Give the gift of a life story
ABOUT STORY DAYS
At Story Days, we believe everyone has a story worth hearing.
Something truly special happens when we delve into our history. To look back on history is to journey into the past, and unearth the stories of a lifetime.
These stories deserve to be shared with family and community. Together, we will explore all those rich memories and voice a compelling narrative.
Through engaging conversations, captivating photographs, and thought-provoking prompts, a life story can be told, for loved ones to treasure forever.
Let’s bring a life story... to life.
Most of us go through life without being interviewed about our stories.
Story Days was created to change this - by capturing the life experience of Australians for their families and communities to cherish.
A Story Days package includes:
A Story Days booklet to share
Personal interview co-ordination (research call and questionnaire)
Individual or combined (family/friends/co-workers etc) interview
Research call or in-person questionnaire
Up to 3 hours in-person interview session
Full professionally written document with your choice of word count (e.g. 5,000, 10,000 or to order)
Secure file download link with program notes
How It Works
Step 1. Booking the interview and location
We confirm the time and location either directly with you, or with your loved one being interviewed (the subject). Most of our in-person interviews take place in the subject’s own home or agreed location.
We call the subject to introduce ourselves and address any concerns. It’s always during this conversation that nerves turn to excitement.
Step 2. Conducting pre-interview research
We conduct research about your loved one prior to the interview. You’ll complete a fivepoint questionnaire asking about life highlights, important stories, why you want the interview, and questions you’ve always wanted to ask them. We encourage you to share this with friends and family.
Step 3. Interview day
Our interviewer arrives and sets up our recording gear while we have a chat. We use dual Rode wireless microphones, placed on the subject’s lapel, and record to a laptop.
We take the time to make the subject feel comfortable. A cup of tea helps! We assure the subject that the interview is private, and they have the option to stop recording or edit. The subject signs a consent form.
Step 4. Final product
Our editing and post-production team take over to produce a high-quality hard copy product to specifications.
A Story Days booklet or an assisted eulogy not only brings comfort and delight to the families of loved ones — it gives the subject a chance to refine their legacy, look back with pride, and think about what they’d like to pass onto future generations.
The experience will be deeply cathartic and equally rewarding for everyone involved.
With every purchase of a Story Days package, you will receive a printed gift certificate to personalise and share — or we can mail it directly to the recipient on your behalf!
Available Products:
• Booklet for family/friends/co-workers
• Eulogy preparation
• Life Story Book – hardcover biography transcribed from the audio interview, professionally edited into story snippets with photos included (POA) Landscape or portrait, magazine-style soft cover or hard linen or buckram finish.
About Mark Smith
Mark Smith has had a long career working in the Not for Profit, Government and corporate areas writing policies, strategy and life goals for people.
He has a unique understanding and skill to assist in finding out about the often hidden stories that everyone has and an empathetic manner that people feel comfortable with.
Mark has worked with some of the most disadvantaged and marginalised people in various Aged Care, Disability and Mental health organisations.
At the heart of all his work is a curiosity and respect for the value of involving friends and family in producing a desired outcome.
Mark is based in Melbourne, and looks forward to meeting people that would like to share their life learnings and experiences with their loved ones.