Forget Me Not Life Writing

About Annette Bannon

Founder of Forget Me Not Life Writing, Auckland, New Zealand Annette - Tightly Cropped About Page Photo

Hi, I'm Annette Bannon — founder of Forget Me Not Life Writing, based in Auckland, New Zealand.

I help people preserve the stories, memories, wisdom, and practical information that matter most — creating meaningful legacy resources for families now and future generations.

This work is deeply personal to me.

Annette as a young child with her mother

When I was five years old, my mother passed away from cancer at just 30 years old, leaving behind three daughters. For many years, I wondered why she had never written us a letter or left behind words of advice. Later in life, I discovered the heartbreaking truth: she never realised she was dying. She believed she would recover and come home to us.

That experience stayed with me and eventually became the inspiration behind Forget Me Not Life Writing.

I created this business to help people capture the stories, memories, messages, and practical guidance that are so often left unsaid until it's too late. Through guided journals, life story resources, memory-preservation projects, and end-of-life planning tools, I help families create something lasting for the people they love.

My background combines creative writing, adult education, communication, and resource development. I hold a Diploma in Creative Writing through the New Zealand Business Institute (NZBI), a Diploma in Adult Education and Training, and a CELTA qualification from Cambridge.

Over the years, I have developed educational and writing resources used by teachers and learners internationally, alongside my work in life writing and legacy preservation.

I'm also a published writer and author. My work has appeared in Translucence, a collection featuring emerging New Zealand writers mentored by Dr Deborah Shepard.

In addition, I am the author of Write Your Life Story: A Daughter's Gift to Her Mother, published through Amazon — a project inspired by my belief that every person's memories, experiences, and wisdom deserve to be preserved for future generations.

Alongside my professional work, I have also volunteered with hospice services, helping terminally ill patients preserve and document their life stories for the people they love. That experience reinforced for me just how important personal stories and words become during life's most difficult seasons.

Today, through Forget Me Not Life Writing, I create resources designed to make preserving memories simple, meaningful, and accessible — helping people leave behind not just information, but connection, comfort, and a lasting sense of who they were.

I believe every life holds stories worth remembering — because every person leaves an imprint on the lives of others.

And sometimes, the greatest gift we can leave behind is simply our words.

How I Can Help You

Whether you're looking for a guided journal to get started on your own, a complete done-for-you life story book, or tools to help a loved one plan ahead, there's something here for every family:

  • Peace of Mind Planners — Practical, compassionate planners to help you and your family prepare for the future with clarity and confidence.

  • Life Story Bespoke Package — A fully personalised, professionally produced life story book. My most comprehensive service.

  • Guided Life Writing Tools — Journals, templates, and toolkits to help you capture stories at your own pace.

  • Journals and Books — Beautiful printed resources for life writing and legacy planning.

Not sure where to start? I'd love to have a chat.

Get in touch with Annette