THE INNER STORY WRITING CIRCLE
monthly creative coaching and story work for heart-centered writers
A guided writing community to support your healing, personal story work, and creative development
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The Inner Story Writing Circle is a monthly subscription for people seeking creative
inspiration and community for the heart-centered work of writing about their lives.
Through weekly exercises, cowriting sessions, and monthly workshops, Inner Story offers you the opportunity
to discover and give voice to your story with the support of a compassionate creative coach and community.
Each month members have access to a variety of virtual sessions to study, share, and celebrate personal storytelling.
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What’s different about Inner Story?
I created the Inner Story Writing Circle to be a haven for soulful writers.
The offerings are designed for creatives who have stories to tell, and are seeking mentorship and community support
for the emotional + strategic challenges that come with creative healing and expression.
Here’s what one of our members had to say about what differentiates Inner Story:
"Vulnerability is generosity, as is often said in this space. And what a generous helping of intimacy it has been. It’s the perfect space to empty myself. A safety net of highly sensitive overthinkers who feel too much just like me. Perfect strangers with one goal in common, to build the creative courage to release the words fighting to get out of us. Words we fail to actually get down on paper sometimes though they never stop forming, words that sometimes make us feel like strange birds in a world of swans, and words that tell our stories. There are few things more vulnerable than sharing the intimate details of our struggles with people we’d otherwise never find ourselves in community with. Equally yoked by our quest for courage. A community that has had a front-row seat to me at my worst, experiencing all the madness this time has brought to my life. A chosen family of sorts who never run out of capacity or space to hold my truths. A space where my inner voice has grown confident and strong, unafraid to speak out loud giving a voice to the voiceless. My tears have been virtually wiped in this space. I have developed treasured friendships in this space, and exposure to other humans who understand and applaud what I leave here. An unrivaled community of intimacy I’m forever grateful to have experienced." - Ashleigh V.
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Inner Story is centered in
self-care and community care.
All of my creative coaching programs are based on the idea that self-care allows the greatest expression of who you are to be released. In other words, creativity is a lifestyle choice that fueled by healthy practices.
Before I learned this, I almost stopped believing in my call to write. My personal struggles with anxiety, overwhelm, and imposter syndrome had me convinced that I wasn’t capable of turning my creative visions into reality. By shifting my inner narrative from ‘What’s wrong with me?’ to ‘What do I need?’, I got curious about my inner conflicts and leaned into professional and community support. I discovered that many of my issues came from a lack of self-care, nervous system dysregulation, and a limited understanding of the creative process. Now I teach my clients how to integrate the process of writing to heal with the practice of sharing stories, ensuring that they have tools and strategies for managing the unique challenges that come with that integration.
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Inner Story is ideal for heart-centered, PURPOSE-DRIVEN writers.
Heart-centered writers are tuned into the deeper meaning of things and are driven by purpose. Inner Story members have an insatiable hunger to explore and express their life experiences.
Does this sound like you? If so, you may also find yourself inspired one day and stuck the next, frustrated by creative blocks, self-doubt, and learning curves. Your desire to write can trigger perfectionism and self-criticism. Creative resistance and procrastination can lead to feelings of shame and inadequacy. Finding the right place and the right audience, or being unsure if you want to share your work at all can be paralyzing. I know these struggles all too well. Through the monthly bonus workshops, group coaching, and accountability sessions, members have the opportunity for mentorship and community support to work through creative challenges.
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Inner Story will help you
reclaim your story.
Creative resistance doesn’t have to hold you back from doing deep story work and pursuing your creative callings. You can reclaim your story and build a fulfilling creative life without overwhelm and frustration. The Inner Story membership will give you tools to overcome limiting beliefs and patterns, get comfortable with vulnerability and visibility, and experience the personal and collective healing that comes from storytelling. The Inner Story Writing Circle is available through two levels of support Core and Mastermind, which are detailed below.
Read on to preview my approach to personal storytelling as a creative practice, and learn more about how this community can help you thrive as you do your own story work.
what is story work?
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Story work is a process of reflection, unlearning, and reimagining that allows you to find new meaning in your life experiences.
Through the Inner Story Writing Circle, you are supported in building a writing practice
based on story work that allows you to reclaim your voice, values, and creative vision.
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story work is…
Reclaiming your voice
By writing down your life reflections and observations…
thoughts + feelings
memories + experiences
fears + worries
beliefs + desires
triggers + obsessions
dreams + visions
story work is…
RECLAIMing YOUR VALUES
…you discover universal themes, lessons, and questions…
change + transformation
choices + challenges
themes + patterns
turning points
wisdom + life lessons
values + conflicts
story work is…
RECLAIMing YOUR VISION
…and develop a creative vision around the story of your life.
healing + expression
testimony + inspiration
family history + legacy
advocacy + social change
justice + exposure
education + information
WE INCORPORATE healing INTO THE WRITING PROCESS
one truth at a time
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You absolutely can become the courageous storyteller you are called to be.
Take it from someone who spent years of her life hiding her authentic self and the truth of her story because of shame and fear.
Reclaiming my story shifted the trajectory of my life and led me to my purpose, but the journey to fuller expression wasn’t easy.
I had a calling to write, but I struggled with low self-worth and limiting beliefs.
When the tension of it all made me mentally and physically unwell, I surrendered and sought to heal my emotional wounds by
writing about things I’d avoided for years and had never admitted to myself.
I found that my unexplored memories held wisdom for me.
Eventually, fresh insights and perspectives revealed themselves, my mindset became more flexible,
and I started reclaiming my story, one truth at at a time.
Whether you are writing to heal, to make your truth known, advocate, document, or teach…
Whether your preferred medium is journaling, essay, memoir, fiction, poetry or blog…
Whether you are a beginner, seasoned hobbyist, or professional…
Inner Story is an opportunity to commit to the story work you feel called to do and be supported as you do it.
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You can reimagine your story through creative exploration.
Once you start looking at your life as a story, full of turning points and transformations, you can observe your memories, thoughts and imagination differently. You discover your ability to reshape the narratives that don’t serve you, and with this awareness you uncover storylines for your life that inspire you to write.
Courage comes first, craft comes second.
What you don’t know about writing, you can learn. Inner Story writers come from all levels of experience. Some are professional writers and some have never shared their writing before. No matter their background, they value the written word and are committed to developing their craft. We meet you where you are providing opportunities to learn new writing skills, practice with literary devices, and discover a variety of ways to share and publish your work (if you wish).
As an Inner Story participant, you will:
Gain perspective on your storyteller type and motivation,
practice accessing and sharing your most authentic voice,
and learn how to take care of yourself as you do this courageous work.
A CREATIVE COACHING AND COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE
There is a Core month-to-month version for ongoing support, and a Mastermind three-month option available for project-specific support.
If you want to learn more about the Mastermind option, you can view the overview page and watch an introductory video here.
As an Inner Story Writing Circle member, you get weekly Story Work exercises, access to weekly accountability and cowriting sessions, plus all-access to AML journaling sessions, writing + storytelling workshops, and creative coaching office hours. During the month of December 2023 only, save 12% by making a one-time payment for the year.
As an Inner Story Writing Circle Mastermind member, you get all the core features of the Inner Story Writing Circle membership, plus monthly small group coaching sessions and 1:1 guidance and accountability with GG. Three-month commitment. Ideal for project-specific support. Available starting March 2024.
INNER STORY core features:
All sessions (except for cowriting) are recorded and saved to the member area.
weekly creative inspiration
Delivered by email Sunday nights at 8 pm et
… life reflection exercises to inspire your story work
monthly storytelling workshop:
Second Saturday of each month at 10 am et on Zoom
…two-hour Zoom workshop for storytelling, discussion, and feedback
MONTHLY OFFICE HOURS SESSION:
Last Friday of each month at 12 pm et on Zoom
…informal session for asking questions, sharing wins,
challenges and progress
two cowriting sessions per week
Tuesdays at 6 pm et and Thursdays at 12 pm et on Zoom
…60 minutes of quiet writing to get words on the page
the practice: a monthly JOURNALING WORKSHOP:
Dates vary month-to-month
…90-minute writing session featuring community members and invited guests
WEEKLY ACCOUNTABILITY SESSIONS:
Tuesdays before cowriting
…a 30-minute weekly check-in to share progress and
challenges with fellow writers
ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS + WRITING SESSIONS:
Added Throughout the Year
…includes selected pop-up coaching sessions, self-discovery workshops, guided writing sessions, and book club discussions
1:1 coaching DISCOUNTS:
15% off 1:1 sessions with GG
…boost and power sessions available
AUTHOR VISTS + TOPICAL EXPERTS:
Authors and Artists sharing their creative work + expertise
…includes Book Club meetings and masterclasses on different
aspects of writing life
REFERRAL BONUS:
Refer a friend and get a month free
…for you and your friend
“GG is a gifted creative coach and community-builder. I learned so much during my three-month coaching program and
greatly benefited from GG's insights, thought-provoking questions and feedback. Thanks to her gentle guidance
and the accountability she builds into her program, I've developed a writing and creative practice
that fits into my life and feels nourishing and sustainable. Just as valuable is the community GG has created,
which is a safe and welcoming space to explore creativity without judgment.” - Melissa W., Mastermind Member
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INNER STORY MASTERMIND FEATURES:
includes all the core features of Inner Story plus…
THREE MONTH COMMITMENT
Project Specific Support
…build a trusted process and make progress on your project
monthly small group coaching sessions
One Sunday each month from 3 - 5 pm et
…hot seat sessions with guidance and feedback from coach and fellow participants
As an Inner Story Writing Circle member, you get weekly Story Work exercises, access to weekly accountability and cowriting sessions, plus all-access to AML journaling sessions, writing + storytelling workshops, and creative coaching office hours. During the month of December 2023 only, save 12% by making a one-time payment for the year.
1:1 accountability w/ gg
Guidance and Feedback on your monthly goals
…gentle accountability through monthly check-in form
1:1 SESSIONS W/GG
Two 60-minute Zoom Sessions
…process support and personalized answers to your specific questions
As an Inner Story Writing Circle Mastermind member, you get all the core features of the Inner Story Writing Circle membership, plus monthly small group coaching sessions and 1:1 guidance and accountability with GG. Three-month commitment. Ideal for project-specific support. Available starting March 2024.
MEMBER FEEDBACK
“Everything GG creates, shares, facilitates and leads is pure gold! The Inner Story Writing Circle is, like all her offerings, INCREDIBLE!! Inner Story offers me structure and support, while still giving me the flexibility I desire to carve out my own creative journey. I'm receiving deeply meaningful & thoughtful guidance from GG, access to a beautiful & supportive community, and encouragement & accountability to work on my craft. This program is essentially my entire creative support wishlist wrapped into a single offering. Thank you, GG, for giving us gold yet again!! — Rolanda Findlay
“GG coming into to my life through the Inner Story Writing Circle and her other workshops has been an unexpected gift that I didn’t realize I was hoping for. GG is a gifted workshop leader who has a special knack for introducing topics, ideas, and lessons that are just what I need on any given day of my creative journey. The co-writing sessions of Inner Story are where I create some of my best work. GG’s warm and abundant style of leadership spills over into the cowriting sessions and monthly workshops, creating an atmosphere of peace, acceptance, and camaraderie. Inner Story also provides me with much needed structure so that I can get the words down on the page—a gift indeed!” — Cindy D.
STORYTELLING IS A PATH TO DISCOVERY, HEALING, EMPOWERMENT & SERVICE
Writing has helped me reframe old stories about mental illness and other struggles in my life, and my mission is to help others improve the quality of their lives through the power of the written word.
If you’re new to my work, my name is GG and I’m an author and creative coach who helps individuals and groups unravel creative blocks. I create workshops that center writing as a tool for deeper connection to yourself, to others, and to the world around you. I believe that a fulfilling life begins with self-honesty and writing is a creative and accessible way to practice truth-telling, particularly if you’ve gone your whole life being conditioned to do the opposite.
Many of us who have been conditioned to stay quiet and obedient are now consciously taking creative risks to live more authentic lifestyles. We’re learning how our stories can plant seeds of hope in ourselves and others. In addition to coaching and facilitating, I write self-help and memoir, mostly in the form of personal essays and blog posts. I’ve self-published three books, and traditionally published two guided journals. In July 2023, I signed with Ashley Hong at Gardner Literary, who is helping me bring my work-in-progress—a creative guide on the transformative power of story work—into the world. You can learn more about my professional experience here.
In Inner Story, you are supported by a coach who specializes in helping blocked creatives become the storytellers they want to be in a healthy, intuitive, and sustainable way.
photo: Traci Elaine Photography
YOUR TRUTH IS YOUR POWER
If you have stories you want to tell at home, in your community, at work, and beyond, it starts with self-honesty.
When you explore and articulate the questions, conflicts, discoveries and dreams that you’ve been holding inside, you can learn how to harness this power.
This is what story work is all about.
INNER STORY IS FOR YOU IF…
You’re looking for a holistic approach to overcoming creative blocks and generating ideas for your personal story work.
You are looking for a way to maintain the creative energy that you feel after taking a writing workshop or attending a storytelling session.
You’re seeking a warm community to share the peaks, valleys, and plateaus of your creative journey.
You are interested in learning new pathways to open up your authentic expression.
You want to develop your writing voice through practice and support from other writers.
INNER STORY IS NOT FOR YOU IF…
You’re looking for technical instruction on format and structure without an emphasis on self-discovery and inner work.
You’re looking for personalized book coaching, self-publishing, or editing services.
You’re seeking 1:1 personalized coaching outside of the group workshop setting.
You’re looking for a coach who you can access on a daily basis or a group forum you can interact with daily. (Participants often connect outside of the workshop group , and I do have a free private Facebook group.)
You’re not looking for a holistic approach that incorporates mindset work, mindfulness practices, and self-care strategies into your creative practice.
“I’ve observed many authors feeling adrift or overwhelmed but I know that when we harmonize our work, rest and play; our inner maker, manager, and marketeer; our passions, mission and sense of purpose, we ensure that our creative wells never run dry. We support ourselves in the best possible way, as we unfold our own, chosen vision of success.”
—Orna Ross
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
My workshops combine the practical insights of a writing workshop along with the radical acceptance and emotional communion of a support group. The following guiding principles create a safe, compassionate environment for writers to build courage and confidence:
Vulnerability is Generosity
When we share the truth of our creative journeys and life experiences through storytelling, we are offering up our humanity as a gift. This gift is honored and appreciated as a source of inspiration for the whole group.
Magic in the Mess
We value raw and unpolished reflections and open-minded curiosity. We encourage writers to embrace beginner’s mind, and to use this space to experiment with voice and craft.
Examination over Exposure
We reflect on our life experiences to discover themes and tell stories with purpose, not to expose our personal lives for shock value. Trigger warnings are offered to allow story listeners to make the choice to step away during any troubling topics.
Confidentiality & Privacy
No one is pressured to share, and the privacy of each writer is protected. Each participant agrees to the privacy policy when they sign up, which includes confidentiality.
Keep in mind that I’m not a mental health professional, and this program is for creative purposes only.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I SIGN UP?
You will gain immediate access to the member area, where you can browse the bonus resources and workshop details for the current month.
You will receive a welcome email from me within two business days with guidance on how to get started and an invitation to schedule the optional 30-minute entry consultation for Core members, or the 60-minute entry session for Mastermind members.
MEMBER FEEDBACK
“What I love about GG’s Inner Story community is that there is a lot of love and support and it’s a diverse group of women, which is different than other writing communities I’ve been in. A community where I feel a deep sense of connection is critical to my writing practice and Inner Story meets that need. Inner Story offers lots of flexibility, which has allowed me to give myself lots of grace as I develop my body of work. I love that GG is generous in sharing her own students' work. She provides excellent resources for deepening my understanding of the writing process and submitting my work.” — Rachel N.
“My growth as a writer, my confidence in my work, and my courage to bare it all is, in large part, due to the writing community that I hold dear. The Inner Story community is a safe space of self-discovery, and I leave each one inspired and emotionally full. GG’s workshops and prompts have produced some of my most authentic and vulnerable pieces of writing.” — Ashleigh V.
"GG, I just wanted to tell you that I completed Section One of my book and now I'm on to Section Two. Thankful for this group and your energy!" — Joyice R.
"I don't share my personal story with anybody, much less my writing about it. But over the past few months, I’ve been able to practice vulnerability when I come to this group. I'm taking baby steps. This is a really safe place to do that and share whatever writing you have because the community is so supportive." — Stephanie D.
FAQ’s
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Yes. As a Core member, you can unsubscribe and resubscribe according to your needs. When you cancel, you lose access to the member area. The Mastermind membership is a three-month commitment.
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No, however, if you have a concern about your purchase, I’m open to discussing unique situations.
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You have access for as long as you’re subscribed to the group.
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For Core memberships, there are several members who participate in the group as a self-study and don’t attend live sessions. You can choose to participate however you like.
For Mastermind members, hot seat sessions generally take place on Sunday afternoons. If this is not a feasible option for you, there may be flexibility to find a time that works. Feel free to reach out to inquire.
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In this group, courage comes first, craft comes second. In the monthly storytelling session, the group is advised to offer feedback based on how your story impacted them and how your unique voice came through, plus any specific feedback you ask for.
In the constructive feedback sessions, we provide developmental comments based on what input the writer is seeking. You can also get feedback through the Inner Story Mastermind version of the offering.
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You can visit the dedicated overview page for that program here.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
As an Inner Story Writing Circle member, you get weekly Story Work exercises, access to weekly accountability and cowriting sessions, plus all-access to AML journaling sessions, writing + storytelling workshops, and creative coaching office hours. During the month of December 2023 only, save 12% by making a one-time payment for the year.
As an Inner Story Writing Circle Mastermind member, you get all the core features of the Inner Story Writing Circle membership, plus monthly small group coaching sessions and 1:1 guidance and accountability with GG. Three-month commitment. Ideal for project-specific support. Available starting March 2024.
