Stories of Life
Join a small group to write your unique stories with coaching support from qualified guided autobiography tutor Sally McIver
Programme Summary
Enjoy making a record of the wonderful stories of your life in a small group online setting with coaching support on zoom. Together and in confidence, we will journey through your life, focussing on themes such as childhood and your life's work.
Based around different themes Stories of Life is a great way to tap into those special memories and make a record of your life that your family and friends can enjoy forever. Or you can just do it for the fun of writing your story!
* Create a record of your life for your loved ones - friends, relatives, grandchildren and generations as yet unborn
* Pass on your life lessons
* Make a lasting record of your happiest times
* It's your story in your own words, reflecting your voice
* Create a beautiful memoir using your favourite photos, publish a book or make an e-book
* Save those precious memories whilst you can
BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAMME
FOR YOUR LOVED ONES
Strengthen family identity and emotional resilience. Deepen relationships.
FOR YOUR LOVED ONES
Create a lasting record , a wonderful book or e-book of your experiences.
FOR YOURSELF
Enhance your wellbeing,
enjoy reminiscing and strengthen your favourite memories.
FOR YOURSELF
Find a new appreciation and gratitude for the good things and people in your life.
Curriculum
Sally McIver
Artist
When a parent dies, it's the end. I always wanted to chronicle the family history with my mother. I wanted some researchers to talk to my mother, but [she] was a little antsy about it. I know she would've gotten into it. But I wasn't forceful, and I didn't make it happen. That's one regret I have. I didn't get as much of the family history as I could have for the kids." Robert De Niro, quoted in Esquire
Time - how long will the course be? The group course is 10 weeks and many students decided to continue on with a second course after the first one.
Time passes and it is important to record your memories before health or other challenges get in the way.
Families often feel quite far away these days. Having a unique record for them will allow them to see you as a person with an interesting life in their own right, as well as their Mum or Dad or Auntie etc, It is also likely to enhance your relationships in the present as your record shows them who you are in the rest of their life.
Your memories can be stored securely digitally or made into a beautiful book that you can give to your loved ones or keep for yourself.
"It was a pleasure to work with Sally as she inspired (and) listened with empathy and understanding..."
Heidi Thorsen MEd Guided Autobiography Instructor, Trainer and Coach
Sally qualified as a Guided Autobiography Coach through the Birren Centre for Autobiographical studies.
I can heartily recommend Sally to whoever wants help and companionship in writing an autobiography.
Ann, Retired Solicitor and
Autobiographer, 2023
Do you have more questions?
Some of the most common things you might wonder about are answered below - but I'm only an email away if your question is not answered.
I'm not very good at technology, can I still do this course?
Yes, Sally is a gentle and skilled tutor who will support you through the journey. There is no complicated technology to use and most of the information is delivered in your online sessions so you can ask questions while she is there.
Do I have to use a computer to type?
No, you can write or record your stories as you prefer.
How long does it take to write an autobiography?
The group course is 10 weeks long and once you have finished this you will be well on your way to putting your unique story on paper (or an electronic file).
Do you use my words or your words?
Stories of Life is about you writing your story, in your voice, with help from me to excavate those memories.
Do I have to be a writer? I've not tried writing since school.
No, not at all. Everyone can do this!
Will my work need editing?
This is entirely up to you. If you’d like your work edited we can have that conversation later as Alastair (my husband) is a very experienced editor turned novelist.
Will you help me with writing?
Yes, we will do some exercises to get the creative flow going
Is it better to do this in a group or one to one?
It depends. If you enjoy being part of the group I recommend that as you will no doubt meet some fascinating people. But if you want a more bespoke service, one-to-one would be better.
Is the group or one to one confidential?
Your story remains with me or the group and me..
