Why write your life story?
Did you lose someone close to you…and regret never asking about his childhood best friend…or her first love? That leaves an aching gap. Did you have a terrifying scare—an accident or health crisis–and realize how fragile life really is? Maybe you want to leave your family a meaningful gift. When you’re gone, an inheritance is nice (okay, it’s more than nice), but what matters in your loved ones’ hearts is their heritage. Part of that heritage includes the stories you share.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
– Maya Angelou
The Writing Life Stories course is not about writing down your chronological history. It is guided storytelling.
No need to start a resume of your life: “I was born in Blah Blah hospital at 8:20 am.” What if you had a caring, award-winning writer who is a trained facilitator lead you? I tell bad jokes here and there, but I will guide you with priming questions and terrific themes that inspire you to write. And you’ll be writing on pivotal experiences, important episodes, times that made a difference in shaping who you are and who you became.
And best of all—-you will write short, fast…easily!
I help you write your memoir. I make it simple. Each week, you get a Module and Writing Assignment. In the module are fun articles, video clips, cartoons and exercises to foster your memories. You also get a homework assignment and write one to two pages on a theme and priming questions.
During our Group Coaching meeting, you share your story aloud with me and a supportive group in a safe, warm environment. You get the benefit of my expertise as I offer helpful feedback. The group will not critique; they are there to encourage and motivate you. And it’s completely confidential.
This proven technique was used at USC and UCLA for over 30 years with thousands of participants, ranging from college students to retirees. Research has shown benefits are utterly amazing. And you don’t have to be a writer to write these stories. Of course you can edit and refine them later if you wish, but for now you just write freely!
“The course unleashed my pen and opened my mind. Having specific topics to address and a timeline made me focus and reflect. Realizing that relating our experiences can help others is inspiring. Being guided and supported by Barbara was a gift I gave myself.”
– Maryann
“Your active listening and compassionate attention provided a grounding support allowing us to share some deep stuff. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to participate.”
– Sylvie
Writing Life Stories (Memoir Writing) I is a 4-week class, usually beginning in Fall, Winter or Spring, that offers many benefits. It is the first month of the 3-month course. It consists of an at-home Module and Group Coaching Meeting each week which will inspire your stories and increase your confidence about putting the book together. You will recount your memories in an easy way and share your stories.
Upon completion of Part 1, you will have authored 4-8 pages of a memoir or a long legacy letter that you can give as a gift to your family. If you’d like to flesh out more of your story, you are welcome to continue on in the course to Writing Life Stories II and III. And you are on your way to writing a full-fledged life story starring you… that will very soon become a real book in your hands!
On this journey, you will make lifelong friends and look at your life differently. While not considered therapy, some participants find these classes therapeutic due to the “sharing of the stories” aspect. Many students have discovered their own resilience and increased empathy and compassion. You could very well find, as countless participants before you, newfound meaning in your past…and your future endeavors.
“The class was wonderful. I’m no longer intimidated by writing because the class broke up whatever inhibitions I had. If I learned nothing else, it was that by writing, you can change the way you look at your story and be kinder to yourself. The beauty of Barbara’s class is it gets you over feeling you have to turn yourself into a professional writer. It takes writing off its pedestal so you can do this.”
– Emily
