My Services
I am a personal historian who offers low-tech, human-centered services to make it simple to preserve life stories and family histories.
WHY DO IT?
Many seniors crave companionship and someone to tell their stories to, while adult children worry about isolation. Life Story Sessions offer elders meaningful company, something to look forward to, and the chance to reflect on a life well lived.
Family History Book
WHAT: A book that preserves your family history, starting at a point in time and tracing it chronologically forward.
WHAT YOU GET:
Professional writing and editing
A 20-40 page book with 6-12 chapters
Each chapter focuses on a life event or decade
Audio recordings of interviews + book PDF
Professional design and binding
2 beautifully printed books
PROCESS:
4-6 recorded hourly interviews in your Berkeley/Oakland home or via Zoom
We have guided interviews to uncover what is most important to express
I handle the writing and editing
You have the chance to revise
I handle photo scanning and integration, and book layout and design
WHO IT’S FOR:
Seniors (65+) who want to finally preserve their family history
Adult children looking for a meaningful gift for their parent
Adult children who like the idea of a companion and historian for their parent
Those heading for a milestone birthday, anniversary, or retirement
People facing a serious health diagnosis or memory loss
In person: Those living in Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, Kensington, San Francisco and surrounding areas.
Zoom: Anywhere in the U.S.
TIMELINE: A book is completed 2 months from the first interview
INVESTMENT: Starts at $2,200, depending on length
Legacy Letters
Photo: Hillary Goidell
WHY DO IT?
Many seniors crave companionship and someone to tell their stories to, while adult children worry about their isolation. Life Story Sessions offer elders meaningful company, something to look forward to, and the chance to reflect on a life well lived.
WHAT: A single letter, or a collection of letters, that expresses your values, shares your family history, and passes along your blessings, hopes, and dreams to your loved ones.
WHAT YOU GET
Professional writing and editing
A 8-20 page elegantly-printed letter outlining your values, hopes, and wishes
It can be one letter, or several
Audio recordings of interviews + video of you reading the letter out loud
Professional design and binding
2 beautifully printed copies
THE PROCESS
2-3 recorded hourly interviews in your Berkeley/Oakland home or via Zoom
Guided conversations to uncover what is most important to express.
I handle photo scanning, layout, and design
WHO IT’S FOR
Seniors (65+) who want to express themselves in a lasting way to their family members
Those facing a serious health diagnosis
People who are estranged or working through family conflict
People of any age doing estate planning
In person: Those living in Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, Kensington, San Francisco and surrounding areas. Zoom: Anywhere in the U.S.
TIMELINE: Finished a month from first interview
INVESTMENT: Starts at $1,200, depending on length
Life Story Sessions
WHAT: Hourly sessions that provide seniors with focused time to tell stories, organize memorabilia, and document the history behind important objects.
WHAT YOU GET:
Support completing projects
Companionship and connection
PROCESS:
During our initial call, we’ll figure out your goals and what you want to accomplish
We might organize photos, sift through writings, read saved letters, or whatever is meaningful
With permission, these conversations can be recorded or documented for loved ones.
WHO IT’S FOR:
Seniors (65+) who need help organizing their photos, stories, and objects
People facing a serious health diagnosis
Those doing estate planning and want to review their objects and heirlooms
Those who want stories and parts of their histories documented but don’t want to take on a large project like a book
In person: Those living in Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, Kensington, San Francisco and surrounding areas.
Zoom: Anywhere in the U.S.
TIMELINE: Hourly (once, weekly, or as wanted)
INVESTMENT: $150/hour
WHY DO IT?
Many seniors crave companionship and someone to tell their stories to, while adult children worry about their isolation. Life Story Sessions offer elders meaningful company, a bright spot in their days, and the chance to reflect on a life well-lived.
The Story Behind The Picture
WHAT: A two-hour story session to tell an in-depth story behind a meaningful photograph.
WHAT YOU GET:
Professional writing and editing
A 5-10 page story that explains the history behind a photo of your choosing
Audio recordings of interviews + video of you reading the story out loud
Professional design and binding
2 beautifully printed copies of the story + photo
PROCESS:
During an initial call, we’ll figure out your goals and what you want to accomplish.
The storyteller chooses a photograph of a person or people who are important to them, which becomes a launching point for history and memories. We spend two hours of relaxed, unhurried conversation.
With permission, these conversations can be recorded or documented for loved ones.
In person: Those living in Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, Kensington, San Francisco and surrounding areas.
Zoom: Anywhere in the U.S.WHO IT’S FOR:
Seniors (65+) who want to express themselves in a lasting way to their family members
Those facing a serious health diagnosis
People who are estranged or working through family conflict
TIMELINE: 2-hour session
INVESTMENT: $350
WHY DO IT?
When a person is gone, their stories too often go with them. This service allows you to use a photograph as a launching point to remember and document meaningful experiences to preserve and pass along.
Photo: Hillary Goidell
WHY DO IT?
Storytelling and remembering invites self-reflection, connection, and a greater understanding of meaningful experiences that have shaped a life.
Story Collections
WHAT: Personal stories about defining life experiences
WHAT YOU GET:
Professional writing and editing
A 10-30 page elegantly-printed collection that contains 3-5 stories and accompanying photos
Audio recordings of interviews + video of you reading a story out loud
Professional design and binding
PROCESS:
During our initial call, we’ll figure out your goals and what you want to accomplish.
We’ll meet in your Berkeley/Oakland home or via Zoom
You’ll tell me the stories you want to be remembered and shared.
With permission, these conversations can be recorded or documented for loved ones.
In person: Those living in Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, Kensington, San Francisco and surrounding areas.
Zoom: Anywhere in the U.S.
WHO IT’S FOR:
Seniors (65+) who want to express themselves in a lasting way to their family members
Those facing a serious health diagnosis
People who are estranged or working through family conflict
TIMELINE: A finished book is complete 2 months from the first interview
INVESTMENT: Starts at $2,200, depending on length
Backstory Workshops
WHY DO IT?
Connection, reflection, expression with peers and the chance to finally get your stories on the page.
WHAT: Personal stories about defining life experiences
WHAT YOU GET:
Your finished work
a “Moth”-style reading during the last class
PROCESS:
We’ll meet in person in Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, Kensington, San Francisco and surrounding areas.
We’ll write and talk, using prompts and activities that spark memory and discovery.
WHO IT’S FOR:
Seniors (65+) who have thought about sharing their stories, but haven’t
TIMELINE: Usually classes last 4-8 weeks, dependent on enrollment and venue.
INVESTMENT: Dependent on number of sessions