For my most recent birthday I got an interesting and unusual gift—”Grandpa’s Storybook.” At first I thought it

would be a collection of stories to read to grandkids, but then I realized it was actually a journal … with a twist. Instead of a blank spaces to write what happens each day, or an invitation to write a life story, Grandpa’s Storybook contains over 300 interview-type questions that you can fill out, covering just about every life experience from earliest memories to career choices, embarrassing moments to joyous occasions, etc.

I like the flexible approach to this. I’ve written a life sketch for myself a few times, and to me the exercise seems a bit formal, even stiff. I feel more inclined to write about facts and events in a life sketch, rather than relating stories. (I should mention here that The Family History Guide has plenty of suggestions for ways to get into storytelling and flesh out your journal writing with fun examples and experiences. See Goal 9 in Project 2: Memories, for example.)

Questions and Answers

So what’s different about the question-and-answer approach? For me, a well-worded question triggers memories, which in turn trigger stories. I don’t feel like I’m overdoing it, because, after all, I’m just answering the question. Also, I like the opportunity to jump back and forth between time periods, locations, and people, rather than following a chronological stream.

This approach also tends to stir up more memories and stories, something like rattling a box of loose tiles (and that may be similar to how my brain works sometimes!)

With that said, I embarked on answering the questions, and it has been very enjoyable. I’m amazed at how well I have been able to remember past events in my life, and it has helped me to ponder on their significance and connection to other events.

Without the Book …

If you don’t have access to Grandpa’s Storybook, not to worry … there are plenty of interview-type questions available. (I do think that this book does an excellent job of posing and arranging questions, for what it’s worth.) For example, check out Goal 3: Interview Relatives in Project 2: Memories. There are links to many hundreds of  interview questions there, as well as tips for interviewing others. You could essentially create your own story book to work from.

Two More Ideas

Idea # 1: Rather than only one person interviewing or being interviewed, have your family or a group of friends participate with a set of questions. This can be a fun and meaningful family history activity to do, or a way to get acquainted better.

Idea #2: Write your answers to questions online, such as with a Google doc. You can do this for yourself, as a way to keep a digital copy preserved. You can also invite others to share in the activity online, so each person can have an ongoing account of each others’ “stories” on hand.

However you do it, telling your story can be fun and meaningful, not only for you but for those you care about.