Storyay: Bringing Personalized Storytelling to Kids – Exclusive Interview
With screens dominating entertainment, fewer kids are reading for fun, leading to declining literacy rates. Storyay aims to change that by delivering personalized, interactive stories straight to a child’s mailbox—turning reading into a fun, screen-free adventure. Instead of passively reading, kids become part of the story, with their names, interests, and challenges woven into serialized letters that make reading engaging and personal.
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with the team behind Storyay to discuss the inspiration behind this innovative storytelling experience, how personalization enhances engagement, and what’s next for this game-changing reading adventure. If you’re looking for a fresh way to inspire kids to read, this is a must-read!
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The Mission Behind Storyay
Michael (Gizmocrowd): Fewer children are enjoying reading today, especially with the rise of digital distractions. What inspired you to create Storyay, and how does it help reignite a love for reading in kids?
Lance Slack: Literacy is critical to child development, but we know kids aren’t choosing to read for fun like they used to. This is impacting literacy rates and diminishing the joy and excitement that has long been associated with reading a good book.
We researched what is getting and keeping kids’ attention because everything a child does in a day is a competitor to reading for fun. We found that short-form content made up a large portion of their free time, and screens reigned supreme.
This realization led us to the creation of Storyay—combining literature and short-form content into a screen-free activity. Our creative approach turns a long-form story into eight personalized letters that are no more than fourteen pages long, mailed directly to a child. Each letter is interactive, engaging, and tailored just for them, giving kids something exciting, immersive, and away from their screens.
The Magic of Personalized Stories
Michael: Storyay offers personalized letters and interactive stories sent directly to a child’s mailbox. How does personalization enhance the reading experience, and why is it such a powerful tool for engagement?
Lance Slack: Reading a story is entertaining but often lacks a personal connection. However, when the main character speaks directly to the child, calling them by name, it transforms reading from a passive activity into something active and deeply engaging.
Our personalization goes beyond just inserting a name—it weaves a child’s interests into the narrative, making them feel like they are truly part of the adventure. Each letter also includes interactive activities, further immersing them in the storyline.
At no point will a child feel disconnected from the characters or plot, because Storyay places them at the center of the experience. This sense of ownership and engagement keeps kids excited to open each new letter and dive deeper into the story.
The Creative Process
Michael: Unlike AI-generated content, Storyay stories are crafted by local writers and illustrators. Can you share how the creative team brings these letters to life and ensures they resonate with young readers?
Lance Slack: When we came up with Storyay, we knew the stories needed to be written by humans for humans. AI is a useful tool, but the human experience creates genuine, relatable stories that resonate deeply with children.
Our team brings decades of experience in writing and illustrating for kids. They understand the challenges and triumphs of engaging young readers and craft each story with care, creativity, and heart.
Additionally, we build a diverse range of styles and genres to appeal to as many children as possible, ensuring that every Storyay reader finds a world that feels like home.
Impact on Literacy and Family Bonding
Michael: Storyay isn’t just about reading—it’s about shared experiences. How does receiving these letters help families connect and encourage kids to engage with stories beyond just the written words?
Lance Slack: Getting physical mail is a magical experience for a child—it’s something uniquely theirs, and in today’s digital age, it stands out. Because Storyay is tangible, it naturally breaks kids away from their screens, creating opportunities for family interaction. Parents and caregivers can ask questions, engage in discussions, and even read together, strengthening bonds and making storytelling a shared adventure.
Without the barrier of a screen, Storyay brings families closer, making reading a special moment rather than just another task.
The Future of Storyay
Michael: Storyay is launching with three unique storylines and interactive elements. What’s next for Storyay, and how do you see it evolving as more children and families get involved?
Lance Slack: We’re starting strong with three stories across different genres—fantasy, sci-fi/mystery, and adventure—each designed to excite and engage young readers.
But this is just the beginning. Later this year, we’re launching Storyay Jr., featuring interactive stories for kids under seven. In 2026, we’ll expand into the YA market, bringing our personalized storytelling experience to teens and young adults.
Each Storyay segment will stay true to our mission—personalized, immersive storytelling—while adapting to different age groups. We can’t wait to see how families and young readers shape the future of Storyay with us!
Michael: Thank you so much to the Storyay team for sharing this inspiring vision! It’s incredible to see a fresh, innovative approach to getting kids excited about reading again. Wishing you all the best with your launch—I can’t wait to see how Storyay sparks a new generation of book lovers!
Storyay – Interactive Personalized Letters to home for kids – A Kickstarter campaign by Lance Slack
In an age where screens dominate entertainment, Storyay brings back the joy of storytelling in a way that’s interactive, engaging, and screen-free. By personalizing each story, delivering physical letters, and making reading an adventure, Storyay is redefining how kids connect with books.
With expertly crafted stories, immersive personalization, and future expansions into different age groups, Storyay is more than just a reading experience—it’s a movement to inspire lifelong book lovers.
If you want to reignite a love for reading in a child’s life, Storyay is the perfect way to start!
About Lance Slack
Lance brings over 30 years of experience in digital development and custom software solutions. His expertise includes designing innovative platforms, including the system that powers Storyay’s personalized story experiences. His entrepreneurial journey has been shaped by a passion for blending technical innovation with creativity. For Lance, Storyay is more than a business—it’s a mission to improve kids’ lives through literacy, engagement, and inclusivity.
