The latest video from How We Got Here Genealogy shifts gears from ancestral research to the art of biography, featuring an insightful interview with Joseph Quader, founder and CEO of Story Saver. This episode is a must-watch for anyone considering writing their own biography or preserving the stories of loved ones.
Joseph’s passion for writing and his experience interviewing people from all walks of life shine through in this discussion [05:29]. He emphasizes that the key to a compelling biography lies in asking the right questions [13:05]. He suggests starting with broad themes and then gently guiding the conversation to delve deeper into specific memories and experiences [14:28].
The interview covers both individual and family biographies, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of each [16:17]. Joseph also offers practical advice for dealing with memory, acknowledging that recollections can fade or shift over time [19:28]. His tips for prompting memories are invaluable for any aspiring biographer.
Both Joseph and Brian eloquently discuss the importance of preserving personal stories, not just for family but for a broader understanding of history [36:57]. These individual narratives can make historical events more relatable and meaningful, connecting us to the past in a powerful way. Joseph stresses the urgency of this task, reminding us that with each passing day, stories are lost forever [01:10:23].
For those feeling daunted by the prospect of writing a biography, Joseph offers encouraging words and practical tips for getting started [53:55]. He recommends starting with what you know, researching publicly available information, and approaching interviews with sensitivity. He even offers to share his company’s questionnaire with listeners [56:54], a generous offer that underscores his commitment to helping others preserve their stories. He also highlights the usefulness of recording interviews, especially with the aid of AI transcription [57:54].
While Story Saver primarily focuses on biographies for family and personal use, Joseph mentions that they also assist those seeking commercial publication [01:02:40]. This opens up exciting possibilities for those who believe their story has a wider audience.
The video concludes with Brian sharing his plans for the podcast and his YouTube channel in 2024, including sharing more family stories and answering genealogy questions [01:11:32]. This episode is a valuable resource for anyone interested in writing biographies and preserving family histories.