Building on a lifetime of asking good questions, Betsy Rosenblatt Rosso is adding the Personal History Project to the Rosso Writing portfolio. The Personal History Project seeks to capture the life and legacy of each individual who is interviewed, recording the funny or poignant family stories that are often told but have never been written down, sparking long lost memories that family and friends would love to hear, and celebrating important milestones and everyday moments before the details are forgotten.
The scope of each product may be customized by the client, with the understanding that Betsy will ask a wide variety of questions to best be able to tell her subject’s story. Betsy will always respect a client’s boundaries and will not press if the subject does not wish to answer a question. All products are submitted to the client for review and will be revised accordingly.
Potential occasions or focus areas to prompt a personal history project may include
• Retirement
• Milestone birthday
• Moving to a new home, including to a senior or assisted living facility
• Preserving the stories of family heirlooms or treasured objects or art
• Recovery from a health crisis or major medical issue
• Special occasion gift for parent or child or other relative
Personal History Project products are based on a two- to four-hour interview, depending on the subject’s wishes and availability. Ideally interviews are conducted in person at a location of the subject’s choice, but may be done via phone, Skype, or FaceTime if necessary.
Once the interview is completed, Betsy will write any of the following
• Five- to 10-page feature biographical essay
• Five- to 10-page feature biographical essay in photo book with up to 25 photos provided by client
• Nonfiction children’s book about subject, with photos or original illustrations