How to record your parents’ life story: a step-by-step guide
A practical guide to gathering and writing down your parents’ and grandparents’ memories – even if you are short on time.
Most families mean to do it: “one day we should write down Mum’s stories.” Then “one day” never comes. With these steps anyone can start – even in a single afternoon.
1. Pick a starting theme
Don’t begin with “tell me your life story” – it’s too big. Start with something specific: the childhood home, the first job, how they met.
2. Create a calm setting
A quiet room, a cup of tea, time. Put the phone away – or use it to record, if that doesn’t bother them.
3. Ask, then listen
The best interviewers talk very little. After a good question, wait – even through a long silence. Here are 30 tried-and-tested questions.
4. Gather the photographs
Old photos work wonders: a single picture can bring back stories they would never have told otherwise.
5. Write it – or let someone help
The hardest part is turning spoken memories into readable prose. This is where Memoair helps: the companion asks the questions on the phone, the storyteller answers at their own pace, and the result is a beautifully written book in chapters, with photographs.
6. Share it with the family
With the storyteller’s permission you can share the finished book, print it, and listen to it as an audiobook – even in their own voice.
Their story, in their words – even in their own voice.
Memoair’s companion patiently asks about their life, and the result is a beautifully written book.