Memoir Writing Course
You have to write the book that wants to be written
- Madeleine L'Engle
Life story writing offers a range of benefits:
Leaving a legacy to share with loved ones
An outlet to pass on unique wisdom
Reawakening memories and celebrating one’s life
Making sense of your life’s journey
Presenting your expertise in a field
Romano Guardini once said, “Every phase [of life] exists for the benefit of the whole and for the benefit of every other phase; if it is damaged, both the whole and every individual phase suffers.”
When you write about your life story you can heal the woundings from your past and find the connecting thread which illuminates your future. Discovering your personal myth is medicine for oneself which births medicine for the collective.
This original life writing course can be done in a group setting, as an individual retreat program or online.
How to Write a Memoir
Have you ever wanted to learn how to write a memoir or to sift greater meaning from the journey of your life?
Our Writing Your Life Story classes are designed to help you express the story of your life while finding the life in your story.
Too often we associate writing about life stories (the significant events of a life) with being elderly and composing an autobiography. But life writing is far richer than this narrow perspective and very accessible. Before going into the subject of how to write memoir, contemplate your why.
Uplifting others through Storytelling
Have you ever considered how you might compile your stories into a non-fiction work where you pass on your knowledge or interesting experiences?
Willie Daly spent his life working as a relationship matchmaker. He used the stories of his experiences to produce the non-fiction work, The Last Matchmaker: The Heart-Warming True Story of the Man Who Brought Love to Ireland.
Almost everyone finds satisfaction in having a creative outlet. We are all born to express ourselves creatively, not just absorb the creative works of others. Writing offers the fulfilment of self-expression.
Life Writing & Career Development
Life writing can also help you vocationally. By composing life stories you develop writing skills which can be transferred to vocational areas. As more people move into service based professions, memoirs and other life writing books and Ebooks can help with establishing credibility. Take the case of Susan Jeffers.
After obtaining a degree in psychology, Susan worked in a hospital and wrote about her life. This led her to producing her work, Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway, after which she became renowned in the field of personal growth. Digesting her personal struggles and writing an autobiography helped launch her career as an author.
Writing a memoir is one of the most enriching experiences you can undertake. As Patricia Hampl pointed out:
“To write one’s life is to live it twice and the second living is both spiritual and historical, for a memoir reaches deep within the personality as it seeks its narrative form.”
But it delivers more than just connection to self. Life writing if often the foundation upon which many social gatherings revolve around:
Moth Talks - these are global events where true stories are told live.
TED Talks - while more formal, many of the best talks include personal storytelling.
Women of Letters - an initiative where women (and more recently men) write a letter based on their life.
Stand up comedy - comic Hasan Minhaj took the event of his high school prom and created an entire show around it.
Spoken word - life writing is often adapted into performance pieces such as Shane Koyczan's experience of being bullied in 'To This Day.'
Toastmasters - this global public speaking group encourages participants to write speeches, made more impacting through life writing.
A Women of Letter’s event where people share a true life story
Life Writing & Narrative Therapy
The rise of narrative therapy is a testament to the power of life story writing to fosters greater self-understanding and personal development. Reflecting and writing about difficult times helps facilitate catharsis and healing around loss, relational breakdown and other painful experiences.
In line with brain plasticity research, it has been proven that writing about life experiences rearranges memories to produce new perspectives in our relationship to what we see on the page. Creative nonfiction becomes more than therapeutic, it becomes transformative and empowering. Reaching into the events of your life allows you to locate deeper layers of wisdom and find the healing that can lie within them.
The writer Juliet Bruce suggests that “Once you understand that life is an unfolding story and that you are the storyteller who can shape and play with it on the page, then use that page as you would a roadmap, you gain tremendous power in your life."
Writing Retreats
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The Surrounds
Work inside or take time outside in the elements to soak in birdsong and nature
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The Space
A tranquil, restful space with bushland views and access to starry skies
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Local Walks
Chase waterfalls after dark on a local spectacular floodlit night walk in Katoomba
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Local Waterfalls
Our retreat centre is within walking distance of healing Mini Ha Ha waterfall
Memoir Writing Retreat
A students experience
After taking part in my group memoir writing class, Ros developed the stories she wrote over the week long course until she had sufficient material for a book.
She brought her material to my Blue Mountains retreat and we worked together to piece the stories together and accentuate her narrative.
With some further polishing, Ros went on to publish her memoir, which you can read a sample of here.
This is how she described her experience of undertaking the writing retreat:
I have just returned from a Writes of Passage Retreat run by Marcus. I didn’t really know what to expect but it’s definitely been one of the best things I’ve done.
I started out with a draft of events that made up my life story and after a few days of gentle conversation and insights shared from psychology, a whole bunch of new truths came to the fore.
I feel changed because of these discoveries and I can’t wait to write these new depths of meaning into my narrative.
Marcus’s open, unassuming yet skilful approach was just what I needed to build and strengthen the story of my life. Its been an amazing few days!
With a desire to write my life story as a gift for my children, I undertook his life story writing group and discovered that writing the story of my life might actually be achievable.
The focus on finding the bigger narrative in one’s life led to my “Eureka” moment - when all at once, I realised how I would frame my story and how each chapter would unfold.
I found that writing it up was enjoyable and cathartic and I know I have him to thank for getting me started and showing me the way.
When I arrived at the retreat space to work individually with him I had a draft of my story which to me seemed a little dull and probably incomplete.
Again the question of bigger narratives revealed itself as we discussed my life events and also explored other tools including the idea that we each have a life path we explore. Marcus helped me to identify themes that I had barely thought of.
With unsurpassed patience, he read through my draft word by word and along the way shared insights that now “must” be included in the book - they are all so vital.
Now as I look back over this week, I am in absolute awe of the themes he has highlighted. I have work to do - but I am excited and can’t wait to begin to incorporate them!
Marcus, you have given me such a valuable gift - I feel uplifted because of the “truths” we discovered together and emboldened by your words as I embark on this next stage.
I greatly appreciate all that you have given me and your great generosity of spirit.
- Rosslyn Lam, author of For the Love of Difference
4 Dedicated Writing Programs
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Exploring Childhood
This program looks at writing your life story beginning with childhood.
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Exploring Adolescence
A life writing program focusing on your teenage development stage.
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Exploring Midlife
Write about your midlife passage and rebirth.
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End of Year Exploration
A program designed to capture and integrate the learnings of the last 12 months.
Memoir Writing Workshop
Stage One: Exploring your life through adult developmental psychology
We start by satisfying our left brain. The last half century has produced a field of research and literature relating to life phases, or stages of life. A timeline approach helps us contain our life story into digestible chapters.
"Believing that we are independent and competent enough to master the external tasks of life fortifies us in our attempts to become so. It is only later we discover that logic cannot penetrate the loneliness of the human soul.”
― Gail Sheehy, Passages: Predictable Crises of Adult Life
Stage Two: Incorporating an archetypal perspective
Developmental psychologists who explore the mythic dimension of life regard archetypes as catalysts for growth and change in our lives. Our personal myth, or story, connects us to universal myth and principles. Consider how many films or books involve the archetype of the mentor, who helps a protagonist on their path. Each of the 12 life phases this course covers is balanced with an accompanying archetype.
"Only a mind lacking in imagination can fail to admit its own insufficiency. Were it not for the leaping and twinkling of the soul, man would rot away in his greatest passion, idleness."
― C Jung, Archetypes & The Collective Unconscious
Stage Three: Sample life writing pieces
Each of the 12 stages includes a host of writing pieces, including people who have completed this course. As you go through the previous 2 modules, you'll be referred to the sample pieces which illustrate writing techniques and how you can flavour your writing with emotional impact.
"If something inside of you is real, we will probably find it interesting, and it will probably be universal. So you must risk placing real emotion at the center of your work. Write straight into the emotional center of things. Write toward vulnerability."
― Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
My Life Story programs are designed for both experienced writers and new writers. What matters most is being self-reflective and open to exploring life events as a way of making greater sense of their passage through life.
My writing courses are offered in a variety of ways.
The group class takes place at Camp Creative in Bellingen each January. This 5 day program covers different life phases and milestone moments. Some writing techniques are explored, as is the mythic, or imaginative approach of incorporating archetypes in our stories for greater impact.
For those looking for a deeper dive, I offer an intensive one-on-one retreat experience for an individual in the Blue Mountains of NSW. Whereas the group program spends half a day on a particular life passage/archetype, the writers retreat program spends two days on each. This enables you to bath in many memoir examples, writing techniques and go into greater depth about your life phases.
Another benefit of this course is being able to receive personalised mentoring, editing and feedback on your writing.
Lastly, there are online writing programs option for those who are not located near Sydney or who want to work in a slower, self-paced manner.
Your Facilitator
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Marcus Dabb had been always drawn to personal development before having a turning point when he came across the notion of the hero’s journey.
After reading Jim Styne’s book about it, Heroes: A Guide to Realising Your Dreams, he recognised that working as a public servant for the taxation office was probably not living out his highest potential.
His higher education in teaching was complemented by his time working in employment services, recruitment, outdoor education and the TAFE always with a view to helping people discover and develop more authentic vocational paths.
Finding the courage to walk an alternative career path - one fraught with self-doubt and other obstacles - began a journey that led to his current focuses, A Different Drummer - Career Counselling, Polaris - Soul Blueprints & and Writes of Passage Retreats - Personal Development Retreats.
Having worked closely with many people to help them find their sense of vocational fit and career bliss.
After running a wide variety of workshops in Australia and overseas he launched his retreat initiative in the belief that contemplation, nature, carefully curated ideas and guidance from someone who has been through the ordeals of the hero’s journey, is the ideal means for people to look at life with greater possibility and unearth their own dormant potentiality.
Writing has been an integral part of his life. After studying creative writing at university and moving into social work, he employed writing activities with clients to help them find empowerment.
In addition to teaching life writing to groups and individuals, he has published a book which incorporates life writing called, The Different Drummer: Follow your own beat to find enlivening work and lead an extraordinary life.
Self-directed Online Courses
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Program #1 Exploring Childhood
The Greek poet Homer wrote The Odyssey to tell the journey Odysseus went through. After surviving the war at Troy he went through all manner of trials and adventures in his quest to return to his homeland of Ithaca.
Whereas Homer divided The Odyssey into 24 books, this online memoir writing course takes you through 12 stages of life.
Childhood can be regarded as the first life passage we navigate, setting the scene for our life's trajectory.
Purchasing this module provides you with 3 workbooks based on childhood themes with associated writing tasks.
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Program #2 Exploring Adolescence
#1 module explores themes of adolescence from a more left-brained perspective. It contains over 20 pages with a host of writing prompts and questions.
#2 module explores themes of adolescence from a more right-brained perspective to incorporate an archetypal model (the orphan archetype). It contains over 20 pages with writing prompts and questions.
#3 module contains over 100 pages of sample writing relating to adolescence.
You also have a further option to receive feedback on your writing and help in locating the overarching theme of your life’s journey. *Feedback and support involves an additional fee.
FAQs
What Is Therapeutic Life Story Work?
Therapeutic life story work is based on the view that reflecting on our life and teasing out details about events and situations helps us to heal or integrate our past. It is similar to narrative therapy but more writing focused.
What is narrative therapy? It is a form of psychology which holds that how we view life events is as impacting as the events themselves. Each of us can reframe our pasts in a way where we can cultivate gratitude and see how apparently negative incidents have served a larger purpose.
Why Write Memoir?
In my experience, a person’s reason for writing a memoir often depends on their stage of life. Up until midlife, it can be a way to expand their career reach, where people in their twilight are more motivated by leaving a legacy to loved ones. Some find it therapeutic and healing, others find it a satisfying form of self-expression. Initially, you might doubt your life has been that remarkable but as Mark Twain quipped,
“There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside the dullest exterior, there is a drama, a comedy and a tragedy.”
What Is A Memoir?
Memoirs are descriptions of a particular theme or time of your life. Maya Angelou’s ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ focuses on overcoming racism and trauma during her childhood. Liz Gilbert’s ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ covers three particular themes over a 12 month period.
How Is An Autobiography Written?
Once you’ve decided that writing about your life is worthwhile, the next question you encounter is how to write about your life story. Firstly, decide if one part of your life is particularly juicy or compelling for you to write about. If so, you might want to write a memoir rather than cover the entirety of your life. Should you choose to write your full autobiography, reflect on whether its something you want to share primarily with family or if you wish to give it a wider audience. An unabridged version is great for the family who wish to learn names and places but for a general audience, too much detail takes the gloss off your story. A final aspect to ponder when it comes to how to start writing a book about your life, is deciding what style of writing to adopt. Following a timeline from youth to elderhood is an easy way to break up your life. There are many other models, which may prove more engaging for an audience to read. Perhaps the best advice on how to write about your life story is just start writing and see where things take you.
What Is Autobiography?
Where a memoir focuses on a section of one’s life, autobiography tends to cover the entirety of a life. It is a self-written account in contrast to biography, which is written by someone else. Albert Facey’s,‘A Fortunate Life’ is an example of one.
How Do I Write A Short Story Of My Life?
To work out how to write a life story about yourself, firstly ask what fuels your motivation. Perhaps you’re wanting to make amends with your child, a parent or friend whom you’ve had a falling out with. Writing about the incident from your perspective might help the other party see it differently. Maybe there is a short story contest you’re entering. You might write about an event that people will find fascinating as it is so unusual or unexpected. Is there a personal issue you’re battling with currently? Writing about your struggle with it might help you to work through it. Once you’ve found your motivation and the event or issue at the heart of the story, begin to tease out details. Who are some of the characters involved? How can you build dramatic tension and slowly reveal engaging elements of the story? Ideate and brainstorm ideas. After writing the story in long-form do a second draft where you pare back information that isn’t critical or compelling. Send a copy of your edited version to some encouraging friends and ask for feedback. Writing life stories is a journey. While it is satisfying having a finished piece, be sure not to rush it and savour the experience.
Writers Retreats
Testimonials
Absolutely wonder-filled! I’ve been challenged and supported and inspired. Marcus is so well read and a pleasure to listen to. The framework given, the gentle and varied suggestions on subject matter and the time to write was invaluable. So much to unpack, thank you Marcus.
- Suzanne Weller
Stimulating. Inspiring. Confronting. Educational. Eye-opening. Humbling. Challenging. I wasn’t expecting to be so deeply moved. Loved the whole course!
- Rick Bolstler
Each session ‘primed the pump’ for some heartfelt writing. There was a sort of alchemy at work it seemed. It was great, thank you!
- Mandy G
I have enjoyed and received so much from being in your life writing classes. These are some of the areas where I felt healing and validation occur with the help of you and your course: Grandmother/Mother/Daughter relationships Son relationship Father/daughter relationship Sisters’ relationship Lovers and husbands Self-shame, depression and spirituality Deeper relationship with Community Expressing the power in being vulnerable Eliciting writing that’s creative and skillful Discovery of family connections The pleasure of writing Appreciation and understanding what age is for Big thanks!
- Eve Grzybowski
Memoirs Which Explore Life Passages
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The Childhood Passage
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The Adolescent Passage
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Early Adulthood Passage
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The Midlife Passage
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The Twilight Passage
Blue Mountains Retreats
“Great things are done when people and mountains meet;
this is not done by jostling in the street.”
- William Blake
Take in a local stargazing tour at night
Rejuvenate in the Blue Mountains natural wonders
Retreats NSW
Art Retreat
Discover your creative potential and explore a variety of artistic mediums. Art Retreat
Astrology Retreat
An introduction to astrology where you learn about the zodiacs planets, signs, houses and how they impact one another. Astrology Retreat
Birth Your Business Retreat
A new small business is started every 100 seconds. Learn how to take your passions and make your livelihood doing what you love. Small Business Course
Boost Your Business
Learn how to make your business thrive & contribute to positive social change. Business Course
Breath Work Retreat
Intensive 2 and 3 day breathwork programs to help you release trauma and energy blockages. Breathwork Retreat
Career Retreat
Take a mini sabbatical to determine your ideal career & how to actualise it. Career Retreat
Couples Therapy Retreat
A program to enrich or revive one's relationship. Couples Counselling Retreat
Family Constellations
Explore your Internal Family Systems to liberate yourself from inherited beliefs and intergenerational trauma. Family Constellations Retreat
Family Healing Retreat
A program that explores the mother/father wounding and overcoming our imprints. Family Healing Retreat
Healing Retreat
Our healing retreat takes you through a range of modalities such as energetic healing, breathwork, transpersonal counselling & more. Healing Retreat
Health Retreat
Our health retreat takes a holistic approach to optimise your body, mind and emotional health. Health Retreat Blue Mountains
Life Purpose Retreat
Finding your life purpose is like the hub of a wheel, everything radiates out from it. Life Purpose Retreat
Love Retreat
Instead of gaming love, master the game of love by understanding your core needs and the blocks between you & a lasting connection. Singles Retreat
Maiden to Mother Retreat
An initiation to heal and move beyond the maiden phase of development & into the strength & centredness of the mother. Women’s Retreat
Men's Retreat / Women's Retreat
Integrate your divine feminine & divine masculine to find inner wholeness, sustain fulfilling relationships and obtain greater life direction. Sacred Union More
Mental Health Retreat
A program which focuses on working through mental health issues in a more holistic way that mainstream methodogies. Mental Health Retreat
Midlife Crisis Retreat
Midlife crisis presents us with a great opportunity to transition from the morning of life into the afternoon of life. Midlife Retreat
Mystical Retreat
A week long intensive where you learn the art of astrology, numerology, tarot & sacred geometry. Mystical Retreat
Rewilding Retreat
Recalibrate with nature, technology, yourself & your place in the world. Reconfigure your life in a radically simple and integrated way. Rewilding Retreat
Sacred Geometry Course
Create sacred geometry, learn the 9 numerology archetypes and explore your soul blueprint. Sacred Geometry Retreat
Self Discovery Retreat
A retreat centred around understanding yourself at the deepest level to integrate who you are with the life you live. Self Discovery Retreat
Self Love Retreat
Ideal for singles working on relationship patterns & those who could use some self care & greater appreciation for who they are. Self Love Retreat
Silent Retreat
Our silent retreats help you attain greater clarity through a calmer mind and clearer perspective. Silent Retreat Blue Mountains
Spiritual Awakening Retreat
A program to explore spiritual awakening and the process of understanding & expressing your soul aspect. Spiritual Retreat
Tarot Retreat
A Jungian retreat exploring the major arcana #0-3.Depth psychology & archetypal integration through a tarot course. Tarot Retreat
Wealth Retreat
There is an energetic aspect to money often overlooked. Explore the psychology of money & take a holistic approach to managing it . Wealth Retreat
Wellbeing Retreat
A retreat involving creative expression, life guidance, relationship exploration & activities - tarot, breathwork, counselling & more. Wellbeing Retreat
Writing Retreat
Each of us has a unique and interesting story to share. This program looks at writing your life story beginning with childhood. Writing Retreat
Writing Retreat (Program #2)
This program looks at writing your life story with a specific focus on the exploration of your adolescence. Writing Retreat NSW
Yoga Retreat
Discover a range of eastern wisdoms such as yoga, mediation, chakras, ayurvedic health and more. Yoga Retreat Blue Mountains