What a professional journalist knows about conducting life-story interviews
First published March 22, 2018: This article has been updated and improved.
Welcome to the fun stay-at-home family stories writing challenge part 2!
As we bunker down in quarantine this Easter period, I’m throwing it out there to connect with someone close to you and compile a life-story feature article.
This could be your parents, grandparents or another loved one and involve the help of your children as a special lockdown activity.
For part 1 of the challenge we got ready for a successful phone or video interview.
In this writing challenge part 2 I share some interview tips I’ve picked up over years working as a daily newspaper journalist.
All ideas come from the Your Family Stories System: Easily capture your loved ones’ memories for future generations.
So get comfy and let’s get started …
1 Writing challenge part 2: Get settled
Ideally, for this writing challenge part 2 you would interview a loved one at their home.
But in these unprecedented times we can still connect by adapting.
When you call make a point of being relaxed and easing into things.
For example, have a chat (over a cuppa tea or snack) and just talk about everyday things.
When everyone is ready get set to hold the interview.
Related article – Writing challenge – part 1: Join in some stay-at-home Easter fun!
2 Pick a spot
Often your loved one will have a space in mind to sit and talk, like their favourite chair.
Certainly, wherever it is, make sure it is comfy, free from interruptions, background noise, and is a good temperature.
Related article – Writing flow: Finding the best places to write your autobiography
3 Writing challenge part 2: Little extras
If you want to go through albums or documents during the writing challenge part 2, make sure your loved one has these handy and enough room to spread them out.
Paying attention to lighting is also an important point to consider if you are filming proceedings.
Related article – Story detail: Identifying key details in a story to make your autobiography shine
4 Chart a course
In addition, as you get started you should make a point to briefly recap what you hope to achieve from the interview and give your loved one the chance to do the same.
This could be as simple as saying what time periods and key memories you hope to discuss or cover during the sitting.
Related article – Why write: Why is writing important and why do we write
5 Check your notes
A good tip for inspiration for the writing challenge part 2 is to look back at your interview preparation notes covered in the previous article.
Certainly sharing broad expectations at the start of an interview and reviewing what was covered briefly at the end will help you work towards a common goal and stay on the same page – literally!
Related article – Feature article guide: Helping you write a life story super fast!
6 Tools of the trade
Finally, it is time to set-up and test your tools: notebook, voice recorder or video recorder, etc.
Then pull out your questions and let the fun begin!
Related article – Writing tools to help you beat bad spelling and grammar woes
Final say: Writing challenge part 2
In conclusion, you don’t need to be a pro reporter to hold a good interview for the writing challenge part 2.
Remember to: get settled, eliminate distractions, agree on a basic plan, and have details, notes and tools at hand.
So go slowly, be positive and I’m sure you will do a wonderful job!
Finally, don’t miss the last writing challenge article next week about how to organise and present interview material.
And if you need extra help during such unprecedented times get the Your Family Stories System for 50% off.
I’m excited to help you record, share and celebrate life stories right now.
Happy writing!
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Your say
I’d love to hear how you get on with your interview and the writing challenge part 2. How did it go? Send 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.
