Memory & storytelling
51 best questions to ask family members
Whether you’re sitting down with a parent, grandparent, sibling, or another relative, these questions are designed to help start warm, meaningful conversations.
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Writer
Daniel Papp
COO & Co-Founder
Daniel Papp is the COO and co-founder of My Stories Matter, where he manages day-to-day operations and product development. He studied Business Information Systems and Computer Science at Cal Poly and brings a personal interest in memory capture to the product.
23 postsWriting since 2020
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23 posts
Writing tips
9 common mistakes people make when writing a memoir
In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common mistakes people make when writing a memoir, and how to avoid them so the process feels simpler, more enjoyable, and more meaningful.
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Memory & storytelling+1Additional topics: Start your memoir
50 questions to help you remember your life story
These questions are designed to help gently unlock those memories, without pressure, and without needing to answer them all at once.
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Writing tips+1Additional topics: Start your memoir
What should you include in a memoir? (real examples & ideas)
One of the most common questions people ask when starting a memoir is simple: “What should I actually include?” If you’re unsure where to begin, here are some of the most meaningful things people often include in their memoir.
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Exploring your family history: 26 questions to ask your parents
Parents are the cornerstone of our family history, shaping our upbringing and molding us into the people we become. They hold a wealth of stories and experiences worth preserving and cherishing. Engaging with your parent
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Memory & storytelling
25 best questions to ask your grandparents
Here are 25 questions to help your grandparents share their stories, experiences, and wisdom.
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How to write a memoir
Memoir writing is a powerful tool for expressing yourself, sharing your story, and influencing the world. Yet, memoir writing can also evoke feelings of trepidation: “Is my life story truly worth sharing?” “Am I interest
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Memory & storytelling
What is a family legacy? meaning, examples, and how to create one
A family legacy is the collection of stories, values, traditions, memories, and life lessons passed down from one generation to the next.
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Memory & storytelling
Memoir vs. autobiography: understanding the key differences
Both memoirs and autobiographies preserve memories, experiences, and life lessons for future generations. The main difference lies in how those stories are told.
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4 memoir ideas to jumpstart your life story
Memoirs are a popular form of literature, offering readers a chance to glimpse into the lives of others, understand different perspectives, and gain insights that can transform their lives. For example, memoirs like McCo
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How to bring a memory to life
We all have special memories, whether when we went on our first date, the day we graduated from college, or when we held our new baby for the first time. These memories can bring us joy, comfort, and a sense of nostalgia
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10 questions to ask yourself for a happy life
As we go through life, we are faced with many questions. For example, who are we? Where are we from? These questions are crucial to understanding our place in the world. My Stories Matter is here to help you explore thes
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7 must-have tips on journaling
Journaling is a powerful tool that can help you process your thoughts and emotions, set and track goals, and even improve your mental and physical health. There are many cognitive benefits of journaling. Though journalin
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Tips for recording your vacation stories
Recording vacation stories is a great way to preserve the memories of your trip for years to come. Not only can sharing these stories with friends and family be a fun way to relive the experience, but they can also serve
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The importance of recording your military stories and how My Stories Matter can help
You have unique experiences and stories worth sharing and preserving as a military member. These stories can provide valuable insights and lessons for future generations and can also serve as a way to connect with others
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The importance of recording your parent's life stories: how My Stories Matter can help
Recording your parent's life stories is a meaningful way to preserve their memories and experiences for the long term. You can revisit those memories anytime and share your parent's experiences with others. But with so m
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Preserve your grandparents’ memories on My Stories Matter
As our grandparent's age, it's essential to ensure their memories are preserved for future generations. Our grandparents have a wealth of knowledge and experiences, and their memories can give us a unique glimpse into th
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How to create a life stories book
Do you have many special memories you don’t want to forget, but nowhere to keep them? Whether it's a collection of photos and mementos from a trip or a catalog of your childhood memories, a Life Stories Book is a fun and
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Memory & storytelling
4 surprising facts about storytelling
Here are four fascinating facts about storytelling and why it continues to shape how we connect with others.
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The many cognitive benefits of journaling
Why is keeping a journal so beneficial? Journaling improves a person's general quality of life and mental and physical health. Not only that, you’ll eternally have a record of your life that you can always look back on a
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6 ways to prevent memory loss (and it has nothing to do with age)
Are there just some memories you don't want to forget? We’ve all been there. While remembering everything isn’t possible, there are activities you can do to help prevent memory loss. That summer ice cream cone in the par
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Tapping into memories with music
Using music as memory cues to improve recollection
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Why you get happier as you age
Though many young people think that life is “all downhill from here,” research shows that the older years of our life are also our happiest.
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