New! FIRST FRIDAY, FIRST PERSON
Next Meeting: January 2
It’s a community spin-off of the Odyssey Seniors writing workshop, modeled on my “First Monday, First Person” events. Receive group feedback on your first-person writing from like-minded people. Nonfiction and memoir readings should be about 5-7 minutes long, true, and yours to tell.
Listeners welcome as well as readers. Food and nonalcoholic beverages are welcome!.
When: First Friday of every month (except holidays), from 2-4 p.m.
Where: Join us in person at the Goodman South Madison Library Community Room, 2222 S Park Street
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.
FIRST MONDAY, FIRST PERSON
Next Meeting: January 5
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.
Winter-Spring 2026
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 700 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 you 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, and 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 February 19, Thursdays 4:30-6:30 pm.
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 4:30-6:30 pm
Where: Truax Campus, Protective Services Building, Room TBA
Fee: $110
To register: Follow this link or call 608.258.2301, Option 2, and register for class #64872
Going Deeper with Guided Autobiography
In Person, offered through Madison College, 5 weeks starting April 9. Thursdays 4:30-6:30 pm.
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: Thursdays 4:30-6:30pm
Where: Truax Campus, Protective Services Building, Room TBA
Fee: $110
To Register: Follow this link or call 608.258.2301, Option 2, and register for class #64874
Have you ever dreamed of writing in Italy?
I do… and I’m planning to participate in Sheila Bender and Brenda Miller’s “Writing It Real” retreat in Lake Garda, September 26 – October 3, 2026. Shall we make it a party? More info at this link.
Intrigued? Got questions, ideas, or a bucket list item to fulfill? Let’s talk.
For Guided Autobiography Instructors
Find Your Students, Fill Your Classes: Over six weeks you’ll create a personalized Marketing Action Plan for six months of activity. Each session helps you craft your elevator pitch, social media messages, and other outreach tools, using templates and peer support. You’ll never again feel stuck about what to say or where to start.
Meets Fridays, 10–12 Central, starting January 9, via Zoom.
Cost: $300 (includes a contribution to the Birren Center).
Registration limited to 10. Contact me to register: sarah.white@firstpersonprod.com
Shaking the Family Tree: Over six weeks you’ll learn to teach this popular curriculum that assists workshop participants to locate, recall, and write the histories of their families. Participants are encouraged to look for lost family culture and traditions embedded in their histories. What will you leave in the past, incorporate into the present, or leave for future generations?
Meets Wednesdays, 10-12 Central, starting March 18, via Zoom.
Cost: $450 (includes a contribution to the Birren Center). Receive certification to teach.
Registration limited to 10. Contact me to register: sarah.white@firstpersonprod.com
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.