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Frequently-Asked Questions
For whom is the In-Person Workshop intended?
The In-Person Workshop is intended for well-functioning, mature adults aged 40+. You are interested in beginning some form of life story (or have already begun it). |
Why should I attend the In-Person Workshop ... can't I do a life story on my own at home?
You absolutely can do your life story on your own. Begin by speaking with your local librarian. Explain that you are beginning the process of writing your life story, and would like their assistance. Also explain that you are not interested in writing specifically about genealogy or family history, you are exploring varied significant life events, and other aspects of how your life has unfolded, and what meanings those stories and events might hold for you and for others close to you. If embarking on this process alone works for you, then you are off to a great start! Others may find the process a little more challenging, or even isolating. One thing about the group dynamic, and group discussions, is that they make the life story-writing process a fun and educational give-and-take. The process of sharing your stories with others helps you better understand those stories yourself. When you add my guided talks and individual feedback, the whole endeavor becomes a very productive and life-affirming event. I hope you'll decide to join us. |
How is the workshop run? What can I expect?
The workshops are 2 hours each. I adhere to a formal agenda, which resembles this format:- lecture/topic overview from me
- story-sharing, in which participants share their own material and listen to others' contributions. Comments and constructive criticism are welcome by your fellow participants.
- At each session's end, you will submit your written work/assignment for my own personal written feedback, comments and suggestions. These are then returned to you the following week.
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What is the cost for the In-Person Life Story Workshop? What forms of payment are accepted?
Please see the Price & Enrollment page for the enrollment fee for your workshop. Forms of payment we generally we accept are check, credit card, cash or money order. Make your check or money order payable to Elder Forest Publishing unless directed otherwise. |
 Will my life story be bound?
Your workshop fee includes a basic spiral-comb binding. |
I've heard about free writing groups, why does Life Story Workshop charge an enrollment fee?
The workshop fee makes possible the substantial content, lectures, material, refreshments, and verbal/written feedback necessary for participants' growth and life story development. The fee also adds a level of responsibility and accountability to the workshop that can sometimes be lost in less structured community settings. In other words, this fee is a commitment on the part of the participant toward taking seriously the goals of the workshop. Participants are here not only to interact and have fun, but also to get a good head-start on forming their life story into something meaningful to them. In general, we tend to take more seriously that in which we have invested something of ourselves (time-wise and money-wise). The bottom line is this: It's nearly impossible to offer this level of quality material and feedback without charging a reasonable fee. This fee is comparable to many lifelong learning and community education offerings of this caliber and duration.
Is there a guarantee? Can I get a refund if the workshop is not for me?
There is a guarantee: If you feel the workshop is just not for you, see me at the refreshment break of your first session, and you will get a refund for that session's fee. I cannot refund fees from previous workshop sessions which you attended. |
Can life story writing trigger negative memories or feelings? If so, how might I handle this?
Yes. Invariably, any reminiscing, life review, or other autobiographical work will trigger negative memories or feelings now and then. This is not necessarily a negative thing. Some people benefit in a cathartic way when they purposefully address such issues; they see it as a way of reconciling with the past. However, other memories and feelings resulting from them may present challenges that transcend the scope of life story writing, and must be brought to the attention of medical or mental health professionals. The methodology of life story writing is, by its very nature, introspective, but it is never suggestive or prescriptive. In other words, without the proper guidance of a licensed mental health professional, it cannot and should not be used to ameliorate or 'fix' confusing or negative emotions, feelings, problems, etc. The important thing to remember is that while this negative energy may not have surfaced without life story writing, this process alone--without the guidance of a medical or mental health professional--is not a mechanism for healing or fixing your problems. You still must seek the proper professional help as soon as possible. Do not ignore the shadows. |
I need a formal, written progress report at the end of the workshop. Can you provide this?
For those participants attending the In-Person Workshop as part of another program, regimen, or therapy, I can provide a thorough, written report and evaluation, which includes the participant's progress for learning and developmental outcomes only. The fee for this final progress report is $10. |
I'd like to continue this process even after this workshop has ended. What opportunities exist beyond this beginner's workshop?
I am planning an advanced-level workshop, which will include a deeper look into the life themes, as well as include the process and techniques for finalizing your story and good editing (which should not be a concern at the beginning, as this will stifle brainstorming and creativity). This is where we actually get your work into the physical format of your choice: printed and bound, audio recording (cassette/CD-ROM), website, or others. |
Will you be able to publish my life story once it is written?
No. My publishing company is not currently publishing autobiography or memoirs. You will not be asked to go through any such sales pitch or marketing. In fact, you should be wary of any publisher or company that tries to charge you any fees for agreeing to "publish" your autobiography or any other book or manuscript you've worked hard on. The industry refers to such firms as "vanity publishers." While claiming to help you "publish" your book, they are usually doing nothing more than selling you printing services (often over-priced). You wind up paying hefty fees for large quantities of books you may not be able to sell or use in a reasonable period of time. Technology is allowing the writer/author more and cheaper options than these vanity publishers. Particularly, the process known as Print On Demand (POD), where reputable firms will help you set up a book marketing model so that you only have to print books as you sell them, and not waste a large sum of money up-front on inventory, etc. One such vendor is http://www.lulu.com/ . My advice is to take your time, explore the many options, and then, even after you've decided on a particular way to proceed, find several vendors who offer the same and compare their offers and support systems. And all along the way, ask a lot of questions. Talk to librarians. Talk to an attorney if you have access to one. Tell people what you are planning. Talk to those who have already done it; you will be surprised at how many are willing to offer advice or other assistance. Be wary of any situation where someone is trying help you part with two of your most valuable resources: time and money. |
Can you tell me a little more about your education, and your work with life story?
I have earned the B.A. in English literature from the University at Buffalo (SUNY), the M.A. in communication at the University of Notre Dame, and have taken classes and workshops with B. Jackn., a past president of the American Folklore Association; Tony Schwartz, the creator of the "Daisy commercial" for the Johnson adminstration. I have been teaching at colleges and universities in Indiana, Michigan, and Massachusetts since 2001. From my teaching experiences, I was inspired to found Elder Forest Publishing Group�, which offers lifelong learning and active aging solutions simply not available elsewhere: Communication skill-building and positive social interaction across many industries and applications. |
The answer to my question is not here. What should I do?
You may send me your questions or concerns using the Support Request Form; I will get back to you within a few hours. Note: Those participants without an email account: You may still use this support request form even if you do not have an email account...I will hand you my written response at the workshop. |
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