How to Write a Grandparent's Biography

By: Paula Walters

Grandparents love grandchildren unconditionally.You are the children they can enjoy and return at the end of a good visit. You are the children they did not have to raise and worry about 24/7. They look at you and know that you are their legacy, continuing the family story long after they have gone. You know that they are a very important part of your life--they are friends and confidantes. At this point you want to capture their stories so you and those who come after you will know to value them.

Step 1

Write down the interview questions you want to ask your grandparents. Cover their childhood, their meeting and courtship, and raising your parents while working outside their home. Then create some questions that are relevant for today: What are their retirement plans? What career advice would they give? What advice would they give a young person today?

Step 2

Interview your grandparents and record the interview.

Step 3

Listen to the interview several times. Decide what you are going to include and how you are going to organize the information. Make a preliminary outline. Include interesting comments they made and stories they told. Use their information well to make their biography a good read.

Step 4

Start writing, following your outline. Include an introduction, a well-developed body (the middle part) and a brief conclusion.

Step 5

Finalize the draft on the computer. Insert their picture and any other family pictures you have. Congratulations! You have just given your entire family a very special gift.