Story Catcher
“Story is the song line of a person’s life. We need to sing it and we need someone to hear the singing. Story told. Story heard. Story written. Story read creates the web of life in words.”
— Christina Baldwin
Story Catcher
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 for a 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 signature workshop uses life themes to trigger memory recall and to explore the experiences that have shaped and defined you. 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?
This creative writing space is for anyone who is interested in exploring and writing about their personal, life-based experiences. No writing experience necessary.
What are the outcomes of the class?
You will have Written 7 stories from the heart and have 14 pages or more of your life story as a written legacy. The focus of this class is content. You will find Increased energy and vigor as you review where you’ve been, where you are, and where you want to be! Friendships will blossom. You will have 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 if I am nervous? Do I have to share?
That's normal! One consistent thing we hear time is how supportive and 'safe' our workshops are. It is deeply important to us to create an environment where people can feel comfortable and dig deeply into their stories. We strive to bring students and instructors together in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. The space we hold welcomes people from all backgrounds and experiences. We embrace the full spectrum of humanity, building community by sharing experiences.
What is the format of the workshop?
The Guided Autobiography framework includes a weekly theme that is presented and considered. 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 memory prompting activities, we will do a Flash Writing exercise to help participants enhance their writing with added clarity and focus. The variety of themes offered allows individuals to dig deeper into their life ventures for 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 refresh ideas for their story that they will write at home. We also do two or three creative prompts to help with the recollection of stored memory, strengthen our writing skills, and use our creative side of the brain.
In hour two, students will share their 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 Catcher Guided Autobiography 1 is the place to start working on those themes that will consist of your Life Story and the different chapters of your book if your goal is to become a published writer. This course will help set the roadmap for story structure and direction, and lay the groundwork for your publishing goals.
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?
This workshop deals with your personal stories so in that regard it is autobiographical. However Guided Autobiography does not progress chronologically, rather focuses on major life themes and in that way is similar to the memoir genre.
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 how have not used zoom before.
We can do a technical meeting for students new to this method of learning.
Upcoming Story Catcher Workshop
September 28th 2022-November 2nd 2022
6 WEDNESDAYS 4 PM – 6 PM (PST)/ 7 PM- 9 PM (EST)Fee: $249.Hosted via Zoom.
Interested in a Private Group Workshop?
Our small private groups are limited to 12 participants. If you have a small group of 6 to 12 individuals and would like to have a private group workshop, either for personal or corporate consideration, contact us for a discounted fee and to schedule at our mutual convenience. We have led several private groups in either one day workshops, or our 6 week signature workshop, and the process has been applauded for creating a deep bonding experience for participants.
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