What is a life story or memoir? Each one of us has a story to tell. The experiences, lessons, trials, and triumphs we have encountered can enrich the lives of those we love and many who will never know us personally. Many of us have been prompted, both by our own spirits and voices of others, to record highlights of our lives or the lives of our ancestors. There is an old African saying "If an elder dies without sharing his stories, it is as if a library burned down."

However, you may be unsure about how to organize papers, pictures, and stories. I can help you. Stories link past, present, and future. It does not have to be a chronological listing of dates and events, but rather a collection of meaningful memories and anecdotes. A life review helps define not only who you are but who you are becoming. The value and contributions you have made suddenly become clear. The values and standards that have shaped your life will become a treasure for your descendants. Writing down your story may be the most healing work you have ever done.

In this course, you will build a timeline and learn the different types of life experiences and how they are best captured. You will come away with lots of stories, remembered ideas, and techniques. It will be fun, I promise.

What will you learn in this course?

• To organize timelines, stories, photos, anecdotes, recipes, and memorabilia into a flowing narrative.
• About different types of narratives and which is best for them.
• About choosing a particular subject, a section of time or person to concentrate your efforts on.
• About interviewing others for their histories.
• What is a true story? Whose version is truer?
• How to handle painful memories.
• How to print, publish, and distribute your memoir

Who should take this course?

• Those who would like to leave an "Ethical Will" which is an ancient method of leaving guidance for your children and your children's children.
• Those who would like to preserve the stories of their parents, grandparents, and other loved ones.
• Those who have already started their memoirs but want assistance in organizing and finishing them.
• All, young and old, who have a deep desire to understand themselves and see the value of a life well-lived.

Anyone who has the desire to capture your memories or the story of a loved one is welcomed and congratulated for taking this important step. Because this is self-paced you can do a section at a time, or set aside a whole weekend to get a great start, and maybe a finish to your project. I have often been asked, "When should I begin?" Now. Today. Time is precious. The world is experiencing a pandemic that is hitting and hurting the most vulnerable among us. How many of us wish we had taken the time to record our grandparent's stories of the depression? What lessons could we gain from their experiences?

Taught by:

Judy Helm Wright--Author/Coach/IntuitiveWiseWoman aka "Auntie Artichoke, the storytelling trainer"

Judy is an author of over 20 books, a personal historian affiliated with the association of personal historians. She is also a founding member of StoryKeepers, a non-profit organization dedicated to the propagation and preservation of storytelling and capturing life stories, located in Missoula, Montana.