How the personal history process works…
Step 1 – Assessing Your Needs
During our initial conversation, I’ll answer any questions you have and find out how I can best meet your needs. I’ll ask questions about what you hope to accomplish by recording a personal history, your intended audience, specific themes you wish to explore, who will be interviewed, and your budget. Later, we’ll complete a biographical intake sheet to help me prepare for our interview session(s). We’ll also discuss design options for the CD label and any extras you wish to add to your package.
Step 2 – Developing a Proposal and Cost Estimate
After our initial conversation, I’ll present you with a written project description along with a cost estimate. I’ll answer any questions you might have until you are satisfied with the details of the proposal. I’ll then mail you a confirmation letter with details about the interview session along with a service agreement and invoice for the initial deposit. You will also receive a
prep sheet to help you get ready for the interview. Work commences after I receive the signed service agreement and deposit.
Step 3 – The Interview(s)
Most interviews take place in the comfort of your home. Depending on the scope of work, we may meet once or many times over the course of several weeks. Typically, each session lasts one hour. I make every effort to schedule interviews at times that are convenient to you, when you are unhurried and able to take the time necessary to reflect.
Step 4 – Editing
For every hour of recording time, I spend at least two to three hours digitally editing the conversation both for sound quality and content. My aim is to produce a clear, archival-quality recording with a logical structure and coherent themes that convey your story in a fluid and compelling manner.
Step 5 – The Final Product
You receive the final product—a well-crafted and deeply meaningful record of your reflections on life experiences to share with the people closest to you. In many cases, clients celebrate the event with a release party where family and friends gather to listen to the recordings together.
For Businesses and Community Organizations…
In addition to recording individual histories, I also work with businesses, religious institutions, community groups and others to document their unique histories.
Contact me for more information on how I can serve your group’s needs.
For Ethical Wills…
An ethical will is a way to pass on your non-material gifts to those you care about. It provides a way to express your spiritual legacy, values, hopes, life lessons, wisdom, forgiveness and love to your family, friends, and community. The process of creating an ethical will differs somewhat from a personal history, although both are tailored to your unique needs and wants.
Contact me for more information on how I can help you write or record this profoundly meaningful document that your family is certain to cherish.