Featured Online Generative Writing Workshop

Exploring The Self Through Guided Autobiography with Kimberly Lee

START DATE: February 3, 2025

END DATE: March 2, 2025

DURATION: 4 weeks

LOCATION: Wet Ink Interactive Classroom

FEEDBACK: Helpful Instructor Feedback and Encouraging Peer Workshop

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Discover the power of your personal narrative through the insightful Guided Autobiography method. This unique reflective writing practice provides a holistic approach to memoir, self-discovery, and personal growth. Developed by Dr. James Birren and mentioned in a recent New York Times article, Guided Autobiography is an acclaimed writing process that helps individuals reflect on moments in their lives by creatively capturing aspects of their personal histories. This process helps integrate and make sense of one's past in order to recognize patterns, gain insights, and foster connections. With engaging readings and discussions, themed exercises, and inspiring prompts, participants will write and share short stories in a supportive online setting. In addition to encouraging writers as they craft authentic, engaging stories, this workshop will aid participants in uncovering inner wisdom, finding meaning, and tuning in to their purpose.

I've enjoyed this class so much and am so sad that it's ending. The themes, the diversity of the materials, the creative processes, and the prompts have all engaged really me. I haven't written like this for years and it's just been great fun. — Danyelle O.

Thank you most deeply for this course. [T]his one has had a profound effect on me. You have a gift for finding and presenting information and thought-provoking materials that engage on a deep level. — Kaden S.

Kimberly has a very warm and delightful presence. Her creative writing workshop was filled with varied exercises. — Sinéad M.

Kimberly presented a variety of creative and original prompts, and I was motivated by her enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment of writing. Her manner was very encouraging and her responses reflected her knowledge of the process. — Carolyn J.

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Week One: Branching Points
To begin, we’ll explore key turning points and pivotal moments. These are events—big or small—when life took a significant turn, often altering the course of our personal or professional journey. Branching points can include both positive and challenging events, such as major life decisions, unexpected events, transformative experiences, and life milestones. Writing about these branching points helps us reflect on how these moments shaped who we are today, offering deeper insights into their personal story.

Assignment: After a pre-writing exercise, readings, reflective questions, write a 500-800 word story about a branching point in your life.

Week Two: Family
Next, we’ll turn to familial relationships and experiences, with a focus on our heritage and origins, significant family members, family dynamics, traditions, values, and lessons.

Assignment: After a pre-writing exercise, readings, and reflective questions, write a 500-800 word story about an aspect, moment, or event regarding health and/or the body in your life.

Week Three: Health and Body
This week’s focus will be on health and the body, reflecting on our physical and mental well-being, body image, and health experiences. We’ll recall how our relationship with our body has evolved, how health challenges have been faced, the role physical activity and sports may have played, and what impact health and body image has had on our identity and quality of life.

Assignment: After a pre-writing exercise, readings, and reflective questions, write a 500-800 word story about an aspect, moment, or event regarding health and/or the body in your life.

Week Four: Life’s Work and Career
We’ll conclude with an exploration of our life’s work, whether in the home, away from it, or a combination of both. We’ll look at our journey from beginning to the present, personal achievements, motivations, challenges, and the meaning of work, whether in a traditional career, volunteer work, or creative and personal endeavors.

Assignment: After a pre-writing exercise, readings, and reflective questions, write a 500-800 word story about an aspect, moment, or event regarding your life’s work or career.

Materials needed: All readings and multi-media resources will be provided via links and PDF documents. Participants will only need the curiosity and willingness to explore moments in time in a new way, along with their preferred writing instruments or devices.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Kimberly Lee, JD, is a versatile writer, educator, and creativity coach with a passion for nurturing the imaginative spirit and helping others reveal their own inner wisdom. She left the practice of law some years ago to focus on motherhood, community work, and creative pursuits. A graduate of Stanford University and UC Davis School of Law, she is an Amherst Writers & Artists facilitator and serves on its board of directors. She is also trained by The Center for Journal Therapy, The Center for Intentional Creativity, Guided Autobiography, The Path Meditation, and SoulCollage. ® A teaching artist with several writing centers, Kimberly has led workshops at numerous retreats and conferences. Recent collaborations include the Omega Institute, UCLA Arts and Healing Initiative, Creative Mornings, and The Expressive Therapies Summit. A former editor at Literary Mama, Kimberly has also served on the staffs of Carve and F(r)iction magazines. Her stories and essays have appeared in numerous publications and anthologies, including LA Parent, Toyon, Words and Whispers, Minerva Rising, The Ekphrastic Review, on the Better Sleep app, and elsewhere. Her debut novel will be published in 2025. Kimberly lives in Southern California with her husband and three children.

COST: $175, which includes an interactive class via the Wet Ink platform for peer interaction.

BUY NOW: Exploring The Self Through Guided Autobiography, by Kimberly Lee (4 weeks, starting 2/3/2025) Limit: 10 students. Early registration is recommended.

For Class Session Starting 2/3/2025

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Notes: Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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