Guides

Free, in-depth guides to writing a memoir, interviewing family members, preserving stories, and leaving a legacy in words. Read one, or use them to plan your project.

• How to write a memoir

  A step-by-step roadmap for starting, organizing, and finishing a memoir.

  How to write a memoir

• Questions to ask your grandparents

  100+ interview questions to capture stories before they're gone.

  Questions to ask your grandparents

• Preserving family history

  How to gather, organize, and safeguard family stories, photos, and records.

  Preserving family history

• Legacy writing

  What legacy writing is and how to leave one that outlives you.

  Legacy writing

• Oral history interviews

  A practical method for recording and transcribing spoken life stories.

  Oral history interviews

• Ethical wills

  How to write an ethical will — a letter of values, lessons, and love.

  Ethical wills

• Writing your life story

  A gentle framework for turning a whole life into a readable book.

  Writing your life story