Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a Backstory?

A Backstory is the defining moments, triumphs, heartbreaks, turning points, and quiet revelations that shape a life and legacy. Understanding your family’s backstory is key to knowing who you are, and where you came from. Essential to discovering the forces that have shaped you. The values that define you. These stories can’t be recaptured once the teller is gone.

What is a personal historian?

A personal historian is a professional interviewer and writer who helps individuals and families document life stories, family histories, and legacies. I specialize in working with seniors to preserve their stories through one-on-one interviews and professional writing. Unlike a ghostwriters, I interview you and then write in your authentic voice, creating a book or collection that becomes a family heirloom.

What services do you offer?

I offer family history books, letters to loved ones, short story collections, hourly story sessions, and workshops. I have developed a simple and meaningful process to unlock stories through guided, one-on-one conversations. Unlike a ghostwriters, I interview clients and then write in their authentic voice, creating a book or collection that becomes a family heirloom.

What is included in your services?

Backstory offers highly personalized services and several options, all slightly different based on the scope of the project. For a complete family history project, for instance, the fee includes: Initial consultation and planning sessions, between 4-5 recorded interviews Transcription, writing and narrative development in your voice, revisions, photo scanning, book layout, two printed book copies, audio of interviews and digital PDF of document.

What is your background?

I am a professional writer, interviewer, and editor who has worked with seniors in various capacities.

What makes Backstory different?

Backstory is based on human connection, which comes from two people who are actively engaged. Some DIY platforms bypass this through weekly email prompts or talking into a microphone, using AI to transcribe the conversation. This is not Backstory.

Backstory chooses the path of authentic human connection. No screens. No digital tools. Just two people in conversation. My mission is connect with the storyteller to understand what they want to say. I ask follow-up questions and draw out forgotten memories. Then I apply my writing and editing skills to create the book you or your loved one envisioned. It’s a beautiful process that I love, and my clients do too.

Do you travel to see people in person?

Yes! For clients in Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, El Cerrito, Kensington, Emeryville, and Richmond, I offer in-home interviews as part of my concierge service. This is especially helpful for seniors with mobility challenges. I also work via Zoom for clients anywhere in the country.

Do you work with people with dementia or memory loss?‍

Yes. I have experience interviewing seniors with mild to moderate cognitive decline and can adapt my approach. I work slowly, use memory prompts (photo, music, objects) and can talk to family members to help fill in stories. For advanced dementia, I focus on creating a legacy book based on family memories and existing materials.

What areas do you serve?

I offer in-person services in Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, El Cerrito, Kensington, Emeryville, Richmond, and surrounding East Bay communities. I am also available anywhere remotely through Zoom. I'm happy to travel for larger projects within the San Francisco Bay Area.

How long does it take?

Each project is different, and each one is defined at the outset. A family history book takes two months from our first interview to your printed book in hand. Story collections and letters to loved ones both take a month. I also offer hourly sessions to help you or your loved one organize papers, photos, and even document the meaning of important objects.

How much do your services cost?

My services range from small to large, and my pricing reflects this. My work is highly personalized, depending on the number of visits, pages, and photos. Contact me for a custom quote based on your project.

How do I get started?

Set up a free 20-minute consultation, no obligation or pressure. Then we can talk about your goals and how we might work together.