Guided Autobiography Classes

Upcoming Classes

WHAT IS GUIDED AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Guided Autobiography is a method for helping people document their life stories. Guided by a trained instructor, participants are led through themes and priming questions that evoke memories of events once known but filed away and seemingly forgotten. Each participant writes a story on a particular theme each week, brings the story to class and reads it to a small group of receptive classmates. Writing and sharing life stories with others is an ideal way to find new meaning in life and to put life events into perspective. While connecting with one another on their journeys of self-discovery, participants feel enlivened by the group experience and gain a greater appreciation of their own lives and of the lives of others. GAB can be a powerful catalyst for improved self-esteem, self-confidence and communication within communities and within families.

A wooden desk with an ornate silver quill pen, a bottle of black ink, a sheet of handwritten letter paper with black ink, a red feather quill, an inkwell, and a lit white candle, along with a closed leather-bound book and glasses in the background.
An elderly man with gray hair, wearing a checkered shirt, sitting at a wooden table in a bright room, writing in a notebook with a pen. There is a cup of coffee, a plate with food, a framed black-and-white photo, and a small potted plant on the table.
“Amy’s memory writing class is fantastic. She creates a warm, supportive space, and her prompts really help you unlock stories you didn’t even know you had. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to capture their memories in writing.”
— Dale S

  • All you need to participate in this course is paper and pen. Of course, a computer and word processing might make the writing easier for you.

  • Guided Autobiography Workshops run for (6) 90-minute classes: Cost is $350

  • Location and Time is determined by each group and may vary from class to class. General Classes take place at 50 E. Alamar, Santa Barbara

    I also offer online Zoom classes if you want to join from the comfort of your own home.

What is a Guided Autobiography class like?

Guided Autobiography (GAB) helps individuals organize their life stories. Participants are led through themes and priming questions that evoke memories of events once known but filed away and seemingly forgotten. Writing and sharing life stories with others is an ideal way to find new meaning in life as the uncertainties of the past, and the contradictions, paradoxes and events of life are put into perspective. This class will make you feel stronger and give you a growing appreciation of your special and valuable life experiences.

Take a Trip Down Nostalgia Lane

  • In person classes meet at 50 E. Alamar in Santa Barbara and run for 6 weeks, once a week (90 minutes) Classes can also be conducted via Zoom worldwide.

  • No writing experience is necessary. Classes include creative writing tips and exercises, and inspirational priming questions on a different theme each week.

  • Themes include branching points, family dynamics, childhood memories, your major life work, and more. Each week the themes get a bit deeper as a special level of trust and bonding builds between classmates.

  • Yes. During the week participants write a 2 page story (about 800 words) to read aloud to their small group at each meeting. No life is boring, everyone has a story to tell! You'll be surprised what fascinating revelations you'll unearth about your life, and hear from others.

  • Classmates are encouraged to give thoughtful and encouraging feedback on one another's writing each week.

    Close friendships are developed and participants learn to understand and appreciate others and their life stories.

  • "It's a blessing to be inspired to tap into the corners of our minds and write down our memories. "

    Claire F.

  • "Almost to deep for words. I experienced so many tears of joy."

    Edie F.

  • This class inspired me to put my memories and traditions in writing to share with my family and friends. My favorite part was sharing our writings with each other and growing closer together

    Julie W