Writing Process9 min read2025-02-17
Interview Techniques for Memoir Writers and Family Historians
Professional interviewing techniques to help you draw out rich, detailed stories from yourself or family members.
The Art of Drawing Out Stories
Great memoirs come from great material. Great material comes from great questions—and knowing how to ask them.
Before the Interview
Prepare, But Don't Over-Prepare
- Have key topics in mind
- Know some specific questions
- But leave room for surprise
Create the Right Environment
- Comfortable, private space
- No time pressure
- Recording equipment ready
- Water/tea available
Build Trust First
- Start with easy topics
- Share a little about yourself
- Explain why you're doing this
- Emphasize there are no wrong answers
Question Types That Work
Open-Ended Questions
"Tell me about your childhood" opens possibilities. "Was your childhood happy?" limits them.
Sensory Questions
"What did your grandmother's kitchen smell like?" "What sounds do you remember from that house?"
Specific Follow-Ups
"You mentioned your father was strict. Can you give me an example?" "What happened next?"
Feeling Questions
"How did that make you feel?" "What were you thinking in that moment?"
The Magic Question
"What else should I know about that?" Often surfaces the best material.
Questions to Avoid
- Yes/No questions - Limit responses
- Leading questions - "Wasn't that terrible?"
- Multiple questions at once - Confusing
- Interrupting - Let them finish
Active Listening Techniques
- Reflect back - "So you're saying..."
- Validate - "That sounds really hard."
- Wait - Silence often produces more
- Notice body language - Some topics need gentleness
When They Get Stuck
- Offer photos as memory triggers
- Ask about a specific year or age
- Change topics and return later
- Take a break
Recording Tips
- Test equipment before starting
- Use backup recording
- Note timestamps for key moments
- Don't rely on memory alone
AI Interview Assistants
Services like My Ghostwriter use AI to:
- Ask thoughtful follow-up questions
- Keep the conversation flowing
- Ensure no topic gets missed
- Maintain consistent depth
