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Ever considered writing a memoir? We’ve all got life stories to tell, and they deserve to be shared—if not with the world, then at least with the people closest to us. But maybe you think it would be too time-consuming to write your memoir.

I mean, sitting down and tapping out a manuscript for a 250–300 page memoir? That does feel monumental. And maybe you think there must be years of journaling, hours of writing alone (cue the tortured writer meme), and a clear sense of your “big story” before you can begin.

Many folks have the itch to write about their life but they never get started because those expectations feel overwhelming. But what if the path forward was made of smaller, more manageable steps—and you didn’t have to walk it alone?

Try Guided Autobiography – to Write Yourself Towards Clarity & Confidence

There is a different way to write about your life in a less intimidating way. The official name for it is “Guided Autobiography” (“GAB” for short.) Or, as I like to call it, “Guided Life Story Writing.” The GAB writing process is a methodology developed by psychologist Dr. James Birren, a pioneer in using life review and reminiscence to capture memories and increase self-esteem through writing. Led by a certified facilitator (like me!), participants explore universally relatable life themes such as family, work, turning points, and money. Each week, participants write a two-page essay on the assigned theme and then share those stories with each other in a confidential and supportive environment. Because each essay has an assigned theme and is limited to less than 1,000 words, there is enough structure to provide guidance, but not so open-ended that writers feel overwhelmed. And the workshop facilitator guides the process to ensure all people are heard and feel validated.

What Traditional Memoir Approaches Miss

Using a guided writing process with a group departs from writing a traditional memoir in the following ways:

1. You Don’t Have to Know the Whole Arc

• GAB allows you to start anywhere in your life—not from birth
• Themes help you find shape as you go

2. You Don’t Write Alone

• GAB is community-based; you’re heard and witnessed
• Reading aloud becomes a moment of validation and connection– and leads to you feeling more confident about your story

3. You Gain Insight, Not Just Pages

• Writing for reflection—not publication—is a mindset shift
• Often, participants experience deep clarity or healing

4. You’re Gently Held by Structure

• Weekly themes and prompts remove decision fatigue
• The structure frees creativity rather than boxing it in

My GAB Story

As a certified Guided Autobiography Instructor, I was required to go through the GAB process myself, writing and reading aloud a total of eight essays to my fellow instructor trainee cohort. I’ve been a professional writer and editor for over a decade—and still, the experience was deeply meaningful and eye-opening. Why? Because although I’d penned countless case studies, magazine articles and executive features, I had never told my life stories, spilled out my truth, considered my life more deeply, and clarified the narrative I’d been carrying for years.

And this is the “secret sauce” of guided life story writing, and how it differs from the more solitary act of memoir writing: my story spooled out, one essay at a time, alongside a group of caring individuals whose only goal was to support and uplift me and my story. GAB has a firm no-critque rule for the written essays, so it doesn’t matter if you aren’t a skilled writer; that’s not why we gather. There’s no debating motif selection, the Oxford comma or story structure. Instead, we gather to witness each others’ journey and provide encouragement along the way. And as your narrative guide, you have my word that we’ll honor that process to create a safe space for your writing.

GAB as a Different Kind of Memoir Path

You don’t need a publishing deal to start writing about your life. You just need a safe place, the seed of a few stories and a willingness to begin. Guided Life Story writing offers reflection without overwhelm, and a chance to be seen—not just as a writer, but as a whole person.

Sound like something you want to learn more about? I invite you to contact me or download the flyer for my upcoming Guided Life Stories Workshop, which starts in September.

The post Memoir Isn’t the Only Option: What Guided Life Story Writing Offers Instead appeared first on People Equation.