Scroll down to learn the answers to these questions. 1. Who are you? 2. What is an oral history? A good and helpful book, but limited to questions/memory prompts and writing samples: If you’re serious about the writing aspect of life stories:
1. Who are you?
2. What is an oral history?
3. How long does an interview take?
4. What is a personal narrative?
5. What is a life story book?
6. How long does this process take?
7. How much does it cost?
8. How can I get started?
My name is Maureen Lander. I spent 20 years honing my listening skills as a court reporter. A yearning to write took me back to the University of Washington and a second career as a technical writer. Then one day I offered to help my aunt write a life story book. The rest, you can say, is my life story!
An oral history is basically an interview. For the interview we usually sit together in your home, surrounded by pictures and memorabilia, and chat. Relaxed and friendly, gentle questions nudge you along.
The interview is then typed out in question-and-answer form, checked for spellings and accuracy, and bound as a book. Along with the book comes a durable CD of the interview, the voice captured for generations to come.
3. How long does an interview take?
Each story is unique, so the time varies. On average, interviewing one person about their life takes between six to eight hours. The range is three or less to 30 and beyond.
4. What is a personal narrative?
After the oral history is transcribed, it's rewritten into a narrative; in other words, it reads like a story. It's organized by chapters, and each chapter has subheadings to help move the story along. Though rewritten as a story, the voice and character of the storyteller shines through.
5. What is a life story book?
A lifestory book is the personal narrative plus graphics. A graphic can be a photo, letter, certificate, or anything that can be scanned or legally copied off the Internet. We also add captions to bring the graphics to life.
A life story book can be about one person's life, a family saga, or anything in between. It can be an abbreviated Celebration Lifestory that focuses on one event, such as how we met, or one theme, such as a military career. (see The Process for more information)
6. How long does this process take?
It depends on the scope of the project. The average lifestory interview can be done in a matter of weeks. A life story book usually takes between five to seven months.
7. How much does it cost?
Because each project is so unique, the cost varies according to size, scope, and final product. Two things have the most influence over cost: how long it takes to complete the interview, and what the final product will be. An oral history takes far less time than a lifestory book.
Cost can range from a 3-hour oral history for about $500 to a life story book illustrated with captioned graphics for $3,000 and beyond. Together we can design a project that fits both your needs and your budget.
8. How can I get started?
Call me! I can give you lots of ideas. There's also lots of good stuff on the Association of Personal Historians' website, www.personalhistorians.org. Finally, here’s a list of some books that may help.
For practical tips on organization, graphics, and writing:
Living Legacies: How to Write, Illustrate, and Share Your Life Stories
by Duane
Legacy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Personal History
by Linda Spence
Old Friend From Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir
by Natalie Goldberg
