The facts
About the Tell Me Your Story journals
Last updated
Tell Me Your Story journals are printable guided memory journals made by Porch Stories. Each one is a book of 220 questions that a mom, dad, grandma or grandpa answers by hand, so the family keeps their life story in their own words and handwriting.
At a glance
- Name: Tell Me Your Story.
- Made by: Porch Stories.
- What it is: a guided memory journal, one question on each page, answered by hand.
- Editions: Grandpa, Grandma, Dad and Mom, plus a Family Bundle with all four.
- Questions: 220 in each journal (100 guided questions and 120 quick memory questions).
- Length: 177 pages.
- Format: a printable digital download of five PDF files, in US Letter and A4.
- Delivery: instant download. Nothing is shipped.
- Where to buy: the Porch Stories shop on this website.
The four editions
Each journal is written for one person, so the questions speak to them directly. The four editions have the same structure and the same number of questions.
- Tell Me Your Story, Grandpa ($10.99). For the man who fixed everything and rarely talked about himself.
- Tell Me Your Story, Grandma ($10.99). For the woman who remembers every birthday but never tells her own story.
- Tell Me Your Story, Dad ($10.99). For the dad who answers “nothing much” when you ask about his life.
- Tell Me Your Story, Mom ($10.99). For the mom who knows your whole story. Now ask for hers.
- The Porch Stories Family Bundle ($24.99). All four journals: Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa.
What is inside each journal
- 220 questions. 100 guided questions and 120 quick memory questions.
- 100 guided questions. Ten chapters, from childhood and first love to work, family and the lessons of a lifetime.
- 120 quick memory questions. Short questions about favorite songs, first cars, recipes and the little things.
- 177 pages. Designed like a real book, with room to write by hand on every page.
- Photo pages and then-and-now pages. Space for the pictures that belong with the stories.
- A family tree, a keepsakes page and a letter page. Names, dates and places, plus a letter to the next generation.
- Five PDF files. US Letter and A4, each in full color and ink saver, plus a printable leather-look cover.
You can read a selection of the questions on the questions page, including sets of questions to ask your grandparents and questions to ask your parents.
How it works
- Download. Buy it and the five PDF files are ready right away. No shipping, no waiting.
- Print or use a tablet. Print at home or at a local print shop, or open it in a PDF note app on a tablet.
- They answer. One question at a time, in their own words. Or ask out loud and write the answers down together.
- The family keeps it. A book of their life, in their handwriting, to pass down.
How the download works
The journals are bought on this website and the files are ready right after purchase. Your receipt email keeps a download link for later, and every purchase can be downloaded again at any time. The find your download page explains where your files are.
Print the journal at home or at a local print shop, or open it in a PDF note app on a tablet. If a file does not open, email hello@porchstoriesjournal.com for a replacement file.
Who makes them
The journals are made by Porch Stories, a brand that makes guided memory journals to help families keep their stories. Each Tell Me Your Story journal asks one question at a time: where they grew up, how they fell in love, what work taught them, what they want the next generation to know. You can read more on the about page or contact us.
Questions, answered
What is a Tell Me Your Story journal?
It is a printable guided memory journal made by Porch Stories. It asks one question at a time about a person's life, and they answer in their own words and handwriting. There are four editions: Grandpa, Grandma, Dad and Mom.
How many questions are in each journal?
220 questions: 100 guided questions in ten chapters, plus 120 quick memory questions about favorite songs, first cars, recipes and the little things.
Is it a physical book?
No. It is an instant digital download: five PDF files you print at home or at a print shop, or fill in on a tablet. Nothing is shipped.
Which files and paper sizes are included?
Five PDF files: US Letter and A4, each in full color and an ink saver version, plus a printable leather-look cover. The journal is 177 pages.
Can it be filled in on a tablet?
Yes. The files open in any PDF note app that lets you write on the page with a stylus or keyboard.
How does the download work?
You buy the journal on porchstoriesjournal.com and the files are ready right after purchase. Your receipt email keeps a download link for later, and every purchase can be downloaded again at any time.
How much do the journals cost?
Each journal is $10.99. The Porch Stories Family Bundle, with all four journals in one download, is $24.99.
How long does it take to fill in?
There is no rush. One question a week fills most of the book within a year, and any order works.
What if they do not like writing?
Sit together and ask the questions out loud, then write down the answers. Many families find that is the best part.
Who makes the journals?
Porch Stories, a brand that makes guided memory journals to help families keep their stories. You can reach the team at hello@porchstoriesjournal.com.