A Brief Introduction to Guided Autobiography
By Joyce Krieg and Patricia Hamilton
Guided Autobiography is a class to assist people of all ages in writing their memoirs. Typically, it consists of ten weekly sessions of two to three hours each. The method was developed by pioneering gerontologist Dr. James Birren and has been in use for over thirty years with participants ranging from college students to residents of senior facilities.
What makes Guided Autobiography unique and powerful is that participants are writing essays on specific themes and then sharing them with others. Many people say they want to write their memoirs, but few actually follow through – usually because the project is too overwhelming, or because it’s just not fun to do alone. Guided Autobiography deals with both of those issues head-on: by writing on a specific theme, participants are able to break down their life story into small, easy-to-complete projects, and they bond with other class members and form friendships by sharing their stories.
No previous creative writing experience is necessary, and no special equipment is needed. The only requirement is to show up, and the only “homework” is a two-page essay on the theme of the week. A computer is not a must – the stories can be handwritten or spoken into a recorder.
A typical Guided Autobiography class consists of two parts. In the first hour, the instructor leads the class in a discussion of the week’s theme, plus a few fun and easy exercises to stimulate their creativity. In the second hour, the class breaks into small groups in which everyone reads aloud the two pages they have written on the theme for that session
Benefits to the participants are many, and include:
- Learning more about themselves and understanding the ‘why’ they may have done the things they have done.
- Understanding and appreciating others and their life story.
- Greater ease and confidence with writing as they learn to tap into inner feelings.
- Developing close friendships with fellow students.
- Leaving a legacy for their children and grandchildren, and to the world at large.
CLICK TO Watch video of people sharing their experiences with Guided Autobiography.
Bruce Feiler wrote a fascinating article in the NY Times He said,
“The single most important thing you can do for your family may be the simplest of all: develop a strong family narrative.”
In other words, the children who know the most about their family history—the traditions, the set-backs and successes of parents and grandparents—had the best odds of bouncing back from hard times.
Basic Package: Weekly 2 hour class for ten weeks, writing using James Birren’s Guided Autobiography Method. YOUR BOOK WILL BE PUBLISHED AT THE END OF THE CLASS: We will Design, format, publish, and print 10 soft-cover books for you, prepared from your Word.doc, up to 30,000 word text file, plus 20 your digital photo files.—$795 for writing instruction and 10 books.
Intermediate Package: Weekly 2 hour class for ten weeks, writing using James Birren’s Guided Autobiography Method. YOUR BOOK WILL BE PUBLISHED AT THE END OF THE CLASS: We will Design, format, publish, and print 10 soft-cover books for you, prepared from your Word.doc, up to 30,000 word text file, plus 20 your digital photo files. PLUS: Professional edit your book and publish it on Amazon. —$1495 for writing instruction and 10 books.
Premier Package: Weekly 2 hour class for ten weeks, writing using James Birren’s Guided Autobiography Method. YOUR BOOK WILL BE PUBLISHED AT THE END OF THE CLASS: We will Design, format, publish, and print 10 soft-cover books for you, prepared from your Word.doc, up to 30,000 word text file, plus 20 your digital photo files. Professional edit your book and publish it on Amazon. PLUS: Publish to Kindle; Marketing Package, including press release, postcards, business cards; Internet: set up blog/website and other Social Media. —Individual pricing based on choice of services you desire.
EXTRAS: Private coaching and instruction are available. You may add additional book pages and photos, hardcover books, video and audio recordings and production with upload to “Keepers of Our Culture” YouTube Channel. Services priced individually for your custom package.
INSTRUCTORS Patricia Hamilton and Joyce Krieg are certified by The Birren Center to teach the Guided Autobiography method developed by James E. Birren. Books will be published by Park Place Publications.
For more information, please call 831-649-6640 or e-mail:
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