FAQ

Everyone’s story is worth telling. Whether yours is filled with dramatic moments or quiet wisdom, your unique perspective and experiences matter. At Elm and Ember, I help you uncover the beauty in your everyday life and shape it into something lasting and meaningful.

Clients include individuals wanting to capture their own stories, families honoring a loved one, adult children gifting a legacy project to parents, or anyone interested in preserving meaningful memories for future generations. Whether you're reflecting on a full life or a single moment, I’m here to help you share it with heart. 

Elm and Ember is rooted in a deep respect for personal storytelling. I offer a guided, compassionate, and customized approach—taking the time to truly listen and shape your story with care. This isn’t just about writing; it’s about legacy, connection, and creating something lasting for the people you love. 

Absolutely. Personal history is one of the most thoughtful and meaningful gifts you can give. I offer gift packages that include an introductory letter and everything your loved one needs to get started. It’s a wonderful way to honor someone’s life and show them their story matters. 

The onboarding process begins with a free consultation, where we talk about your goals, the type of story you’d like to tell, and which service is the best fit. After that, I’ll send a welcome guide that outlines what to expect, a brief intake form to help me get to know you, and a set of guiding questions to start the reflection process. We'll also review and sign a simple contract that clearly outlines the scope of work, timeline, and payment terms—so we're both on the same page. Once that’s complete, we’ll schedule your first session and begin the storytelling journey at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Each project begins with a free consultation to talk through your vision and questions. From there, we schedule interviews or planning sessions depending on your chosen service—audio interviews, a legacy letter, or a memoir. I guide you through every step, from shaping the narrative to delivering the final product, whether it’s a digital audio file, a keepsake letter, or a printed book.

Timelines vary based on the service and scope. Audio interviews typically take a few sessions plus editing time. A legacy letter can take just a few weeks, while a memoir may take several months, depending on length and depth. I’ll provide a clear timeline at the start and keep you updated throughout. 

Not much! Before we begin—whether you're doing an audio interview, writing a legacy letter, or working on a memoir—I’ll send you a short list of guiding questions to get your thoughts flowing. These prompts are designed to gently spark memories and help you reflect on the stories, themes, or people you might want to include. During our sessions, I’ll guide the conversation and keep things relaxed and natural. If you have photos, letters, or documents you'd like to incorporate, you're welcome to have them available, but they're not required.

Yes, absolutely. These materials can enrich your story and help spark memories. I can incorporate them into your memoir or letter, and in some cases, scan and archive them alongside your final product. We'll discuss what you have and how you'd like them used. 

Yes! All of my services can be done remotely through video calls, phone interviews, and email. I’ve designed the process to be just as thoughtful and personal no matter where you are—whether we're connecting across the table or across time zones. 

Listening is at the heart of what I do. I approach each story with care, curiosity, and zero judgment. Everything is shaped in collaboration with you, and you’ll have opportunities to review and revise so your voice and intentions are honored in every word. 

The audio interview package includes one-on-one recorded sessions, gentle guiding questions provided beforehand, and edited audio files delivered digitally. You'll receive a polished, shareable recording that captures your voice, stories, and reflections in your own words. Optional add-ons include transcripts or keepsake audio packaging. 

The interview process is relaxed, conversational, and tailored to you. Before we begin, I’ll send a list of gentle prompts to help spark memories and reflection. During our sessions, I guide the conversation with open-ended questions, giving you space to share at your own pace. I use professional recording equipment to ensure we capture clear, high-quality audio—but the setup is simple and non-intrusive. Many people find the experience unexpectedly meaningful, even therapeutic. You’re always welcome to pause, skip topics, or take things in a different direction—this is your story, and I’m just here to help you tell it. 

Yes. I record our sessions with professional audio tools and carefully edit them to ensure the final result is clear, engaging, and true to your voice. You’ll receive the completed files in a format that’s easy to share with loved ones or archive for the future. 

Absolutely. While I offer a list of thoughtfully crafted prompts, the story is always yours to shape. You can highlight specific events, people, values, or themes that matter most to you. I’ll guide you along the way, but you’re always in control of the direction we take. 

A legacy letter—sometimes called an ethical will—is a heartfelt message that shares your values, life lessons, hopes, and love with the people who matter most. It’s not a legal document, but an emotional one—something your family can treasure for years to come. 

They’re for anyone you care deeply about: children, grandchildren, partners, close friends. Some people write one letter to their entire family, others write individual notes to different loved ones. It’s a powerful way to say what matters while you still can. 

Legacy letters are usually 2 to 5 pages, but there’s no set rule. It depends on what you want to say and how deep you want to go. Whether you’re writing something short and simple or longer and more reflective, I’ll help you find the right tone and structure. 

Memoirs come in all shapes, styles, and sizes. At Elm and Ember, I specialize in Personal Memoirs - first-person narratives created from your audio interviews. 

These memoirs focus on your experiences, reflections, and the deeper meaning behind key moments in your life. It can be a chronological life story or centered around themes, memories, or specific time periods. 

At Elm and Ember, memoirs are about capturing your voice, your stories, and your wisdom. Together, we create something heartfelt and lasting, the essence of your life, in your own words.

Not at all—unless you want to. I guide you through recorded conversations, then shape your words into a cohesive manuscript. You’ll review drafts and offer input along the way, but I’ll do the writing so you can focus on sharing. 

Yes. Whether you have pages of writing, scattered notes, or even just an idea, I can help you shape what you’ve started into something more complete. I’ll meet you where you are and work collaboratively to bring your story to life. 

Pricing depends on the service and the scope of the project. I offer a range of options—from single-session interviews to multi-month memoir projects. I’ll walk you through the choices during our free consultation. The goal is to find the right fit for your needs, timeline, and budget. 

Yes. For larger projects like memoirs, I offer installment plans to make things more manageable. We can discuss a schedule that works for you during the planning phase—just ask! 

You own your story. Once the project is complete, you’ll receive all final files and materials, and I will not use or share your content without your written permission. If I ever request to feature excerpts (such as in a portfolio or sample), it will only be with your full consent. 

Yes. Your privacy and trust are essential. Everything you share—whether recorded, written, or in conversation—is treated with the utmost care and confidentiality. If you choose to include sensitive topics, we’ll handle them with respect and discretion. 

That depends on the service you choose. You might receive a beautifully edited audio recording, a printed or digital legacy letter, or a custom-formatted memoir manuscript or printed book. In every case, I ensure the final product is polished, meaningful, and ready to be shared or passed down. 

Yes. For memoirs and letters, I can provide design and formatting options for printing and help with self-publishing if you'd like to share your story more widely. Whether you're making copies for family or something more formal, I can guide you through the process. 

Absolutely. You’ll have the chance to review and request changes at key stages in the project. My goal is to make sure the final version feels true to your voice, your story, and your intention. 

While I specialize in written and audio-based legacy projects, I’m always happy to refer you to colleagues who offer video storytelling, visual arts, or other creative formats. Your story deserves the right medium—let’s find it together.