How does it work?

Guidelines

To receive your typewritten story on a display-worthy clipboard, a few simple steps are involved. Begin by calling me, Derek, at 613-206-4154 for a brief introductory chat. We’ll discuss your story’s outline, potential length, and an estimated price. 

If you decide to proceed with a full interview, we will schedule a convenient time in the near future. For preparation, I’ll also provide a few broad questions for you to contemplate on your own. 

The recorded interview itself typically lasts about one hour. A brief follow-up call may be needed to verify or clarify certain details. Once the draft is ready, you will receive an electronic version to review and approve. This is your primary opportunity to give broad feedback and specific edits. 

The final typewritten version of your story will be mailed to you, usually within 10 days. 

How much does it cost?

Pricing

500-word story: $100 CAD

1,000-word story: $200*

1,500-word story: $250

2,000-word story: $300         

2,000+ story: negotiable

*Optimal for many clients. 

Most stories naturally fall within the 1,000-word range, typically priced at $200. Occasionally, a story may be shorter—perhaps 500 words—in which case the cost is proportionately reduced. Conversely, some stories may extend beyond this scope, with the final price reflecting the additional length.

The length of a story can vary for many reasons. If you tend to be concise or reserved, your story may be more succinct—and that is perfectly acceptable. A single, meaningful idea expressed simply can carry great impact. On the other hand, if you are naturally expressive and wish to convey thoughtful messages to several people in your life, your story may extend to many more words.

Should you prefer a story of, say, exactly 1,000 words, I am happy to tailor it to that specification, provided the original interview yields a longer narrative. In the stories I craft, there are no unnecessary words. Every word included is intentional and contributes to the integrity of the piece. That said, the following is important to note. The ideal story is exactly as long as it needs to be—no more, no less.   

Why a letter?

A gift offered in trust

A letter offers something rare: undistracted attention. No photos, no bold headlines, no infographics—just words, carefully chosen and permitted to bloom. In a letter, each word is treated with respect, like a small gift offered in trust.

There’s a quiet power in black ink on white paper. It evokes the necessary tension of opposites that great art often requires—simplicity holding space for complexity. Life itself isn’t black and white; it’s vast, layered, and often chaotic. But when a life is captured in clear, honest language—typewritten, unembellished—it embraces human connection that can echo through generations.

And truthfully, writing a letter feels like a gentle act of rebellion. In a world driven by fleeting digital noise and social-media algorithms that divide more than they connect, a letter dares to be enduring. It seeks depth over speed, meaning over metrics—a lasting connection in a time that too often forgets what that looks like.

Why must it be typewritten?

Typing is a form of refining

I am terrible behind the typewriter. It takes forever. More than once, with all but the last few words on a page, have I hit the wrong key. Ugh. And keep in mind: there is no white-out on my desk; only a fresh sheet of paper.

That isn’t me being masochistic. It is part of the process. A good story has necessary words; all others are removed. I’ll gladly remove words that serve no purpose for the reward of less typing! It saves the client money (fewer words, less cost) and ensures my work is clear and concise.

I also welcome the challenge of physical work, both on sheets of paper and sail sheets. The reward is tangible. 

Why are you the right person to create my letter?

Experience & expertise 

I bring both deep professional experience and a profound sense of responsibility to capturing people’s stories. Over the past 25 years, I’ve interviewed and written over 5,500 stories. Stories about athletes and artists, doctors and patients, farmers and fishers, and many more.

Those that have stayed with me most are the stories entrusted to me by grieving families—parents, spouses, children—who, in the wake of profound loss, allowed a stranger into their home to help honour a life. These are moments of immense trust and vulnerability, and they remain among the greatest privileges of my career.

As a journalist, I’ve been trained to listen closely and write with clarity, empathy, and restraint. My role is not to insert myself into the story but to create space for someone else’s truth to emerge—gently, faithfully, and with dignity. Often, it is easier to speak openly to someone with no personal ties, only professional care. That’s where I come in.

In addition to my journalistic background, I’ve long been a student of philosophy. This discipline helps me think deeply about meaning, legacy, love, and the broader human experience—all of which often surface during life’s most pivotal moments. Writing at such times is not only a craft but a vocation.

What if I need more information?

Contact information 

Feel free to email info@lifeandletter.com with any questions or comments. Contact Derek directly at derek@lifeandletter.com or 613-206-4154.