Your Questions

Who should write their life story?


Anyone and everyone!  It’s never too early or late to start recording your life narrative.  To record your story you don’t need to be famous, have climbed Mt Everest or saved the planet.  You just need to be you.



How does writing my life story work?


First and foremost we’ll ensure writing your story with us is an enjoyable experience. Please get in touch and we can provide you with a Your Story. Information pack and talk through how we can work together.



Do I need to do a lot of preparation?


As we guide you through the interview and writing process, very little preparation is needed before we start.

You will complete our Let’s Get the Facts Straight Preparation Questionnaire, which includes 24 straightforward questions to communicate the fundamental facts of your history to us, and to get you started on recalling your life story.  

You can take a week to complete the questionnaire, prior to your first interview.



What if there is something I don’t want to talk about in my interviews?


We give you the opportunity to advise any topics you do not wish to discuss when you complete our Let’s Get The Facts Straight Preparation Questionnaire before your first interview.  



Can I have someone with me when I meet or interview with Your Story.?


Yes, we understand you may need someone to support you when we first meet or conduct the interviews.  They are welcome to join you, but should take a backseat during interviews so we get to focus on you and your story, in your own words.



Do you complete interviews remotely, by phone or online?


We certainly can do this if your require a remote service, however we prefer to deliver our service in person.
While we’re based in the Hawke’s Bay we regularly travel to work with clients in other areas.

If you live outside Hawke’s Bay and would like to write your story with us, please get in touch to see when we will next be in your area.

Do you work with people who have terminal illnesses or memory issues?


Absolutely, we work with everyone, regardless of their age and stage. We adapt our service and approach to accommodate any challenging needs, including speeding up or slowing down our process to accommodate any special requirements.

Extra support from a family member may be needed for clients with significant medical conditions to assist them during their experience with us.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you or a family member are experiencing challenges and may require a bespoke or urgent service. It will be our privilege to work with you in this situation.



How do I gift a Your Story. experience?


A Your Story. experience makes a great gift!  

Not only are you gifting the creation of a lasting life narrative, you are also giving the recipient an experience.

An ideal gift for any celebration – Christmas, birthdays (not just significant ones!), anniversaries, retirements or Father’s/Mother’s Day.  And a great option as a gift from a group of family or friends for a milestone birthday.

You can gift a full package, or your chosen value amount towards our services.

Please contact us to arrange your gift.

Electronic or physical gift vouchers will be provided to you. Physical vouchers are presented in an envelope with ribbon ready for presentation to the recipient.

What are your payment terms?


We require an 80% non-refundable deposit paid upon booking to secure our services, with the 20% balance paid prior to receipt of your final life story document.

You will be issued an invoice for both payments.  We do not accept credit card or installment payments.



What if I book and pay for a Your Story. experience and need to cancel?


Your 80% deposit is non-refundable.  In certain situations, at Your Story.’s discretion, we may offer a partial refund or allow you to transfer our services to another recipient, if your interview sessions have not been completed.