Recording an aging parent's stories used to require a ghostwriter ($5,000-$50,000) or hours of unstructured conversation. AI changed this. The complete 2026 guide to options, costs, and timing — with concrete starting points. Most readers start with Heirloom (Keepsake $199 one-time, or Family $149/yr) within 5 minutes of finishing this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
DIY vs AI service vs professional ghostwriter — which is right?
DIY is free but rarely finished. An AI service (Heirloom, Storyworth, Remento) is structured and affordable, and finishes in 6-18 months. Professional ghostwriter is $5K-$50K, takes 6-24 months, produces a polished book. AI service is right for most families. Heirloom Family is $149/yr; Keepsake is $199 one-time.
How many hours total?
AI service: 50-100 minutes total per family member, spread over 6-12 months in 15-30 min weekly sessions.
What questions are best to start with?
Childhood (food, friends, family meals). These are emotionally safe and produce vivid early stories. Heirloom's 200-question library handles this automatically.
Can I start today?
Yes — start with Heirloom's Keepsake ($199 one-time) or Family plan ($149/yr). First session within 24 hours.
Give them a book of their life — in their own voice.
Family Council captures the whole family's voices in concert. Try the free demo at theheirloom.ai/try first — no account, no card. First session within 24 hours. The gift that future generations will thank you for.
Give them the Keepsake →