At StoryTerrace, one of the most cherished parts of the book-making journey is the interview process. Clients often tell us it’s their favorite stage because of the unique connection that forms between them and their writer. Those conversations create space for laughter, reflection, and sometimes revelations they didn’t even know they wanted to share.

Interviews are at the heart of what we do. They’re where memories surface, details come alive, and the threads of a life story start weaving together. In fact, psychologists note that people recall more vivid and emotional details when speaking in conversation than when writing alone, a reminder of just how powerful this stage can be.

To give you a peek behind the curtain, we sat down with Stefanie Fox, one of our Premium Writers, who has completed more than 25 projects with StoryTerrace. Stefanie shared her perspective on what makes an interview not just informative, but transformative.

Writer’s Perspective: Stefanie Fox

What’s one interview question you often ask that consistently sparks interesting or unexpected stories?

I wouldn’t say there’s one magic question, because it really depends on the individual and their story. What makes the difference is truly listening, noticing what’s said and what’s left unsaid, and then being brave enough to follow up. It’s often those follow-up questions, based on something they’ve just mentioned in passing, that lead to the most surprising and powerful stories.

‍

Thinking back on your interviews, what is one detail, story, or moment that has really stuck with you over time? Why do you think that moment was so powerful or memorable?

One that stands out is from an interview with a man who had an illustrious medical career. He was very unassuming, and I didn’t expect him to reveal much about his younger years. But once we started talking, he began sharing wild adventures from his student days.

One story was about being so hungry on a cross-country trip to Pakistan that he and his friends ate in a restaurant knowing they couldn’t pay, and ended up being chased by the police. For someone now so law-abiding and dignified, it was completely unexpected. It was powerful because it showed such a contrast between the person he is today and the person he once was (and still is, really). He seemed a bit bashful but also very happy to talk about it.

‍

If you could give just one tip for asking better questions in everyday life (e.g., with family or friends), what would it be?

Listen. Don’t go in with a rigid list of questions. Have a real conversation. Be curious and follow up on the things that catch your ear. Often, it’s not the obvious question but the small detail someone mentions that opens the door to a much deeper story.

‍

Is there a particular phrasing or type of question you’ve found that almost always helps people open up?

Yes, open questions. Instead of asking something that can be answered with a yes or no, I ask things like:

“How did that make you feel?”

“Why do you think that happened?”

“What do you think that led to?”

These encourage reflection. And just as important, I always reassure people that they don’t have to answer anything they’re uncomfortable with, and that they’ll have control over how their story is presented. That sense of safety often allows them to open up far more than they expected.

‍

Quick Tip: One Unexpected Question

Want to spark meaningful stories in your own conversations with loved ones? Try asking:

“What’s something you’ve never told me about this chapter of your life?”

Simple, open, and endlessly revealing, it’s a question that often leads to unforgettable stories!