Story Catcher
“Why does anybody tell a story? It does indeed have something to do with faith, faith that the universe has meaning that our little human lives are not irrelevant, that what we chose to say or do matters, matters cosmically. ”
— Madeleine L’Engle.
Story Builder
What's your story?
What about your personal journey is unique?
What hidden gems do you hold inside that need to sparkle?
Are you ready to continue your life-changing adventure?
Your story is a gift, a legacy, and a precious tool for inner transformation. Everyone has a story to tell. And yet, in sharing our stories, we often overlook what is particularly extraordinary about our lives. More likely, we need permission to get personal. It is through the intensely personal that we start tapping into what's universal.
Let us help you bring your story into written form with the Guided Autobiography method, a highly researched and structured program that guides and empowers you to write your personal life story with ease, clarity, and support. This course is for anyone who has completed Story Catcher, our first course and is compelled to keep writing. Story Builder presents a broader variety of themes and also goes deeper into the craft of writing. Consider a few of the writing techniques to brush up on: appreciating the voice you bring to your writing, exploring point of view, writing with dialogue, and editing made easy. This course continues the motivational aspect of writing weekly and exploring the details of a life well-lived. Through a wide variety of creative exercises, writing prompts, and practical techniques, you'll unleash the stories that reflect the uniqueness of your personal journey. The small group environment creates a safe, dynamic space, allowing for group interaction as well as individual guidance and feedback.
Maybe you want to leave a legacy. Maybe you want to turn a writing hobby into something more. Or simply come willing to explore. All levels welcome.
Read the stories of GAB writers who have participated in our workshop.
Questions you may be asking…
Who is this workshop for?
Story Builder is a creative writing space for students who are interested in extending their writing parameters and continued exploration of their Life Stories. No writing experience necessary, but The Story Catcher- Guided Autobiography level 1 is a prerequisite.
What are the outcomes of the class?
Writing continues from The Story Catcher and students will have written an additional 7 stories from the heart and have another 14 pages or more of your life story as a written legacy. The focus of this class is more intense in that the themes explored are of a more personal nature, and the writing experience will be deeper. You will experience improved writing skills. The indirect benefits of sharing life stories in a group include increasing your self-knowledge through telling your story, as well as listening to the stories of others. GAB can be a powerful catalyst for improved self-esteem, self-confidence, and communication within communities and within families. It’s about writing, but so much more.
What about feedback?
Story Builder- Guided Autobiography level 2, builds on the acquired writing skills from previous GAB classes, and now offers private written comments from instructors on each student’s narrative theme. These comments will be written and emailed to each student, with helpful ideas on story structure, writing style and developing an individual and unique writer’s voice. As always, we create a safe and sacred space for students to feel comfortable taking a deep dive into the next 7 themes that will be taught. This community of writers help each other feel confident to continue writing their Life Story and sharing those memories.
What is the format of the workshop?
The Story Builder follows the Guided Autobiography framework including a weekly theme that is presented and considered in the first hour and story sharing in the following hour. Each session lasts 2 hours with a break of ten mins in between. The course will typically run for 6 weeks. During the first hour of exploration and activities, flash writing exercises, and creative writing exercises help prime the memories and get students excited about the new theme and assignment. The Story Builder themes go deeper into our personal narratives and offer greater possibilities for personal examination and reflection.
In this first hour participants will have a series of writing prompts and sensitizing questions to help get the memories flowing and help create ideas for their narrative that they will write at home. We also do two or three creative prompts to help with the recollection of stored memory and to strengthen our writing skills.
In hour two, we will share our observations and our stories. Participants will come to each class with a written story or narrative based on the individual themes each week. These stories can be as long as each participant wishes, however, only the first two pages (approx. 850 words) will be shared and read to the class.
What if I want to write a full-length memoir and get published?
Story Builder is perfect for anyone who wants to add to their Life Story and legacy collection. This level 2 class is also a popular workshop for writers who want to take their stories to the next level, and entertain the possibilities of publication either through self publishing or a more traditional book publishing route.
Is it ok if I am new to writing?
Yes, absolutely! We welcome writers of varying experiences.
Is this workshop autobiography or memoir? Can we write in other genres?
The Guided Autobiography method is about writing personal essays. It is not a chronological story of your life and is, therefore, more of a memoir of the important themes of your life.
What are the technical requirements?
In order for you to see and hear the instructors and other students, and for them to be able to see and hear you, you will need a few tools.
Internet Access: You’ll need a computer with Internet access.
Computer: With a built-in microphone.
Webcam: Finally, you’ll need a webcam, built-in or external.
Do you provide technical support?
We have some support that can be provided for those who have not used zoom before.
Upcoming Story Builder Workshops
September 26th - October 31st 2023
( prerequisite is GAB level 1 Story Catcher)
6 Tuesdays 10-noon (PST)/ 1 PM- 3 PM (EST)Fee: $249.00Hosted via Zoom.
Interested in a Private Group Workshop?
Our small groups are limited to 12 participants. If you have a group of 6 to 12 and would like to have a private group workshop, contact us for a discounted fee and to schedule at our mutual convenience. We have had several private groups do this and it has been a deeper bonding experience.
Kind Words….
“The facilitators were terrific. While we felt like we were in a class situation they were very easy going and open which made it easy for the participants to relax and settle in. Everything was well presented and the class outline encouraged us to write better and share more. The comments we received after our share were motivating”
— Karen Collins. British Columbia, Canada
“If you ever wondered how or where to start writing your own life story, try GAB. It will jump start the process and you will not want to stop..”
—Robert L. Orlando, Florida, USA
“This was an opportunity to explore my life experience, put into words a compelling narrative and share with others. It was healing for me. Deeply listening to other’s experience is enriching as we commonly experience being human in so many ways. .”
— Betty Jean W. Michigan, USA
“From listening to other stories, I became very clear about mood, gesture, intention and visual, sensual aspects of writing”
— Lynne G. British Columbia, Canada