Have questions? We have answers!

Can I give an audio story session as a gift?
Of course! When purchasing you’ll have the option of indicating whether this is a gift and can request a digital gift certificate.

How do I schedule?
After purchase, you’ll receive a link to schedule online or you can call to set it up. If it’s a gift, your loved one can schedule when they’re ready. The interviewee will then receive information about how to call in for a phone interview, or provide the location for an in-person interview within the Twin Cities metro area.

Are interviews in-person or by phone?
You get to choose! Journalist Alisa Blackwood does interviews by phone with people all over the world. If you’d like an in-person interview, she’d love the chance to meet you face-to-face. In-person interviews take place within the Twin Cities metro area. If you live elsewhere, feel free to reach out and we can discuss travel fees. At this time, Life in Story requires proof of vaccination for all in-person interviews (and we are happy to provide that information in return). 

Do you do events or special requests?
Definitely. We can set up an audio booth for capturing stories at wedding receptions, family reunions, funerals, or at places like assisted living facilities. We can also collect multiple stories from different people by phone, creating a unique audio gift to celebrate a person or event. Schedule a time to talk about your idea. We’d love to make it happen!

What kinds of questions will you ask?
This depends on your goal. A wedding or anniversary story will involve different questions than capturing someone’s life story. Alisa comes prepared with plenty of questions to help prompt memories and conversation.

Will I see the questions in advance?
Some people prefer the authentic sound of a spontaneous, real-time conversation, and some people feel more confident if they have time to prepare. Feel free to contact Alisa after you purchase if you’d like to see questions ahead of time.

Do you work with people in Hospice care or nearing the end-of-life?
Yes. Speaking about one’s life can be healing, sometimes difficult, and always important during this time. For that person’s loved ones, having forever access to the intimacy of their voice and stories is especially meaningful. Your Life in Story session will be held with compassion by a longtime journalist who has also trained in grief and loss work.

I ordered the Gold package. Do I have to do the 2-hour interview all at once?
By phone: You’re welcome to break up your time into two 1-hour interviews. If you schedule for the full two hours, we can plan a break of 15-30 minutes about halfway through. 

In person: Completing your interview at one time (with a break halfway through) is recommended, due to travel time and equipment set up/tear down. You’ll be surprised how quickly the time flies! If this doesn’t work for you, let Alisa know and special arrangements can be made.

When and how do I receive the final interview?
You’ll receive the edited audio and a link to your personalized, password-protected web page within two weeks of your interview. On this web page, your audio can be streamed and downloaded. Share your personal link with anyone you choose. Check out a sample of what a final page looks and sounds like. 

How much editing to the interview do you do?
You’ll get to hear the conversation as it unfolds, along with an audio introduction by journalist Alisa Blackwood and music at the beginning and end of your interview. Interviews are edited for clarity and quality (to remove coughs, long pauses, improve volume, etc). If you ordered the Gold (2-hour interview) package, you’ll receive not only the main audio file, but also shorter segments to listen by topic.

There are specific questions I want asked, or specific stories I want captured. How can I make sure that happens?
After purchase, we’ll send a link to a short pre-interview questionnaire so you can choose your topics and share any important details. You can also schedule a phone call with Alisa before your interview if you need to talk further. 

There are some parts of my life I don’t want to talk about. How do I let you know in advance?
No problem. When you fill out the pre-interview questionnaire, just let me know.

What’s your privacy policy?
Life in Story takes your privacy seriously. We do not share your contact information with anyone. If we’d like to use part of your story or photographs in marketing or social media you will be contacted first. You can choose if you’d like a password on your custom web page, which contains your streaming, downloadable audio and any submitted photographs. Only people you share the password with have access to your custom web page and audio.

What if I want to do the interview or I want to be there?
I’m happy to set up an extra microphone and get you involved (as much as or as little as you want). A conversation between relatives or friends is a fantastic way to capture stories that you want to remember forever.

How will I receive the final product, and how can I share it?
Your final audio is delivered via a custom, password-protected web page. From there, you can listen, stream, share and download your audio. The digital file that you’ll download  is your hard copy to keep forever, so make sure you store it somewhere safe and consider backing it up in a secondary place. You can also order a Life in Story USB thumb drive preloaded with your edited audio and submitted photos. If you ordered the Gold package, one thumb drive is already included. 

How long does my custom web page stay up?
Life in Story hosts your private, password-protected web page for one year. Feel free to share this link and password with as many friends or family members as you like! You will receive an e-mail reminder to download your Life in Story audio before the year is up.