Living Memoir
Guided Memoir for Women at Midlife
Writing memoir isn’t only about documenting the past.
It can be a living practice—one that helps us make sense of where we’ve been, where we are now, and what we want from the years ahead.
For many women, midlife can feel like a crossroads
Something -or everything- begins to shift, and we are left asking what now?
The writing in this course is meant to help you see your life more clearly—where you’ve been, where you are now, and what may be asking for attention or change.
Through guided writing prompts, shared stories, and active listening, you are invited to explore memory, identity, change, relationships, and the stories you carry about yourself.
The goal is not to produce a finished memoir or suddenly have your whole life figured out, but to deepen self-understanding through the process itself.
Why I Teach Guided Memoir
For years, reflective writing has been an important part of my life. But journaling alone has its limitations — I can only see my life the way I’ve always seen it.
When I reluctantly joined my first guided memoir group, I discovered something unexpected. Writing and sharing stories within a small group softened my perspective, widened it, and brought forward memories I may never have reached on my own.
Listening to others showed me how universal our experiences really are. Each life is different, but at our core we are all human — soft-skinned and resilient.
Without the guidance of the facilitator and the presence of the group, I may never have written beyond my comfort zone.
I later completed two Guided Autobiography trainings through the Birren Center for Autobiographical Studies and now facilitate memoir groups rooted in reflection, listening, and shared human experience.
Living Memoir-
Like casting a line, we move back, gather, and release forward.
Over six weeks, we explore themes such as:
inheritance and family stories
identity and belonging
roles and relationships
change, loss, and transition
what we leave behind, and what we carry forward
The writing prompts gradually move from lighter reflection toward deeper personal exploration, always with room for individual choice.
There is no pressure to perform or produce polished writing — only an invitation to explore your own life experience with curiosity and honesty.
How it works:
Each live online session is 2 hours long and includes:
an introduction to the following week’s theme
short writing activities to help the writing begin to flow
time for sharing stories and listening within the group
Between sessions, participants complete approximately two pages (800 words) of writing based on the week’s theme.
Class size is intentionally small (6–8 participants) to allow space for everyone to be heard.
Course Fees: $200 CAD
you’ve been feeling called toward deeper reflection or life review
you’ve kept journals or written privately, and are curious about sharing your writing with a group
you are interested in telling some of the stories that have shaped your life
you value thoughtful conversation and listening as much as writing itself
you do not consider yourself a “writer,” but feel drawn to the process
This is for you if…
This might not be a good fit if…
you don’t have time to write each week
you already know you’ll need to miss more than one class
you are looking primarily for publishing guidance or manuscript development
if you strongly dislike writing from prompts or assigned themes
In case you missed it -
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No, and yes.
You don’t need to be a “writer”, but you are expected to do some writing.
Process over polish!
The point is to get your stories down on paper. -
You are expected to write about 800 words (about 2 pages handwritten) on each topic.
If you get stuck, I will provide you with tips on how to find another way “into” your story.
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My aim is to facilitate a safe and inclusive space where everyone will feels safe enough to share their stories. Sometimes the most rewarding part of the process is to be heard by others.
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This is NOT therapy- and I am not a therapist. However, in many cases, this is therapeutic work.
As you write your stories, you may find yourself experiencing unexpected emotions. If this happens, you may want to seek support from friends and loved ones, or a professional.
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One of the unexpected perks of this process for me was the discovery that I have lived an interesting life- and so has everyone else! Your stories have value. We want to hear them!
Upcoming Classes
Wednesdays at 4:30 pm EST, starting June 24th, 2026
Limited to 8 participants