Spirit of Story

Discover & Write
Your Memoir

Spirit of Story is a creative space guiding you to discover and write your memoir – harnessing the radical power of personal narrative to share the story only you can tell.

The Story of Spirit of Story

Spirit of Story began in a small room in Santa Monica in 2009, when a circle of eight writers gathered for the very first Unlocking Your Story workshop. I set up folding tables and chairs before each session, following my instinct to create a space where people could come together to write and share their true, personal stories. Over time, it has evolved into a vibrant creative community.

Today, Spirit of Story offers workshops, e-courses, private coaching, and live author interviews that reach far beyond California.

At its heart, Spirit of Story honors the stories that live within us – guiding writers to delve beneath the surface of their lives, uncover the emotional truths in their experiences, and shape them into narratives that bring meaning, healing, and transformation.

Over the years, I’ve supported both emerging and seasoned writers to find their voice, claim their stories, and share them with the world, with many going on to publish with indie and major publishing houses.

Where are you on your writing journey?

1

You’re feeling the urge to write

You sense a quiet – or perhaps not so quiet – tug inside, a knowing that your life holds stories worth telling, though the idea of “writing a memoir” might feel… well, a little daunting. Maybe you’ve journaled for years, or carried memories like scattered threads waiting to be woven into meaning. You’re looking for a safe, welcoming place to begin – with guidance, structure, and gentle encouragement for that first step.

2

You’ve begun, but feel tangled or stuck

You’ve written scenes, vignettes, fragments of your story. But questions swirl: How does it all fit together? Does it matter? Is it enough? You might feel like you’re spinning your wheels, craving clarity and direction – a guide who can help you see the shape of what you hold, and a trusted mentor to walk beside you as you keep going.

3

You’ve written a draft and want to shape it with intention

You’ve come far – truly. Now, you’re ready for honest, constructive feedback to shape your memoir into something cohesive and alive on the page. You want your story to not only flow structurally as a cohesive, coherent narrative, but also to carry emotional resonance – and be ready to share with a wider audience.

How I Support Writers

I offer a range of pathways to meet you where you are in your creative process. Whether you’re called to gather in community through live workshops, prefer the flexibility of self-paced e-courses, or desire the intimacy of one-on-one coaching, these offerings invite you to harness and own the story that’s been living inside you.

WORKSHOPS + ECOURSES

Immerse yourself in a guided, supportive environment where creative breakthroughs happen organically, one layer at a time. You’ll gain structure and motivation to drill down into the raw material of your life experiences –molding it like clay into stories that reflect your truth.

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1:1 STORY COACHING

Receive personalized guidance as you shape and structure your personal story. Whether you're starting with the early seeds of an idea, building a foundation, or working through a draft of a full-length work, you’ll receive dedicated support from a creative mentor who walks alongside you.

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COMMUNITY

Writing can be a solitary journey, but it doesn’t have to be. Community is at the heart of Spirit of Story. From live author interviews and intimate story circles to the e-letters I share, you’ll find opportunities to connect with fellow writers who believe in the power of story.

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Join the Spirit of Story Community

I love sharing what comes across my writing desk — a mix of storytelling resources, personal reflections, upcoming workshops, and timely conversations from the world of memoir and beyond.

Upcoming Workshops + Events

  • Winter Memoir Writing Workshops

    UNLOCKING YOUR STORY

    This 8-week signature workshop provides an intimate space to discover and write your personal story.

    Learn More

  • Live Author Event - Feb 24

    DARLS CENTOLA

    Meet debut memoirist Darls Centola, who writes about her teenage friendship with Michael Jackson as fellow Jehovah’s Witnesses.

    Learn More

About Karin

Karin Gutman, MFA, is the founder of Spirit of Story. For more than two decades, she has guided writers in discovering and writing their personal stories. With a background in screenwriting, documentary filmmaking, and spoken word, she brings both craft expertise and a deep respect for the courage it takes to tell your truth.

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Kind Words

  • ... able to reach through the weeds and pinpoint the true intention of the writer...

    “Oh Karin.. you are a gifted teacher. First, you are the most astute listener; you are able to reach through the weeds of a cobbled-together story and pinpoint the true intention of the writer. The questions you pose of the writer demand that she pull from her own experience and expression. There are no pointed questions where you wait for the hapless writer to arrive at the correct answer... it's all gauged so gently, probing but not poking. You promote an atmosphere of respect among us for each others’ work and our individual processes. We all come to it differently, and there's no judging.

    You seem able to meet each person where they are, respectful of whatever they bring to the table. You are responsive and wise. I can feel your years of reading, studying and dissecting as you help us explore what we've written and where we want it to take us.”

    - Meredith Baxter

  • ... filled with grace and charm...

    “Karin Gutman is the gentlest of word surgeons. How did she know that a critical layer of my story was missing and that the ending wasn’t honest? She just did and encouraged me to go deeper. It made all the difference. She is filled with grace and charm and is a joy to work with.”

    -  Janet Blake
    Former VP, Writer Development and Special Projects,
    Walt Disney Network Television

  • ... helped me find the spine and arc of the piece...

    “Karin has been an enormous help to me with my book. I was in that weird place –- after the first draft and trying to find the courage and stamina to launch into the second. Spending many days staring blankly at my computer screen, I needed a fresh eye, and Karin was the perfect person to go to. She was able to read my messy first draft and see the potential, and ask me wonderful, intelligent questions to help me find the spine and arc of the piece and bring it more to the surface. Her insights, notes and questions have been invaluable.” 

    - Laurel Ollstein, award-winning playwright

  • ... masterfully weaves a sense of play and discovery...

    “I took Karin's workshop more than once and each time I gained clarity and courage to tell my story. The insights and group energy were inspiring. Karin masterfully weaves a sense of play and discovery in her classes. I entered the class fearful of taking risks in my writing and left feeling empowered. I would recommend Karin's workshop to the most accomplished writer as well as a novice.”

    - Jodi Harris

  • ... protects and nurtures writers...

    “I love your style of teaching, way of being, and the space you hold and the opening you create. Just so grateful for what you do. I really love how you protect and nurture writers and writing, and the wonderful way you love through your work. You are a transformative person in my life.”

    - Kelli Bean-Miranda

  • ... embodiment of grace and warmth and risk taking...

    “Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into your work. It shows. I FEEL it. You are the embodiment of grace and warmth and risk taking. I am so grateful to be connected to you.”

    - Samantha Weaver

  • ... a true word whisperer...

    “Going into Karin’s workshop, I had no idea what to expect. I was out of practice with my writing and nervous about my ability to produce anything worthy of putting on paper, let alone share with a room full of strangers. Any nervous energy I had was quickly replaced with a sense of comfort and calm. Attending the workshop was like opening a door into a safe hideaway where I could let my thoughts and words run free. Karin created an environment where I could get organized and focus on ideas, to dig deeper and peel back the layers of meaning and story. Karin’s knowledge and love of writing is infectious. She’s a true word whisperer.”

    - Cristina Wildzumas

  • You helped me find my voice.

    “I was telling someone today how you changed my life.
    You helped me find my voice.”

    - Wendy Adamson, author of Mother Load

 Let’s Discuss Your Story

I’d love to connect with you and explore your story more deeply. Contact me via the following form and let’s discover together what support might be the right fit for you.

Let's Connect