…and Her Brother, Bill Kingston
Anna Strobel published I Never Dreamed I’d Live on a Farm: My Life Memories with Modern Memoirs in 2025. This Assisted Memoir was commissioned by Anna’s brother, Bill Kingston, and took six months to complete. We asked Strobel and Kingston to reflect on what the publication process was like for them, and what it has meant to share her book with others.
1. Anna, you were 90 years old when you undertook this project. What inspired you to write a memoir at that age?
Anna Strobel: One of my granddaughters wanted to know what it was like growing up during World War II.
2. Bill, what inspired you to help your sister create the book?
Bill Kingston: I saw how much effort she was putting into typing up memories and stories from her childhood, and I thought the collection deserved to be put in a form that would be a real keepsake for family and friends, and a legacy for future generations.
3. Anna, how did you pull the manuscript together? Did you have any earlier writings to draw from, or did you begin from scratch?
Anna Strobel: I had been making notes over the years as I recalled things about my childhood. I also kept a journal, and diaries from trips I had taken. Those were really helpful, as my thinking about the project evolved from just talking about my childhood to creating a full life history.
4. Bill, what did you learn about the publication process along the way?
Bill Kingston: I learned that creating a truly professional product is not just a matter of printing some documents. Illustrations such as the genealogical charts Anna included had to be created, and planning and placement of photos was key. Many of the older photos needed special processing in order to print properly. The assistance of Modern Memoirs in this process was invaluable.
5. Anna, did writing a memoir give you any new perspective on your life?
Anna Strobel: I have received very positive responses from both family and friends. The times I have heard “I never knew that!” are too numerous to count. I hope that those who have seen this book will be inspired to do the same for their families, as it provides a background that enriches relationships.
Liz Sonnenberg is staff genealogist for Modern Memoirs, Inc.