Stories help us understand ourselves by connecting us to a larger human experience. Inspired by Kleio, the Greek muse of history—but also the goddess of music, song, and dance—we animate those histories that make up our complex identities as individuals and families.
One interview at a time, one record after another, we capture life’s most meaningful moments through engaging narrative techniques, transforming major milestones and anecdotes into timeless books to revisit and pass on.
As a female-led team of professional writers and editors, we’ve honed the skills of vibrant storytelling: we bring to life palpable scenes that allow readers to really connect with the person at the center. We believe that honest, nuanced stories allow us to see each other, and ourselves, with more curiosity and empathy—touching the narrator and reader alike.
These FAQs get at the nuts and bolts of what we do. But why do we do it?
Stories are priceless, as we know—the reason why two-thirds of adults regret not interviewing their grandparents before they passed.
But knowing and telling our family’s stories isn’t just important and fun, it also has measurable benefits:
Family stories boost children’s self-esteem.
Research shows that when parents share family stories, children exhibit lower levels of anxiety or nervousness, have fewer behavior problems, and are better able to deal with stress and anxiety.
Stories about life’s more difficult moments cultivate emotional resilience and empathy.
Experts Weigh in On The Value of Family Stories:
“It turns out that sharing family stories with adult children and grandchildren is more than a pleasant pastime. Research has found that a strong narrative helps build strong family bonds. Passing down lessons and values through stories enhances a sense of well-being.”
—Mary W. Quigley
“In today’s transient society, with many children living far away from the communities where they grew up, family ties are weakening. Today, children don’t normally grow up knowing ‘Uncle Tim and Aunt Sarah’ very well at all. They may be doing well just to know that this uncle and aunt exist. As such, they likely don’t know that ‘Uncle Tim’ is an expert, self-taught carpenter or that ‘Aunt Sarah’ was a professional cheerleader in her younger years. With today’s families spread out over the country and the world, our sense of belonging is minimal and our heritages are suffering, too. That’s why it’s important for parents to tell family stories to their children.”
—Kimberly Crosen Luckabaugh