  also includes an input/output controller  1006  for receiving and processing input from a number of other devices, including a keyboard, a mouse, a touch user interface display screen, or another type of input device. Similarly, the input/output controller  1006  may provide output to a touch user interface display screen, a printer, or other type of output device. 
         [0066]    As mentioned briefly above, the mass storage device  1014  and the RAM  1010  of the server computer  108  can store software instructions and data. The software instructions include an operating system  1018  suitable for controlling the operation of the server computer  108 . The mass storage device  1014  and/or the RAM  1010  also store software instructions, that when executed by the CPU  1002 , cause the server computer  108  to provide the functionality of the server computer  108  discussed in this document. For example, the mass storage device  1014  and/or the RAM  1010  can store software instructions that, when executed by the CPU  1002 , cause the server computer  108  to display received physiological data on the display screen of the server computer  108 . 
         [0067]    Although various embodiments are described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that many modifications may be made thereto within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the disclosure in any way be limited by the examples provided.