FIRST MONDAY, FIRST PERSON
(No meeting in September–first Monday is Labor Day, a federal holiday)
Next Meeting: October 6
Join me for this free monthly event for reminiscence writers. Sign up on arrival to read on a first-come, first-served basis, and receive group feedback from like-minded people. Readings should be about 5-7 minutes long, true, and yours to tell. Listeners welcome as well as readers.
When: First Monday of every month (except holidays), from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Join us in person at the Pinney Library Community Room, 516 Cottage Grove Rd.
Free. No advance registration required. Food and beverages are welcome!
Want to see what kind of stories are shared? Visit my blog, True Stories Well Told.
Coming in Fall 2025
Guided Autobiogaphy
Everyone has a story worth telling. Guided Autobiography (GAB) helps you uncover the patterns and turning points in your own life, one theme at a time. Developed by Dr. James Birren, this internationally practiced method has connected thousands of people through storytelling. More than 600 certified instructors lead workshops worldwide.
In GAB workshops, you’ll write brief reflections on weekly themes—family, work, health, values, choices—that form the foundation of your life story. Sharing in a small group sparks memory and brings insight into how the events of your life have contributed to the person you are today—and may become tomorrow. Many participants discover not only a deeper understanding of themselves but also stronger connections with others.
The GAB method places more emphasis on self-development than writing craft. You are in complete control of what they write and share; no one is pressured to read more than they are comfortable sharing with the group.
As an instructor with over 20 years’ experience leading reminiscence writing programs, I have seen how this method brings joy, healing, and creative expression. Participants in my workshops also have opportunities to publish their work through my blog True Stories Well Told or in the Birren Center’s annual anthologies.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore your memories or ready to go deeper, Guided Autobiography offers a meaningful path to preserve your story and share your voice.
Intro to Guided Autobiography
In Person, offered through Madison College, 5 weeks starting September 4.
In “Introduction to Guided Autobiography,” we cover the first four of GAB’s nine themes: Branching points, family, role of money in your life, and your major life work or career.
When: Thursday evenings 6:30-8:30,
Where: Truax Campus, Room TBA
Fee: $110
To register: Follow this link or call 608.258.2301, Option 2, and register for class #35094
Going Deeper with Guided Autobiography
In Person, offered through Madison College, 5 weeks starting October 23. Thursday evenings 6:30-8:30.
In this workshop, participants go deeper into the Guided Autobiography (GAB) process pioneered by Dr. James Birren. We’ll cover several of GAB’s deeper themes: healthy/body, gender identity, experiences/ideas about death, and spiritual life and values. Participants should have completed “Introduction to Guided Autobiography” or a comparable workshop.
When: Tuesday evenings 6:30-8:30
Where: Truax Campus, Room TBA
Fee: $110
To Register: Follow this link or call 608.258.2301, Option 2, and register for class #35096
Have you ever dreamed of writing in Italy?
I do… and I’m starting to think about planning a small-group trip in Fall 2026. Not a structured writing retreat, just a group of writer friends experiencing the place my heart lives its best life.
Intrigued? Got questions, ideas, or a bucket list item to fulfill? Let’s talk.
Workshops not for you?
Try individualized memoir coaching
I help you write and share your life stories, coaching you as you write a compelling story from your memories. Throughout, I’m at your side to help you get started and stay motivated. Print-on-demand makes it possible to share your story with just a small circle or offer it to the world.
Intrigued? Got questions? I have answers! Let’s talk.