Writing Life Stories Classes 2023-01-03T16:35:23+00:00

Upcoming Classes

Click here to see upcoming public classes Eventbrite.

Scroll down below to see upcoming private group classes.

About The Classes

Hi. I’m so glad you are here and are interested in taking a remarkable course. Writing Life Stories helps people document their personal journey and share it with others. Students take this class primarily to leave a legacy for their loved ones and to know more about themselves. The benefits are absolutely, positively amazing…and you are creating one of the best gifts in the world: your life story.

Group Discounts available for Corporations, Non-Profits, and Associations. 

For more information, contact Barbara@writinglifestories.com or support@writinglifestories.com

Previous Classes 

Click here to see previous classes.
Locations included: FL, NY and CA at Walt Whitman Birthplace Museum, Yorkville Library, Huntington Public Library, Baruch Donor Luncheon, Women’s Museum of CA, Carmel Valley Library, Lawrence Family JCC Seniors, UC San Diego Women’s Center and elsewhere.
 
“I have taken a total of 8 classes with Barbara and I can say unconditionally that, in many respects, all of these classes have been exceptional. Barbara brings materials that help us go deeper and think harder about our personal stories. The energy is positive. Since we read our stories out loud, we all have the respect of one another as we find our “voice.” I highly recommend working with Barbara on writing your life story. It’s a game-changer.” – Susan Klieman
“Barbara has a unique style which circles the wagons around any fear or uncertainty we might have toward writing. She brings out different unexpected aspects that crack open whatever has kept your stories held safe and hidden for so long. Writing in general but particularly in Barbara’s class has helped me to find my voice in a way that spoken word has eluded me.” – Anna Schuchmann
 

Introduction: Writing Life Stories 

This presentation will introduce you to Writing Life Stories, include a brief writing exercise and voluntary sharing of this work with the group. No writing experience necessary.

(1 hour) No charge

Upcoming Dates:

Wednesday Dec. 7, 2022 – Sarasota/Venice Jazzercise Holiday Tribute Workshop

Tuesday Jan. 24, 2023 – Compassionate Friends (Manhattan chapter) Tribute to A Loved One You Lost Workshop

Sat April 17th – Sarasota County Libraries Present:  Writing Life Stories (Memoir Writing)

Monday, April 19th – Writing Life Stories Intro Class

Monday, April 26th – Writing Life Stories (Memoir Writing)

Monday, May 17th – Writing Life Stories (Memoir Writing) Intro Class + Dessert + Coffee

Wednesday, May 19th – Writing Life Stories (Memoir Writing) FREE Intro Class

Tuesday, August 24th – Writing Life Stories (Memoir Writing) FREE Intro Class

Monday, Sept. 20th – Writing Life Stories (Memoir Writing) Intro Class – 1 hr

Tuesday Oct. 19th – Presentation to Temple Beth Shalom

Tuesday Nov. 2nd – Presentation to Hospice Women of Giving, Seasons of Service 

Thursday Dec. 2nd – Writing Life Stories (Memoir Writing) Intro Class- FREE

Workshop: Writing Life Stories 

You will gain insight about how the guided autobiography process works. After an exercise and priming questions,  you write. You then share this story with the supportive group. Rather than offer critiques, fellow students give only encouragement.
Confidentiality is required. No writing experience necessary.

1-day workshop (2.5 hours)

Upcoming Dates:

Tuesday – April 20th – 1-Page Tribute to Someone You Lost During COVID

Monday – May 3rd – Your 1 Page Gift for Mom

Wednesday, May 26th – Write Your 1-Page Dedication to Someone You Lost (Memorial Day)

Monday, June 14th – Father’s Day Memoir Writing Workshop– Your1-Page Gift for Dad

Monday Sept. 13th – Write Your 1-Page Dedication to Someone You Lost Workshop (2 hrs)

Thursday Oct. 21st. – Presentation to Walt Whitman Birthplace Museum, 1 Page Tribute Workshop (POSTPONED)

Monday Dec. 6th – Write Your 1-Page Dedication to Someone You Lost Workshop (2 hrs)

Courses: Writing Life Stories

During courses, students write 1-2 pages (500-1000 words) at home. Students attend classes for lectures and exercises. They then read their stories aloud to a small, supportive group. Fellow students give only encouragement.
Confidentiality is required. No writing experience necessary.

(4, 8, & 12 weeks)

Upcoming Dates:

Wednesday, April 7, 14, 21, 28 – WLS Part 2 Four-Week Course

Wednesday, June 2nd -Writing Life Stories (Memoir Writing) 4-Wk Course – Part 3

Wednesday, September 8th – Writing Life Stories (Memoir Writing), Fall 4 Week Course

Wednesday, Oct. 6th – Writing Life Stories (Memoir Writing), Fall 4 Week Course

Wednesday, Jan. 18th – Writing Life Stories (Memoir Writing), JANUARY, 4 Wk Course

Writing Life Stories Intensive Retreats: 

We are setting up 3-day retreats in America’s Finest City, San Diego in the La Jolla beach area as well as in the desert oasis, Palm Springs. Stay tuned!

(3 days, TBD in San Diego, Palm Springs and Sarasota/Gulf Coast)

Upcoming Dates:

To be announced…

The Power of Storytelling in Business and Branding

The Power of Storytelling in Business and Branding

What makes your business stand out or your brand go the distance? Southwest, Nordstrom, Apple and Warby Parker successfully created stories that keep their audience’s attention and converted them into loyal fans.

Stories create more impact than facts, cut through the media clutter, get remembered and change perceptions. In this course, you’ll learn from an experienced marketer: why signature stories create emotional impact; how stories appeal to us on a neurological level triggering sensory chemicals; and what you can do to create your own authentic story for your business.

(4 wks, 3 hrs per week)

Upcoming Dates:

To be announced…