Interviewing older relatives is one of the most powerful ways to bring your family biography to life. Their voices, stories, and memories offer a firsthand glimpse into your family’s past—providing richness, depth, and emotional truth that no archive or document can replace.
Whether you’re writing about your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents, here’s how to approach the interview process with thoughtfulness, preparation, and purpose.
1. Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Good questions unlock great stories. Instead of asking yes-or-no questions, opt for open-ended prompts that invite reflection and storytelling. Questions like “What was your childhood home like?” or “Can you tell me about your first job?” work much better than “Did you like school?”
You can also use memory-prompting tools like our Life Story Interview Book, which includes over 100 questions specifically designed to help people recall meaningful moments from every stage of life.
2. Set the Right Environment
Choose a quiet, comfortable place where your relative can speak freely without distraction. It’s best to do this in person if possible, but phone or video calls can work well too.
Make them feel at ease. Let them know you’re not looking for perfect answers—you’re there to listen and learn. A cup of tea, a familiar setting, or a shared photo album can help the conversation flow more naturally.
3. Record the Conversation
Use your phone or a voice recorder to capture the interview (with their permission). This allows you to stay present and truly listen, rather than focusing on note-taking. Later, you can transcribe the recording or use a service to do it for you.
Recording also means you capture the tone, rhythm, and emotion in their voice—something incredibly valuable for writing and preserving their legacy.
4. Be Flexible and Let Stories Unfold
You may have a list of questions prepared, but don’t treat it like a checklist. Allow space for stories to unfold naturally. If a particular memory seems meaningful, follow that thread. Sometimes the most powerful insights come from spontaneous recollections.
Avoid correcting, interrupting, or rushing. Instead, ask follow-up questions like, “What happened next?” or “How did that make you feel?”
5. Ask About the Little Things
Details bring stories to life. Ask about favorite meals, holiday traditions, or songs that were popular when they were young. These small moments help paint a vivid picture of the world they lived in and the people they were.
Don’t be afraid to explore emotions, relationships, and turning points in their lives. Often, it’s the quieter stories—about friendship, grief, love, or faith—that leave the biggest impact.
6. Follow Up and Show Appreciation
After the interview, follow up with a thank-you note or a phone call. Let them know how much you value their stories. If you’ve transcribed their memories or included them in a draft, consider sharing that with them. It can be incredibly meaningful for someone to see their life honored on the page.
Want to Make It Easy? Let TellTales Do the Work for You
Interviewing your parents or grandparents is deeply rewarding—but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you're not sure what to ask or how to shape it all into a compelling book.
That’s where TellTales comes in.
We offer a full-service biography package where we:
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Professionally interview your parents (or any loved one) using thoughtful, compassionate prompts
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Transcribe and organize their stories into a cohesive, emotional narrative
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Assign an experienced author to craft their memoir with care and storytelling expertise
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Design, print, and ship a beautifully bound biography they’ll treasure forever
It's the easiest way to preserve your family's story—with zero stress and 100% heart.
If you want to give the gift of a lifetime, explore our biography service options here. We’ll help you capture the legacy your family deserves.