1
Conversation
We begin with relaxed, curious interviews. There is no need to prepare a perfect chronology; remembered details, favorite expressions, and unexpected turns are welcome.
Our approach
Memory is the beginning. Story is the art.
We create literary interpretations of real memories—carefully listened to, imaginatively shaped, and written to be enjoyed as stories.
What creative nonfiction means here
The writing keeps the emotional core and narrative of a memory, while giving the author freedom to invent or reconstruct settings, dialogue, sensory details, chronology, and other elements in service of the storytelling.
The result is a literary interpretation—not a transcript, biography, or literal historical record.
2
Writing
We find the narrative within the memories, preserving their emotional core while using literary craft to shape setting, dialogue, sensory detail, and time.
3
Collaborative review
We share the work and listen again. Review helps ensure that the story feels emotionally true to the person and experience at its center.
Optional original illustration
Let the story continue visually.
Writing is the heart of every Anecdotes NYC project. For clients who choose it, original artwork interprets the story’s meaningful scenes, objects, and atmosphere.
A story can also stand on its own without illustration.