Testimonials

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Memoirs   Magazine Articles   Corporate Newsletters   Family Newsletters  

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Mom, Dad...Can We Talk? Insight and Perspectives to Help Us Do What's Best for Our Aging Parents

"This is a pleasurable journey filled with incredible insight. It challenges us to think ahead, to be prepared, and in return assures that in the end we'll have no regrets."
Mike Magee, MD, Author of The New Face of Aging

"Mom, Dad...Can We Talk? is an excellent resource for anyone working through the issues of aging parents. It touches on topics many of us are reluctant to bring up within our families, and each chapter offers practical tips to help adult children. This is a wonderful, thought provoking book for all families."
Mark and Janet Skeie, Authors, Mapping Your Retirement

"Mom, Dad...Can We Talk? raises the issues of aging and family relationships that On Golden Pond did nearly a generation ago. This is not a how-to formula book. There is no kit involved, no GPS for solving the problems we will all encounter if we are fortunate to have elders in our clan. No, this is a book of hope to guide you through difficult family times."
Larry Minnix, President and CEO, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging

"This book is wonderful and will give readers terrific guidance and a lot to think about. It might even lead to improved parent-child relationships - very powerful, indeed."
Michele Kimball, Executive Director, AARP Minnesota

"This is a book I would keep on my bedside table. It's like a frank conversation with a real friend. However difficult the circumstances or painful the journey, having older parents is a privilege, a gift. This book reminds us that "ending well" is part of living and helps us forward on that journey."
Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, Aging Services of Minnesota

Memoirs

Step on a Crack - Overcoming depression-A memoir

"First you took the time necessary to absorb my life, then gently led me through the process of telling my story. You listened and set a comfortable pace. Your easy-going acceptance always encouraged me to continue. Your organizational skills, in my experience, are unparalleled. A man of immense patience, you took on my overwhelming challenge, pulled it all together in seeming effortlessness with your wry sense of humor remaining intact. By the end, you wrote so well in my voice, I had to look up who wrote what! If I had another life, I would not hesitate to seek your services again!
With deep gratitude,"
Jill Byrne

"In Step on a Crack, we follow Jill Byrne's astounding journey from the darkness, through decades of courageous attempts to find whole-ness, to her ultimate healing, by learning her way out at the Hoffman Process. Jill's memoir is her crowning glory and a testament to the resiliency and beauty of the human spirit."
Raz Ingrasci, Hoffman Institute Foundation, President & CEO.

"I'm struck and impressed by Byrne's deadpan humor, piercing honesty, and the ability to tell a masterful story that could have easily turned out angry, bitter, or maudlin. She has a rare talent for storytelling. Her clear vision of what she endured growing up and how she doggedly worked to heal her inner self will inspire anyone who wonders how people survive in this zany world. "Byrne's lovely literary voice, combined with the editorial talent of Michael Ransom, leaves you longing to read more."
Kathleen Gleeson, co-author with Janusz Bardach of Man is Wolf to Man: Surviving Stalin's Gulag and Surviving Freedom: After the Gulag

"All of us learn from challenges and obstacles. Some people have to go through the ordeal themselves, but some of us can learn from an example from someone else's life. Jill Byrne gives us a glimpse of her trials and tribulations. Through her experiences, we can begin to learn how to deal with our own."
Jim Stovall, author of The Ultimate Gift

"Wow! I read your book in one sitting (it came the day before I left on a long flight to Anchorage). It's an unbelievable story about which I knew nothing. I had no idea what Jill's growing up was like. It's amazing how kids cope with things. I can only imagine how this will inspire and bring hope to people who aren't sure they will ever overcome their burdens. Jill was so brave to share her story."
Stephanie Jacobson

Always A Move Ahead

"I enjoy your style. I know my dad considers you a friend. A friend of my dad's is a friend of mine. Obviously, you're doing this for a profit, too, but I think you've brought a lot of joy to Dad, and he really appreciates that. The memoir has come along very nicely."
John Smaby (son of Phil Smaby)

Remember Who You Are

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to my friend Mike Ransom who, during many long and enjoyable hours of conversation, walked with me down Memory Lane to find the contents of this book. Together we have honed the many details of my life to shape the story I wanted to tell. I thank him for his knowledge, his expertise, and most of all, for the deep friendship we have forged. He and his wife, Jeanine, have become dear members of my extended family."
Kay Irvine

"Your work in helping my mother, Kay Irvine, to write her memoirs was a gift to all of us. It was wonderful to see her pleasure and pride as she worked with you to create an account of her family history and stories. The finished product, Remember Who you Are, is a testament to her love of family and to your skill in honing the details of her story. Thanks from the many friends and family members who have enjoyed this book. It is wonderful to think of future generations who will know my mother and her history because of you."
Sharon Rome, daughter of Kathleen Matthews Irvine

Alone with God

I just read the article in the Post-Bulletin about Alone with God -- the book you helped Dick Jacobson write. I applaud you for what you're doing; bringing people's stories to life in whatever form they have taken. You are giving people such an amazing gift.
Kris Westrum

Grandma and Grandpa Ransom

"I laughed and I cried, and through it all I remembered the good times we had. It is truly a great tribute to two wonderful people who helped shape our lives."
Cathy Clark

Shiny Dimes and Wild Rides

"How can I ever thank you enough for the wonderful work you have done on my parents' memoirs? I am so very, very pleased with the book. Your research was thorough, your organization of the project clearly focused, and your editing precise. You projected a timeline and held to it at a reasonable budget. Most of all, I was impressed and grateful for your gentle, guiding touch with my parents during your interviewing with them. Mother and Dad are very private people and yet both commented on how comfortable they were talking with you. I have enjoyed and appreciated so much our many hours of work together. Our entire family is grateful."
Barbara Chamberlin Daugherty

Rich in the Fewness of My Needs

"You've made me feel young again."
Berdine Erickson

Finding Home

"Thank you for all you have done for us. We take great comfort in knowing K.C. found great friendship in you. We also know he appreciated and valued the book you are doing for us. This will be a treasure to us for many generations to come. "
Win Shen

The Seamstress and the Salesman

"Our book has been a real dream come true. My dad and I were alone the other day and he started crying about the book because he was so emotional about it. You sure can't put a price on the gift they are actually giving all of us. I am so lucky to have you in my corner with the knowledge to make this idea become a dream and now a reality. I hope you know what a gift you have given my family be agreeing to be the nucleus of the project. Thank you so much! "
Karen Gorman

"We want to thank you for all the work you did on our book. We really enjoy reading it. I've read it three times, and Clayt is able to read it, too. All we have heard is great comments on it from people who have read it. It was great working with you. "
Clayt and Marge Engel

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Magazine Articles

Note: TODAY is a monthly magazine dedicated to sharing stories of people in southeast Minnesota who have led interesting, inspiring lives. It is published in Red Wing, Minnesota, and targets a 55+ age audience.

July 2008 - Courage in the Face of Adversity

"Thank you for doing such a beautiful job of writing my mothers and fathers life story. Its very touching to me and again leaves me shedding tears. I hope that your readers find it memorable. Thank you again for doing such a great job of writing their story."
Ann Rebidas

March 2007 - Loving What Death Can Touch

"A couple weeks ago, I saw the article in Generations of Today about Tyler. I really thought it was well written and it brought both Garth and I to tears. Ben and Tyler are the same ages of Will and Henry right now, it really just hit home.

A friend of ours just lost a child. Marcus was born as scheduled (full-term) and died suddenly after child birth. It was their first child and they are really having a hard time. I don't still have a copy of the article anymore and I was wondering if you had an on-line copy or could mail me one. I really think they might find comfort in what you wrote.

Thanks Mike."
Kasey Morlock

February 2006 - Tall Expectations

"This is a note of appreciation for the cover and excellent article prepared by Mike Ransom and published in your February 2006 edition. Thank you both very much. Mike was absolutely wonderful to work with. He is as good a writer as he was a volleyball player in the 1980s!"
George B. Thompson

September 2005 - Goal Driven

"A huge thank you to Mike Ransom and TODAY Magazine for the terrific article about my husband, Mike Gorman. Our family was privileged to work with Mike over one year ago, on a book about my parents. It was an equally amazing literary success. Now we have been blessed again with the story about my husband and my children's father.

It was the honesty and forthrightness of Mike's personal life that I am most proud of. He had to "talk the talk" and "walk the walk" to prove to himself that he could conquer his biggest competitor and demon in life - alcohol.

I was proud of the "before" Mike, and his achievements on the court and ice, but they are meaningless compared to his last nineteen years of sobriety. It took a lot of hard work, faith in God, and trust for our family to heal and become whole again.

My husband's story is a testament that it is possible to turn one's life around, no matter where one is headed. Thank you, Mike Ransom, for making it so comfortable and relaxing for Mike to open up his life to others."
Karen Gorman

August 2005 - Paradise Lost

"Thank you for publishing my childhood story. I have received many comments, and I want to give special thanks to Michael Ransom for insisting it had to be written, and finally making me realize that none of the events were my fault, or even under my control. It was a traumatic time for us all, back in the 1940s. Thank you, Michael, for portraying those difficult years so poignantly. You are an excellent writer. "
Barb Henoch

May 2005 - A Son's Farewell

"I read your article about your mother in TODAY and had to tell you how touching and meaningful it was. You truly have a way of relating with your reader - the basic, simple, important facets of your relationship come through. As one who was not able to say goodbye (to my mother) as I would have wished, I applaud your success in doing so and in sharing your gentle and amazing moments with your readers."
Faye Sargent

March 2005 - A Philanthropic Man

"Thank you for publishing my story (A Philanthropic Man - March 2005). Michael Ransom did an excellent job in putting together my life, up to age 90, from information given to him. I am taking out a subscription because I found your magazine very interesting. I have received so many positive comments about this article, plus letters, cards, and phone calls. I feel quite the celebrity and humbled by the whole experience."
Phil Henoch

August 2004 - A Voice for the Voiceless

"What an excellent article about Chuck (Butler) in Generations of Today. You do good work! I especially like your focus on the meaningful and the inspirational. Keep up the great work; you have a real gift.
Sincerely,"
Bill Kleis

July 2004 - Born to Teach

"Thank you for publishing the story Born to Teach in the July issue of TODAY Magazine. I think Mike Ransom is an excellent writer and has a very clear way of putting ideas into words. I have received several calls about the magazine and many have expressed that the writers do a very good job. I think TODAY is well received in Rochester."
Warren Zimmerman

May 2004 - A Ministry of Reconciliation

"Thanks so much, you did a great job of putting it (the magazine article) all together. I am actually amazed by the article and hope it will be a blessing to others, in that way we both will gift the readers! I don't think, no, I am certain I have never seen my story written down, nor would have I expected such. Indeed, your work is a gift to me and my family of which we will always be grateful. "
Gary Benson, Directing Pastor of Zumbro Lutheran Church

March 2004 - Forever in Your Heart

"We were so pleased with the article in the March issue of TODAY that Mike Ransom wrote (Forever in Your Heart) about the wonderful children and experiences we had doing day care in our home for 15 years. Be assured many people read your magazine. We have received numerous comments, notes, and phone calls. Enclosed is our subscription payment. "
Pat and John Lynaugh

November 2003 - The Unimaginable

"I want to thank you for publishing my army story, The Unimaginable, in the November issue of TODAY. It was an interesting and traumatic part of my 80+ years. My mother sending three of her sons and never seeing them again is always on my mind. Mike Ransom did an excellent job depicting the feelings of a youngster leaving Rochester in the first 18-year-old group. I sent several magazines to my army buddies. Thanks again. I feel very humble being featured in TODAY! "
Paul Lehman

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Corporate Newsletters

"The content, quality and effectiveness of the Charter House Newsletter improved significantly when Michael Ransom became its editor and writer. Michael has the gift of listening and the gift of translating what is said into words for reading that communicate. The sign of a master, Michael makes it seem easy. It's not! Mike is a good team leader and makes the process fun! "
Dick Edwards, Charter House Administrator

"Mike is a true delight to work with. He has a very gentle and genuine approach with his clients. He listens to not only what is being said, but also to what isn't being said. Through regularly scheduled meetings, he leads his customers through the project one detail at a time and takes responsibility from beginning to end. I have utmost respect for Mike and his work."
Ruth Weispfenning, Director of Resident Services

"Mike has helped us with several of our newsletters and a history project. He is like an artist; we sketch in black and white, Mike renders in color and hones our message. He also shepherds our projects through the printing process. We like Mike!"
Tom Hall, Charter House Marketing Director

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Family Newsletters

"I had been procrastinating for many years about putting some family memories in writing. The idea of doing a periodic family "newsletter" had been presented at a workshop some years ago. That idea appealed to me because I knew I would be overwhelmed by the effort involved in writing an entire book.

I lacked the knowledge of desktop publishing that would be needed to fulfill my dream of issuing family newsletters and I did nothing further for ten years. Then I attended a class led by Mike Ransom titled What Is Written Will Be Remembered. Now the pieces came together for me. Mike was my inspiration. I could come forth with the writing and precious family pictures and Mike would arrange my material into a completely professional product. My children and extended family are excited about the project and tell me they wait eagerly for another issue to arrive.

Without Mike's encouragement and expertise I would still be thinking about writing family history."
Diana Post

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