The process

From a conversation to a keepsake book

You do the remembering. Michelle does the listening, writing and editing. Here is exactly what happens, step by step.

The three steps

  1. Michelle reviewing story notes on a white sofa in front of a flower wall

    Step 1

    Gather

    Complimentary consultation

    We meet for one hour to review your story ideas, select the stories that matter most to you, and outline which ones we will focus on. Then we decide the length of follow-up visits and arrange our next meeting.

  2. Michelle holding hands with an elderly client during a story interview

    Step 2

    Create

    $200 per story

    We meet to capture every detail and cherished memory, then weave them into a compelling story from start to finish, so every moment resonates and is treasured for generations to come.

  3. A finished Your Legacy Story book in a gift box surrounded by paper flowers

    Step 3

    Finalize & Publish

    Allow 2 weeks

    We finalize the edits and adjustments to perfectly capture the memory you want to share. Once complete, your story is published as a keepsake for your family to treasure, in print or digitally.

Before your first visit

What to gather (if you can)

None of this is required. Many people arrive with nothing but their memories, and that is plenty. If you have a few of these on hand, bring them along.

  • Photographs

    Old prints, digital photos, even the ones with torn corners. They spark memories and can be placed in your book.

  • Letters & keepsakes

    Cards, recipes, report cards, ticket stubs, military papers. Small details make a story feel real.

  • Names & dates

    A rough list of the people, places and years you want to mention. It does not need to be perfect.

  • The stories you love to tell

    The ones your family asks for at every holiday. That is usually the best place to begin.

Michelle taking notes on a clipboard while an elderly client shares memories from her bed

During the interview

It feels like a conversation, because it is

Michelle guides the conversation with thoughtful questions so you never have to wonder what to say next. You talk the way you would at the kitchen table. She listens for the details that make your voice unmistakably yours.

  • Meet virtually by video or in person
  • Family members are welcome to join in
  • Follow-up visits are planned around your schedule
  • Tell one story or many. You decide the scope

What you receive

A finished story, in your words

Your story is written from start to finish, then refined with you until it captures the memory exactly the way you want it shared.

  • A complete written story, edited with you
  • Your own photos placed alongside the text
  • Printed and bound as a keepsake book, or delivered digitally
  • Optional pages for children and grandchildren to add their own words
  • Shipping anywhere in the world, discussed up front

Allow about 2 weeks from final edits to publishing.

A finished Your Legacy Story book by The Visitor in a gift box
Michelle writing a client’s words on a note card

Begin your legacy

Ready to start your first chapter?

Start with a complimentary one-hour consultation. Virtual or in person, wherever you are.