As a professional writer and historian, Annie Payne will work with you to record your story and then write it for you without losing the magic of your own words and memories.

Annie’s expertise rests in her ability to sift down to the key facts of your story, set them out in a chronological order and use your own words to bring those memories to life.

The History from the Heart process for writing your story includes:

• A pre-interview meeting - in your home - gives you a chance to share “who you are” with Annie.  All your questions about the interview process will be answered and you will have the chance to define the major “chapter headings” of your life story.  A Memory Trigger pack will be left with you to help stimulate your memories!

• Interviews takes place in the home of the storyteller.  A photograph will be taken on interview day for inclusion in the finished story.

• Next, Annie whisks away the recording and transcribes it, editing out all the umms and ahhhs, and putting the pieces of the story in order.

• A first draft of your story is crafted, using your own words. 

• You have a chance to read and revise your document.  This is a time to make sure that all names and places are spelled correctly and the dates are right.  Revision of the document will then take place based on your feedback.

• While the book is taking shape you have the chance to select and scan photographs to highlight your story and/or take digital pictures of memorabilia.  If you need help with this, Annie can help you. 

• Finally, Annie will format the text and photos together into a readable and memorable document.  The happy day comes when your printed book will arrive!  We suggest you plan a celebration to show off your book to family and friends!

Ready to get started?  Contact Annie to ask questions or set up an intial phone interview!

“Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love,
the things you are, the things you never want to lose.”
Kevin Arnold in TV series ‘The Wonder Years’