How do I turn a loved one's life stories into a book?
HoldUsTogether guides your loved one through their life story with simple questions they can answer from any computer. Their memories are then organized into a beautifully written story you can keep digitally or print as a hardcover book.
Can I record my voice instead of typing?
Yes. We recommend a computer with a camera — a laptop or desktop — so you can record your responses just like you're having a conversation with a friend. From there you can speak your answers or type them, whatever feels most comfortable.
Can this be done together as a family?
Each session is built to capture the life of one person. That said, many families go through HoldUsTogether together — helping parents or grandparents answer questions, revisit old memories, and preserve stories for future generations.
What if my family member isn't good with technology?
The experience is intentionally simple. There is minimal computer experience required, and we will help you through whatever you need. It works on any computer — they simply open a link and begin answering questions at their own pace.
What do we receive at the end?
You'll receive a written recap of the story of your life, including all the memories our guided process helps you remember. Depending on your plan, you can also turn it into a printed hardcover book and keep everything in a private family vault to revisit together.
Does the interview include Family Vault access?
Yes. New family accounts receive complimentary Family Vault access with their first Life Story Interview. Family Vault is a private place where your family can preserve interviews, photos, videos, memories, and family tree connections together — with time capsules coming soon. Additional interviews are added to the same Family Vault so your family's stories, photos, videos, memories, and legacy remain together in one place. See our pricing page for complete details.
Can I purchase Family Vault without purchasing an interview?
Yes. Some families begin by preserving photos, videos, family memories, and family tree connections before they ever create an interview. Family Vault is available as a standalone service. For current plans and pricing, please visit our pricing page.
If I purchase multiple interviews, do I receive multiple free years of Family Vault?
No. Family Vault is designed to be shared by the entire family. The complimentary year of Family Vault is included once per family account. Additional interviews are added to the same Family Vault so all of your family's stories, photos, videos, and memories remain together in one place.
How much does HoldUsTogether cost?
HoldUsTogether offers several options, including Life Story Interviews, Family Vault access, and special promotions throughout the year. For current plans and pricing, please visit our pricing page.
Why does preserving stories matter so much?
Over time, family stories fade — even the important ones. HoldUsTogether exists to help preserve memories, experiences, and personal stories while loved ones are still here to share them.
How do I interview my parent or grandparent about their life?
HoldUsTogether guides the conversation for you with thoughtful questions about childhood, relationships, life experiences, memories, and major moments — so you never have to wonder what to ask.
Is there an app to record a grandparent's life story?
HoldUsTogether works directly in your web browser on any computer, so there's no app download required. Loved ones can simply open a link and begin sharing their stories.
Is it safe to add my child or grandchild to the family tree?
Yes. A family tree here is private. It is never on the open internet, and there is no public link anyone can stumble onto. A child you add is only visible inside your own family to begin with.
We connected our tree with another family. Can they see my kids?
Not unless a parent says so. When two families connect, children stay protected by default. The other family sees only that a child is there — shown as “Private,” with no name and no photo. A parent decides if that ever changes.
I'm the parent. How do I control who sees my child?
You're in charge. On your child's page you choose how far their information reaches — just our family, close family, or all connected family — and you can allow or block specific people on top of that. You can change it anytime, and a block always wins.
What if I haven't joined yet?
Until a parent is on, whoever started the tree is only a temporary caretaker, and your child stays locked down. The moment you join, control of your child's privacy becomes yours automatically.
What about printed books or PDFs?
The same protection follows onto paper. A protected child shows as “Private” in any printout or book a connected family makes — never a name, never a face.
Is any of this shared or sold? Can I change my mind?
Nothing about your child is ever shared, sold, or shown to anyone you haven't personally connected with. And you can change who sees your child, or remove them, whenever you want. See our privacy page for more.