Write your stories, discover yourself
Write your life stories, two pages at a time
Join Kate as she facilitates the engaging Guided Autobiography method to help you uncover and make sense of your life stories.
This research-backed approach will help you to explore your life stories using themed writing prompts and small group sharing, giving you a deeper understanding of your personal journey.
This is a program that will improve your self-awareness, give you insight into who you are and open renewed perspectives about your life experiences. Awaken your innate creativity and reconnect with memories in a meaningful and therapeutic way. In these classes you’ll be introduced to authentic conversation, thought-provoking questions, helpful writing techniques, inspiring videos, and easy writing exercises.
Each week we’ll explore a simple theme such as life branches, your life’s work, family, health etc. The topics will help you approach your personal stories with a renewed sense of openness and curiosity. Through the writing process, you’ll discover new insights as you craft a series of stories that are entirely your own.
No previous writing experience required – everyone is welcome.
“Stories change lives; stories save lives. They crack open hearts, they open minds.”
Brian Doyle
Life Story writing will help you to:
- Reconnect with yourself
- Achieve greater clarity and fresh perspectives as you reflect on your stories
- Reawaken hidden talents and dreams
- Discover your own capacity for storytelling
- Connect with others in a nurturing and supportive way
- Create a meaningful collection of life stories to share with those you love.
“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.”
Anaïs Nin
Who are these workshops for?
Everyone is welcome to join the life story series and you don’t need any writing experience to benefit. The goal is not to write an autobiography (although you might find that the process inspires you to continue writing) but rather, to connect you with your own life experience.
Typically, Kate works with people who share some of the following qualities.
- You might describe yourself as someone who thinks deeply.
- You’re curious and open-minded.
- You love the idea of exploring your creativity.
- You have an interest in knowing yourself more authentically.
- You enjoy reading and listening to other people’s stories.
- You’re a kind and compassionate human being.
- You want to explore how to view your life with greater meaning.
Upcoming workshops
INTRO TO LIFE STORIES
Join Kate for this introductory workshop where she’ll introduce the life stories writing process and its unique benefits.
– the benefits of writing your life stories
– how this process is accessible to everyone (including those with no writing experience)
– how to use prompts for your writing
– participate in engaging writing exercises
– make meaningful connections
Date: Tuesday 24 March 2026
Time: 2 pm
Where: Mornington Library
Fee: Free
LIFE STORY SERIES
Join Kate for this four-week course where you will write and share the things that shaped you. Kate will introduce the life stories writing process and each participant will have the opportunity to share a story briefly in a safe setting.
– introduction to prompts for your writing
– participate in engaging writing exercises
– make meaningful connections
– share your story in a small group setting
Date: 2026 dates TBC
Time: TBC
Where: In-person Mornington Peninsula
Fee: TBC
1:1 LIFE STORY SESSIONS
Join Kate for a 1:1 session where you will learn how to write and share your stories. Kate will introduce the life stories writing process then you may like to share your stories with her in a future session.
– introduction to prompts for your writing
– participate in engaging writing exercises
– share your stories in a safe and supportive setting
Commences: At your convenience
Time: TBC
Venue: Online or in-person (Mornington Peninsula)
Cost: $275 for 60-minutes
THE GIFTS OF LIFE STORY WRITING
Ignite personal growth – Deepen your self-awareness and embrace who you are with greater compassion.
Stimulate your mind – Keep your brain active and engaged through intentional, reflective writing.
Strengthen connections across generations – Document family stories that carry meaning and legacy.
Foster community and belonging – Share your journey in a space that welcomes honesty and care.
Discover your inner landscape – Uncover recurring themes and life-shaping moments.
Cultivate emotional clarity – Use writing as a tool to release stress and process your thoughts.
Find your voice through storytelling – Develop the confidence and skill to communicate your lived experiences.
Kate James
Kate James is the author of Quietly Confident, and a coach and mindfulness teacher. For over 23 years, she has supported introverted women build self-belief.
She describes her own experience as a participant of Guided Autobiography as life-changing. “I learned so much about myself and found the process both healing and life-affirming.”
Participants say Kate is an authentic, warm and down-to-earth workshop leader.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT GUIDED AUTOBIOGRAPHY
This course has been life-changing. It came at the most perfect time for me and has been the highlight of my week. I’m going to miss it so much!”
Karen
“Guided Autobiography is such a brilliant format to help people understand and make sense of their stories. It was also a wonderful way to get to know others and learn from their experiences.”
Ellie
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to attend the full series?
It is recommended that you join all of the workshops but sometimes it’s inevitable that you need to miss one. For online courses, we’ll share a recording and for both online and in-person workshops, we’ll share everyone’s stories via email so you don’t miss any content.
How are the workshops run?
Each session includes engaging activities, discussion, and reading a section of your story in a safe, supportive small group setting.
How much writing is required?
Each week, you’ll write on the set theme in your own time between sessions. The aim is to write between 500 and 1,000 words, though you’re welcome to write more if you feel inspired. During the next live session, you’ll share a maximum of 1000 words within a small, supportive group. This ensures everyone has time to participate while still encouraging depth in your writing.
Will I receive feedback on my writing?
Feedback takes place in small groups during the live sessions and is designed to be uplifting and supportive. The focus is on encouraging your creative process rather than critiquing style or grammar. It’s all about your story so authenticity matters more than perfection.
Do I need any writing experience?
Not at all. This course is suitable for everyone. The focus is not on the quality of your writing, your grammar or spelling. It’s simply about sharing your story in your own words.
What technology do I need to use?
You will need:
A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a working camera and microphone for Zoom sessions.
A reliable internet connection to join live sessions and access course materials.
An email address for all workshops, as course materials will be emailed.
The ability to write and send your story via email as a PDF or Word attachment.
What is your refund policy?
Unfortunately we are unable to offer refunds or credits once the program has started but if you withdraw from the program within 7 days of commencing, we’ll happily offer a full refund.
Have a question?
If there’s something we haven’t answered, please reach out. We would love to hear from you.