The Gift of Stories 📖
I'm working with families to capture the essence of what truly matters
“It has been said that next to hunger and thirst, our most basic human need is for storytelling.” ~ Kahlil Gibran
Hey all,
Stories connect us across generations, and they ensure that our loved ones' voices never fade.
A woman I will call Sarah had recently discovered an old family tree tucked away in a forgotten box in her attic. It was drawn by her great-grandfather, who had spent years researching their family’s origins. Looking at the names and dates, she realized how many stories were untold. I interviewed her parents and grandparents, capturing the stories that connected them to the past. The stories became the foundation of a family book, which she now shares with her children, ensuring that the legacy of their ancestors will not be forgotten.
This leads me to share some exciting news with you: I'm working with families to capture the essence of what truly matters — our relationships with one another and our stories.
Have you ever wished you could ask your parents or grandparents just one more question? Or your siblings, or even your children? Their stories, wisdom, and life lessons are priceless, but they often disappear before we take the time to capture them. Imagine having a beautifully written book filled with their words, experiences, and advice that future generations can cherish forever.
I help families preserve these stories before it’s too late. If you’ve ever thought about doing this for your loved ones, now is the time. And, for an extra fee, I assist with audio recordings and video elements, so their voice and presence are never forgotten.
Why else? Because, for tens of thousands of years, storytelling has been a key part of the human experience. It’s a fundamental means of communication, cultural expression, and knowledge transmission.
Through in-depth interviews, I specialize in capturing the essence of a life journey and transforming that journey into stories presented in a professionally crafted book. One of the individuals I interviewed about their life called the book I created for them "the most thoughtful gift they'd ever received."
It's not just a book. It's a legacy, a keepsake that preserves the journey of a loved one's life for generations to come.
Here’s what I do:
Professional interviewing: A heartfelt, intimate interview with your loved one or loved ones to capture their life story.
Transcription and editing: Accurate and engaging transcription of the interview, followed by meticulous editing to create a cohesive narrative.
Custom book design: A beautifully designed book that reflects the personality, experiences, and memories of your loved one, complete with photos, letters, and other memorabilia. Images and letters are mingled throughout the narrative as you wish.
Preserving family stories is a priceless treasure that celebrates the life, wisdom, and values of your loved ones. Capture your own story, create a keepsake for a special occasion, or give the most thoughtful gift to someone dear to you. My personalized storytelling service offers a way to honor and celebrate life's most precious memories.
Another family I worked with would gather at their summer house by the beach every August. The grandfather, who passed away several years ago, used to tell tales of fishing trips with his own father. So, we sat with family members, asking them to recount their memories of the trips. We recorded their stories and compiled them into a book that includes family photographs and letters. Now, when the family gathers at the lake, the stories of those fishing trips are passed down, keeping the grandfather’s spirit alive.
Preserving Family Stories—Or Your Own
This isn’t just about capturing the stories of loved ones. It’s also about preserving your own. Have you ever thought about writing your life story but didn’t know where to start? Maybe you’ve wanted to document your experiences, reflections, and lessons for future generations but felt overwhelmed by the process.
I can help. Whether you want to create a memoir as a gift to yourself or to share your journey with your children, grandchildren, or the world, I work with individuals to turn their life stories into a beautifully crafted book.
Because your story matters. Let’s make sure it’s told.
Give the gift of memories, wisdom, and cherished moments captured in a beautifully crafted book. To preserve your family's most cherished stories, reply to this email or send me a brief note directly — matthew.gutierrez21@gmail.com — for a free consultation to start capturing your loved one's legacy.
I look forward to helping you preserve and celebrate the stories and legacies of your loved ones.
—Matthew
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the service? This is the gift of stories: a personalized storytelling service that specializes in capturing and preserving individuals' life stories, memories, and legacies in professionally crafted books. I offer in-depth interviews, transcription, editing, and custom book design to create a timeless treasure that celebrates the essence of a life well-lived.
What is the cost? Because every project is unique, pricing depends on factors like the number of interviews, book length, the inclusion of photos and memorabilia, and whether audio/video recordings are added. To help set expectations, here’s a general pricing range:
Basic Package ($1,000 – $2,000) – 1-2 interviews, in-depth editing, and a hardcover book with photos (~50-100 pages).
Standard Package ($2,000 – $5,000) – Multiple interviews, editing, multiple hardcover copies, and custom-designed layout with photos and memorabilia (~100–150 pages).
Premium Package ($5,000 – $9,000+) – In-depth interviews, extensive editing, high-end printing, additional copies for family, and optional audio/video recordings (~150+ pages).
If you're interested but unsure about cost, I offer flexible installment options for larger projects to make preserving your family’s stories more accessible. We can chat about what works best for you.
What if my loved one is too private? Many worry that their parents or grandparents may hesitate to share their stories, especially about sensitive topics. I’ve found that, more often than not, once we start talking, they open up in ways their family has never heard before. One client was unsure if her father would participate. At first, he gave short, reserved answers. But as we continued, he began sharing life lessons he had never discussed before. When the book was finished, he told his daughter, "I didn’t realize I had so much to say until someone truly listened."
If your loved one is hesitant, I’m happy to guide them gently through the process and ensure they feel comfortable.
How many images, letters or other artifacts may I include? As many as you’d like. Some books have been text-heavy, while others are mostly family photos and letters, with short stories interspersed in between.
Can I see the book before it’s published? Absolutely. I will work with you to review the book and make any changes or additions before it’s published.
Can’t I do this on my own? Yes, you definitely can, and it can be a therapeutic process to interview loved ones and put together a book yourself. However, this service might be helpful for you because the process of interviewing, transcribing, and curating a coherent story can be very time-consuming. It also requires a set of writing and editing skills.
How does the personalized storytelling process work?
Initial consultation: We will discuss your requirements, preferences, and goals to tailor our services to your needs.
Interview: I conduct an in-depth, heartfelt interview with your loved one to capture their unique life story, memories, and experiences.
Transcription and editing: I transcribe the interview and meticulously edit the content to create a cohesive and engaging narrative.
Book design: I design a custom book layout that includes photos, letters, and other memorabilia to reflect the personality and life journey of your loved one.
Review and approval: I share the draft book with you for review and make any necessary revisions to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Finalization and printing: Once approved, I finalize the book and arrange for high-quality printing and binding to create a beautifully crafted keepsake, ideal for your coffee table, personal library, or nightstand.
How long does the process take?
The personalized storytelling process typically takes between 8-12 weeks from the initial consultation to the final delivery of the printed book. The timeline can vary depending on the project's complexity, the interview length, and the additional services requested.
Can I include photos, letters, and other memorabilia in the book?
Yes, you may include photos, letters, diary/journal entries, and other memorabilia in the book to enhance the storytelling experience and make the book more personalized and meaningful.
Is the interview conducted in person or remotely?
Occasionally, I conduct in-person interviews upon request. Mostly, I offer remote interviewing options via a Google Meet or Zoom call to accommodate clients' preferences and locations. I also welcome email correspondence for those who wish to answer the questions via email, rather than via an interview.