self-inquiry and personal storytelling workshop
“You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone’s soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows what they might do because of it, because of your words. That is your role, your gift.” – Erin Morgenstern
self-inquiry + personal storytelling WORKSHOP … $115
next offering: tBD
DESCRIPTION:
The process of self-inquiry is a powerful tool to uncover the themes, patterns, and stories that shape our lives. In this two-day workshop, participants will work on targeted writing exercises that highlight experiences, memories, and life lessons that can be leveraged as creative material for writing personal stories.
Participants will look at their experiences through the framework of seven story archetypes to reveal value-based themes and narrative ideas. During the course of the workshop, writers will review and discuss examples of compelling personal stories, work through a self-inquiry process that clarifies themes and values, and learn techniques to write about intimate emotions and experiences.
Self-inquiry and Personal Storytelling is ideal for personal narrative writers (of all levels) who want to explore the themes that tie their stories together and create a foundational piece of writing for their own practice or for future publication. Participants will come away with an informative presentation deck and 30-day access to the class recording.
our stories connect us
For the past 15 years, writing has been my healing practice, the alchemy that has turned pain into purpose. I’ve shared my story and received emails and messages from people all over the world — who grew up with a mentally ill parent or family member like I did — and have struggled to find peace in their lives as adults. They share their stories with me and ask if I have any advice to help them cope. When fear was at the forefront of my mind, I underestimated the power of my experience. I thought: Who am I? Look at how messy my journey has been. Who cares what I have to say?
I’d forgotten how much I longed for true stories when I was not living mine. How much I looked for a clear reflection when my identity was blurry. At my lowest moments, I craved testimonies about the hopeless person finding hope, the lost person finding their way home. Raw stories of awakening and transformation. Stories were my lifeline.
Vulnerability researcher and author Brené Brown said, “One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will be someone else’s survival guide.”
With that in mind, I’ve made it my mission to help people discover and share their stories, working to bridge the emotional obstacles between inner reflection and outer expression. The Self-inquiry and Personal Storytelling workshop brings together tools from my personal journey and my professional experience with exploring group narratives.
WHAT TO EXPECT
There are two 3-hour online Zoom sessions that consist of instruction, interactive discussion, writing, feedback and Q+A. The second session may not require the full three hours depending on the size of the group. Sharing your writing is encouraged but not required.
Once you purchase, you will receive confirmation that your space is reserved and a link to register for the Zoom details that you will use for both sessions. Please note: these sessions are not being offered separately.
Session One: tbd
The first session includes a study of compelling personal stories, overview of the seven story archetypes, self-inquiry exercises, idea generation and coaching. Participants will receive a storytelling assignment to be completed by the next session.
Session Two: tbd
The second session includes sharing and receiving feedback on the assignment, answering discussion questions and my prepared final thoughts. Participants will come away with copies of presentation materials and access to the replay videos for 30 days.
FOR WRITERS OF ALL LEVELS
I encourage the writers I work with to dig up their stories, big and small, in order to find new meaning in the journey of their lives.
My workshops attract writers of all levels who:
… are particularly interested in deep reflection, creative self-discovery, and personal narrative.
… want to inspire, influence and testify with their words.
… want to write with heart, soul and vulnerability without sacrificing strategy.
… want to be more fully expressed in their lives but are uncertain about how writing can help them achieve that.
… have stories they want to tell and ideas they want to share in a creative, supportive environment.
… want to tells stories that emotionally connect with a certain audience.
“I gather together the dreams, fantasies, experiences that preoccupied me as a girl, that stay with me and appear and reappear in different shapes and forms in all my work.” — BELL HOOKS
CREATIVE COACHING AND COMMUNITY BUILDING
With a dedication to vulnerable storytelling, my creative journey began with blogging and self-publishing books, then coaching and developing courses. Eventually, I evolved into the work I do now — writing articles, essays, and books and journals, facilitating workshops, and developing self-care strategies that promote creativity and well-being.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with a variety of businesses, writing communities and literary organizations that offer workshops to individuals who want to write about their lives and tell their stories.
I’m passionate about creating resources for writers, artists, business & creative professionals of all levels who want to find a deeper level of self-expression, creative courage and confidence through writing.
My workshops combine the practical insights of a writing workshop along with the radical acceptance and emotional communion of a support group.
photo: Tomorrow’s Portraits
FEEDBACK:
“What a fabulous workshop. You beautifully weave in personal stories, your exercises were inspired and thought-provoking, and the energy you nurture was one of a kind."
— Ali Cherry, DC Writer’s Salon Founder
“GG was brilliant! From the get-go she was super communicative and friendly. Despite the 6 hour time difference, she accommodated all of my wants and requests. The booking process was simple and hassle-free. The actual workshop was beyond my expectations; although I was only supposed to keep time, I ended up taking in the activities. Although the workshop was done online, GG created a safe and healing space for us all. I cannot wait to book her for more!
— Christina Fonthes, Founder of REWRITE Creative Writing Org for Black Women & Women of Colour
“GG brought innovation and creativity to our organization’s storytelling session. She was able to navigate the complexities and nuances of our company in order to draw connections, identify common themes, and translate corporate jargon into simple language. From her thoughtful questions during our pre-briefs to the way she led with grace and poise, her masterful facilitation laid a strong foundation for our organization’s diversity and inclusion narrative.”
— Tyece Wilkins, Diversity and Inclusion Senior Advisor, BAE Systems, Inc.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Refund Policy
There are no refunds for my self-hosted workshops, but if you have a problem or concern about your purchase, please contact me and we can discuss your situation. In most cases, I offer a credit that can be used at a later date for another workshop. (Here is The Writer’s Center’s refund policy.)
Recordings
Workshop sessions are recorded and provided to participants along with all presentation materials.
Contact Me
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. If you’d like to be notified the next time this course is offered, please fill out this form. Thank you for your interest!