Guided Autobiography Classes

WHAT IS GUIDED AUTOBIOGRAPHY?

Ready to rediscover the stories you’ve tucked away over the years? With the gentle guidance of a trained instructor, you’ll dive into weekly themes and playful prompts that help those hidden memories bubble back to the surface.

Each week, you’ll write about your own life—no experience needed!—and then share your story in a small, friendly group that’s cheering you on every step of the way.

It’s not just about writing. It’s about seeing old memories in a new light, connecting with others, and realizing just how much richness there is in your own story (and everyone else’s too). As you swap memories and laugh together, you’ll find new meaning in your past—and maybe a little more confidence for the future.

GAB isn’t just a writing group; it’s a spark for self-esteem, stronger communication, and real connection, whether you bring these new skills home to your family or out to your community.

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.

Class Format

Guidutobiography (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.

Open spiral notebook, white blank pages, brown paper notebook, black pen, wooden glasses, white flowers, candle, white stones on a wooden surface.

  • I offer a variety of different classes— from one-day workshops to 6- or 8-week courses. I offer classes in person at 50 E. Alamar Santa Barbara or online through Zoom.

  • 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.

    I also offer seasonal /topical workshops.

  • 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 what you will 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.

  • Depending on the length and size of the class, one -day workshops start at $99 and range up to $550 for 8-week courses. 

  • 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

    —Susan K.

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

    —Clair F.

  • The class brought healing. Too deep for words. I experienced so many tears of joy.

    —Edie F.