The Gift of Stories

Stories connect us across generations, and they ensure that our loved ones' voices never fade.

A woman I will call Sarah had recently discovered an old family tree tucked away in a forgotten box in her attic. It was drawn by her great-grandfather, who had spent years researching their family’s origins. Looking at the names and dates, she realized how many stories were untold. I interviewed her parents and grandparents, capturing the stories that connected them to the past. The stories became the foundation of a family book, which she now shares with her children, ensuring that the legacy of their ancestors will not be forgotten.

I work with families to capture the essence of what truly matters — our relationships with one another and our stories.

Have you ever wished you could ask your parents or grandparents just one more question? Or your siblings, or even your children? Their stories, wisdom, and life lessons are priceless, but they often disappear before we take the time to capture them. Imagine having a beautifully written book filled with their words, experiences, and advice that future generations can cherish forever.

I help families preserve these stories before it’s too late. If you’ve ever thought about doing this for your loved ones, now is the time. And, for an extra fee, I assist with audio recordings and video elements, so their voice and presence are never forgotten.

Why else? Because, for tens of thousands of years, storytelling has been a key part of the human experience. It’s a fundamental means of communication, cultural expression, and knowledge transmission.

Through in-depth interviews, I specialize in capturing the essence of a life journey and transforming that journey into stories presented in a professionally crafted book. One of the individuals I interviewed about their life called the book I created for them "the most thoughtful gift they'd ever received."

It's not just a book. It's a legacy, a keepsake that preserves the journey of a loved one's life for generations to come. Celebrations provide a wonderful opportunity to gather stories and photos from friends and family, creating a cherished keepsake book. It's a meaningful gift for any special occasion, including anniversaries, weddings, graduations, retirements, memorials, and birthdays.

Here’s what I do:

• Professional interviewing: A heartfelt, intimate interview with your loved one or loved ones to capture their life story.

• Transcription and editing: Accurate and engaging transcription of the interview, followed by meticulous editing to create a cohesive narrative.

• Custom book design: A beautifully designed book that reflects the personality, experiences, and memories of your loved one, complete with photos, letters, and other memorabilia. Images and letters are mingled throughout the narrative as you wish.

Preserving family stories is a priceless treasure that celebrates the life, wisdom, and values of your loved ones. Capture your own story, create a keepsake for a special occasion, or give the most thoughtful gift to someone dear to you. My personalized storytelling service offers a way to honor and celebrate life's most precious memories.

Another family I worked with would gather at their summer house by the beach every August. The grandfather, who passed away several years ago, used to tell tales of fishing trips with his own father. So, we sat with family members, asking them to recount their memories of the trips. We recorded their stories and compiled them into a book that includes family photographs and letters. Now, when the family gathers at the lake, the stories of those fishing trips are passed down, keeping the grandfather’s spirit alive.