WHAT WE DO
About Our Books
We write your story for you. After sitting down with you, either virtually or literally, and learning about your treasured memories, we write a customised, and personalised, story honouring your experience.
Your story is then presented back to you in a handcrafted, hard-cover book, made by us especially for you using traditional bookbinding techniques.
At the end of our work together you will have the perfect gift to share with your loved ones!
“The book Brenda created for my husband and I was perfect. It was our love story.”
– Kate B.
Our Process
interviewing
We start with the interview process. These are held in person, over the phone, or online. Depending on the scope of your story and the project, there may be one or more, interviews. Having previously established the basic premise of your story – the path to finding your beloved, funny family quips or personal growth for instance – we will have some initial questions prepared. That said, we will also allow the interview to wander as needed, and may ask some background questions for clarification as we’ve found many stories start before we realize they do.
writing
After the interview, your work is done and we begin writing your experience. We frame it as a short story, poem, or memoir, depending on what form suits your story and which style you prefer. The tone, and indeed some of the language, of the writing will be taken from the interview as we are here to honour your story and your history.
Bookbinding
Once the writing is completed, we begin the process of bookbinding and transforming your piece of history into the perfect gift for both yourself and your loved ones. The books are covered in imported decorative papers made specifically for bookbinding, and are sourced from around the world. The style of the paper (marble, floral, geometric print for example) is chosen based on the tone and concept of the book. Colour options can be chosen by you, or you can leave it up to us to decide.
sewing and assembly
We then sew the book pages by hand, build the hard cover case-binding, and glue it all together using a small, hand-made book press. Once the glue has dried and your story is snuggled safely between the covers, it is ready to be delivered! We can deliver locally in person or arrange shipping as needed.
Please note that your privacy is protected throughout the entire process. The books created by Our Storied Lives are meant for you. The stories they hold are presented as remembered by you. They are a written record to be cherished by both yourself and your loved ones.
Our Process
interviewing
We start with the interview process. These are held in person, over the phone, or online. Depending on the scope of your story and the project, there may be one or more, interviews. Having previously established the basic premise of your story – the path to finding your beloved, funny family quips or personal growth for instance – we will have some initial questions prepared. That said, we will also allow the interview to wander as needed, and may ask some background questions for clarification as we’ve found many stories start before we realize they do.
writing
After the interview, your work is done and we begin writing your experience. We frame it as a short story, poem, or memoir, depending on what form suits your story and which style you prefer. The tone, and indeed some of the language, of the writing will be taken from the interview as we are here to honour your story and your history.
Bookbinding
Once the writing is completed, we begin the process of bookbinding and transforming your piece of history into the perfect gift for both yourself and your loved ones. The books are covered in imported decorative papers made specifically for bookbinding, and are sourced from around the world. The style of the paper (marble, floral, geometric print for example) is chosen based on the tone and concept of the book. Colour options can be chosen by you, or you can leave it up to us to decide.
sewing and assembly
We then sew the book pages by hand, build the hard cover case-binding, and glue it all together using a small, hand-made book press. Once the glue has dried and your story is snuggled safely between the covers, it is ready to be delivered! We can deliver locally in person or arrange shipping as needed.
Please note that your privacy is protected throughout the entire process. The books created by Our Storied Lives are meant for you. The stories they hold are presented as remembered by you. They are a written record to be cherished by both yourself and your loved ones.
“It is an honour to have opportunities to sit down and learn about people’s stories. To be trusted with most treasured memories and be given the privilege to create something beautiful with, and from, them is truly rewarding.”
– Brenda, Our Storied Lives Founder
LEARN ABOUT PRICING
Ready to create your dream project? Explore our pricing tiers and learn more about ordering additional copies.
