Get set to interview a loved one and record family stories
First published March 8, 2018: This article has been updated and improved.
I have a fun three-part writing challenge for readers as we all ‘stay at home’ this Easter.
Most importantly Easter symbolises new beginnings and fresh starts.
Traditionally a time of family get-togethers, it offers us an opportunity to reconnect, bond and help record a loved one’s autobiography, memoir, biography or other life-story project.
Therefore over the next few weeks I challenge you to sit down and write a life-story feature article about your mum, dad, grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle or someone else dear to you.
You can do this solo or join forces with your children as an extra special lockdown project!
The tips I’ll be sharing are from the Your Family Stories System: Easily capture your loved ones’ memories for future generations.
The first writing challenge step is getting ready for a successful phone interview …
Getting curious
Often the hardest thing about interviews is getting the ball rolling and settling nerves.
However, after years working as a journalist, I have found it’s best to have a rough set of questions.
Therefore to help you prepare for this writing challenge I’ve detailed 10 leading questions below.
They are simple, open-ended questions that can be asked by anyone.
Most importantly the questions are starting points so feel free to throw in extras.
Moreover ask your children too what they are curious to find out.
In short this is a great opportunity for a three-generation interview!
Related article – Your Family Stories system: Family stories + family history + much more!
Related article – Surefire tips to end feeling overwhelmed about writing your life story
Writing challenge key questions
- Can you tell me about your ancestors?
- Tell me about your birth and family?
- What do you remember about growing up?
- Can you tell me about your further studies and early working life?
- Tell me about your own marriage and raising children?
- What happened during your later working life and career?
- Have you had any significant illnesses or other challenges during your life?
- Can you tell me about hobbies or other interests you have had over the years?
- How is life now looking back?
- Do you have a favourite quote, advice or guiding message about life you would like to share for this writing challenge?
Related article – Life-story interview: How to set-up an interview + family interview tips
Related article – Feature article guide: Helping you write a life story super fast!
Stirring up memories
Finally for this writing challenge, you can help your loved one get memories percolating ahead of a phone or video interview.
For example, suggest they look through old ‘treasures’ such as: photo albums, scrapbooks, school records, newspaper clippings, etc.
Another good exercise is for your loved one to brainstorm key memories, life sections, and guiding messages they want to share.
As a result, I’ve created the free structure success video training to help.
So sign up here and I’ll walk you through each step.
For even more hints and tips check out these articles below.
Related article – How to beat memoir writer’s block in 8 simple steps
Related article – Story detail: Identifying key details in a story to make your autobiography shine
Final say: Writing challenge
To sum up, this Easter I’ve set you a fun ‘stay at home’ writing challenge to call a loved one and record their life story as a feature article.
So using the Your Family Stories System, I show you: how to steady nerves, what questions to ask, and ways to get memories flowing.
Above all don’t miss the next writing challenge article on how to hold a successful interview.
Meanwhile during such trying times get the Your Family Stories System for 50% off.
I can’t wait to help you record, share and celebrate life stories right now.
Happy writing!
Free gift!
Want a free sample of the Your Family Stories System before you buy? Sign up here or fill in the form below.
Your say
Are you doing the life-story Easter writing challenge? Who are you thinking of interviewing? I always love hearing from different people. Drop me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
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This article first appeared on the website Forever Young Autobiographies.com.
