How to Turn Phone Calls Into Family Legacy Books

Want to preserve family stories? Use phone calls to create a family legacy book. Here's how:

1. Why Phone Calls?
   • They're comfortable and easy for relatives, especially older ones.
   • No need for cameras - just heartfelt conversations.
2. Steps to Create a Legacy Book:
   • Plan and Record: Schedule hour-long calls and record them.
   • Transcribe: Use tools like Storii or Rev AI to turn audio into text.
   • Organize and Edit: Arrange stories by themes or timelines, and refine the text.
   • Design and Print: Use platforms like Canva or MyCanvas to create and print the book.
3. Tools You’ll Need:
   • Recording Apps: Storii ($9.99/month) or TapeACall.
   • Transcription Services: Rev AI ($0.25/min) or GoTranscript ($0.99/min).
   • Design Platforms: Canva templates or MyCanvas for family charts.
4. Tips for Success:
   • Ask open-ended questions like “What was your childhood home like?”
   • Include family photos, recipes, and historical details to enrich the book.
   • Store digital versions securely and protect printed copies with proper care.

Quick Comparison of Tools:

Tool	Purpose	Cost	Features
Storii	Recording & Transcripts	$9.99/month	Prompts, audiobooks, PDFs
Rev AI	Transcription	$0.25/min	Fast automated transcription
Canva	Book Design	$55.00/template	Flexible design options
MyCanvas	Printing	$75.00 for 20 pages	Family charts, pedigree options

Start now to preserve your family’s history for generations to come.

5 Ways to Make Family History Books

Setting Up Family Story Sessions

Phone Recording Tools

Looking for a way to capture family stories? TapeACall is a solid choice, offering clear audio and accurate transcriptions for any type of call. Another option is Storii, which not only records automatically but also provides over 1,000 life story prompts and transcription services. For just $9.99/month, you can turn these recordings into downloadable audiobooks or PDFs - perfect for preserving memories, especially from older relatives.

Once you've chosen a tool, focus on creating a space where your family member feels comfortable enough to share their stories.

Making Relatives Feel at Ease

A little preparation goes a long way in helping your relative open up. Let them know ahead of time about the session so they can reflect and maybe gather some keepsakes to jog their memory. When the session begins, make it as relaxed as possible:

• Set aside specific times for the conversation.
• Emphasize that there's no pressure to "perform" or get it perfect.
• Share a personal story of your own to build trust.
• Be an active listener - avoid interrupting and let them take their time.

Questions That Get Good Stories

The key to uncovering meaningful stories is asking open-ended questions. These types of questions can touch on various aspects of their life:

Childhood Memories

• "What was the home you grew up in like?"
• "Describe a typical day in your family when you were little."
• "Are there any smells that instantly remind you of your childhood?"

Family Traditions

• "Which holiday did you look forward to the most as a kid?"
• "Are there any family traditions that have been passed down over time?"

Life Lessons

• "What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?"
• "What lessons from your parents have stuck with you?"
• "When did you first learn how to bounce back from challenges?"

Let the conversation flow naturally. If something piques your curiosity, ask follow-up questions to dive deeper - it’ll make the narrative even richer.

Recording and Writing Down Stories

Getting Clear Audio Recordings

Storii makes it simple to record calls on any phone - no smartphone or internet required. For $9.99/month, you can schedule up to three calls per week.

To ensure high-quality audio:

• Pick a quiet space free from background noise.
• Speak at a steady pace for clarity.
• Test your connection before starting the recording.
• Keep the phone close to the speaker.
• Use a headset to minimize external noise.

Text Conversion Options

Turning audio into text is easier and more affordable than ever. Here's a quick breakdown of popular transcription services:

Service	Type	Cost	Accuracy	Best For
Rev AI	Automated	$0.25/min	High	Quick turnaround
GoTranscript	Human	$0.99/min	Excellent	Complex audio
Alice	Automated	$0.17/min	Supreme	Budget-conscious
Storii	Automated	Included*	Good	Family stories

*Included with subscription

"Transcription is easier (and quicker) than ever with AI transcription services. But if you've used a couple of these tools, you know they're far from perfect".

Once you've got your transcripts, it's time to polish and organize them into compelling stories.

Fixing and Arranging Text

After transcription, refine the text to highlight the heart of each story.

Organizing the Content:

• Arrange stories in chronological order to maintain a clear timeline.
• Divide the content into chapters based on life stages or themes.
• Use short paragraphs to improve readability.

Editing Tips:

• Cut out filler words and repeated phrases.
• Clarify unclear references and add necessary context.
• Include historical details to set the scene for readers.
• Add personal touches like family recipes or sayings when relevant.

For delicate topics, consider adding a note like: "This is how it was told to me, but memories may differ." Always proofread carefully to keep the speaker's voice authentic and the narrative clear.

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Making the Family Book

Book Styles and Layouts

When creating a family history book, platforms like MyCanvas and Canva offer excellent tools to make the process easier. MyCanvas connects directly with Ancestry.com, letting you include family group sheets and pedigree charts seamlessly. For more flexibility, Canva's Classic Family History Book Template ($55.00) comes with step-by-step instructions and even a bonus mini-course on design basics.

Here are a few layout ideas to consider:

• Chronological: Arrange stories by life stages or decades.
• Thematic: Focus on topics like childhood, careers, or family traditions.
• Geographic: Highlight key locations in your family's journey.

Once you've chosen a layout, add visual elements to enhance your storytelling.

Adding Family Pictures

Photos are a powerful way to bring your family's story to life. Devon Noel Lee suggests placing images close to the text they relate to: "If you want your descendants to appreciate the photos and the text you've compiled, place the picture, document, map, or other images as close to the sentences or paragraphs to which these graphics refer".

Here are some tips for incorporating photos:

• Scan images in batches for efficiency.
• Add captions with details like names, dates, and locations.
• Use a DSLR camera to capture heirloom photos.
• Include historical documents such as letters, journal entries, newspaper clippings, or census records.

Thoughtful placement and captions can make your book more engaging and meaningful.

Print Options

When it's time to print, IngramSpark provides print-on-demand services with options that resemble traditional publishing. Choosing the right binding ensures your book will last for generations.

Binding Type	Best For	Features
Hardcover	Heirloom Quality	Case laminate with glossy or matte finish
Perfect Bound	Cost-Effective	Professional paperback style

MyCanvas offers a 20-page book (11×8.5") for $75.00, with additional pages costing $0.98 each. Larger formats (13×10") are available at $1.25 per extra page. You can also opt for custom photo covers or vegan leather covers with gold foil titles for a polished look.

"IngramSpark uses the most advanced print-on-demand technology to offer self-publishers quality books in a wide variety of print options for an affordable price".

For those using Storii, the platform simplifies the process by turning audio recordings into PDF memoirs, making it easy to create a complete family story ready for printing.

Sharing and Saving Family Stories

Giving Books to Family

Distribute your family legacy book both digitally and in print. Storii makes digital sharing easy by letting you securely send recordings and transcribed PDFs via email, SMS, or direct links. You can also upload the book to platforms like FamilySearch Library or Google Books to reach a broader audience.

For physical copies, plan distribution based on your family size and budget. Ordering in bulk can reduce costs per book. To make the moment special, consider hosting a family gathering or virtual event. These events offer a chance to share extra stories, collect feedback, record reactions, and inspire new family history projects.

Once shared, take steps to protect these memories for future generations.

Long-term Storage

Preserving your family legacy is just as important as sharing it. For physical books, proper storage can significantly extend their lifespan. Here are some tips:

• Store books at least 3 inches away from exterior walls to allow for air circulation.
• Choose a climate-controlled space, avoiding heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
• Use preservation-quality boxes for added protection.
• Keep books upright with proper support, or lay oversized books flat.

For digital preservation, Scrolls of Legacy provides a secure digital vault tailored for family history. Its "secret key" feature ensures privacy and allows access only to trusted individuals.

Storage Type	Recommended Solution	Key Benefits
Physical	Preservation-quality boxes	Protects against light and dust
Digital Primary	Scrolls of Legacy	Secure access with "secret key"
Digital Backup	Cloud storage	Redundancy and easy accessibility

If you have rare or unique editions, consider consulting a professional book conservator to ensure their preservation.

Conclusion: Your Family Story Book

Main Points

Turning phone calls into a family legacy book takes thoughtful planning. Start by defining the purpose of your book - whether it's to focus on a single lineage or to document stories from multiple generations. Decide on a format that suits your audience, whether that's a digital version, a printed book, or both, using platforms like Storii.

Break the process into smaller, manageable tasks. Organize your materials, set clear deadlines, and look to examples like Diane Haddad's 2023 project to see the benefits of structured timelines. Mini-goals can help you stay on track and maintain progress.

Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect. Phyllis Korkki reminds us:

"Make meeting the big deadline - not achieving perfection - the ultimate goal. Voilà. You're making no guarantees of quality, but perhaps your work can be improved later".

These principles lay the groundwork for practical steps to bring your project to life.

Getting Started

Put these ideas into action with these first steps:

• Set Up Your Recording System
  Use tools like Storii's automated features and prompts to streamline the process.
• Create Your Timeline
  Build a timeline of key events, focusing on relatable moments like celebrations, milestones, and challenges.
• Begin Recording Sessions
  Start small, with 30-minute sessions, to ease into the process. Use transcription services to turn conversations into text, making it easier to draft your book.

"In writing your family history book, you're leaving a beautiful gift to the next generation to understand where they came from and what they're made of".

The work you do today will preserve your family's stories for years to come.

Related Blog Posts

• Phone Calls vs. Written Journals: Capturing Family History
• Guide to Recording Family Stories for Future Generations