live Workshop

Women’s Story Circle

As women we carry many untold stories deep inside of ourselves. They are made of the life experiences that have shaped and formed us, but we haven’t given voice to them. We may feel an urge or a kind of restless energy, maybe even a calling, to unearth something hidden that wants to be expressed. It is through the writing that we discover what it is we have to say.

Women’s Story Circle

“New Beginnings”


Saturday, January 24

1 - 4 p.m.

shaker heights, ohio

Hosted at a private residence

Fee: $65

Space limited to 10 participants.

Register

This salon offers a creative space for you to connect with other women and your Self on the page. The evening gathering is devoted to exploring the theme New Beginnings. Through guided writing prompts, we will use the topic to dive into our true, personal stories and have the opportunity to share our written work and bear witness to the stories of others.

This intimate circle embodies the oral storytelling tradition, as a way of sharing who we are and who we want to be, of learning about each other and the world. It is an opportunity to forge new bonds at a time when women’s voices are growing in number; that we too may empower and lift each other up, as we document our collective history through our individual stories and express the things that matter most.

Come join our circle, as a commitment to your wellbeing—mind, body and spirit—in the comfort of a lovely private residence in Shaker Heights. You are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early to enjoy some refreshments and conversation.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:

KARIN GUTMAN, MFA, is a memoir and story coach who has been guiding writers for over 20 years towards discovering and writing their life-based stories. The safe, dynamic spaces she creates allow for this deeply personal work to unfold, as writers peel away the layers, dig deep, and make meaning out of their life experiences. Her clients have sold books to major publishers, including HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster and Macmillan.

YOUR HOST:

RACHEL PERRY is a statistician by day who has secretly wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember. Thanks to Karin’s Unlocking Your Story workshops, Rachel is living out her lifelong dream – writing both memoir and historical fiction. She lives in Shaker Heights, Ohio with her family.

Rachel happily hosts Karin’s Women’s Story Circles in her suburban Cleveland home whenever she can. She loves sharing the inspiring, bonding, invigorating, and magical space that Karin creates with others!

Kind Words

  • I absolutely loved the writing circle last night.

    “I absolutely loved the writing circle last night. It was very difficult to fall asleep afterward because there was just so much on my mind. I will definitely be setting aside time this weekend to work on more writings. And I plan to sign up for next month's circle. Can't wait!”

    - Alice Walton

  • ... 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

  • ... an amazing night!

    “Thank you for an amazing night! I can’t tell you how much it meant to me to be a part of this talented group of women and to feel comfortable enough to share everything with you.”

    - Andrea Sabesin

  • It was magical all around.

    “Thank you for this workshop. It was magical all around.”

    - Evie Sullivan

  • ... so impressed and moved by the trust we all bring.

    "I’m so impressed and moved by the trust that we all bring into the room.  Testimony to you Karin, and the standard you set for your groups. Looking forward to more!"

    - Marie Unini

 FAQs

  • This workshop is for anyone who is interested in writing about their personal, life-based experiences and learning about the craft of memoir writing. It welcomes those who are new to the genre and looking for a safe, supportive space in which to explore, while also appealing to more experienced writers of personal narrative who are seeking an immersive experience, as a way to re-connect with the page or deepen into the heart of their story.

    Your intention may be to write for yourself, or as a legacy for your family, or with an eye towards sharing your story with a wider audience.

  • The workshop is designed as a series of guided writing prompts that build upon one another, creating a journey arc through the day. The writing time is interwoven with opportunities to share work and receive feedback. There are also intermittent breaks and a longer lunch break. Discussions about the art and craft of memoir are organically threaded through the experience.

  • The workshop is being hosted at a beautiful private residence in Ojai. The address will be provided upon registration.

    There are three horses on the property, an old dog who won’t bother anyone, and NO cats.

    If you live outside of the area, we are happy to offer recommendations for places to stay!

  • You do not need to prepare anything for our time together. That being said, if you’d like to kickstart your writing, you might sign up for The Daily Prompt or pick up Natalie Goldberg’s Old Friend From Far Away, both full of wonderful writing prompts.

  • Yes! A light breakfast will be offered upon arrival starting at 9:30am, as well as a delicious, healthy lunch. We will also be providing refreshments throughout the day.

  • Simply bring a pen, a writing pad or journal, and an open mind. While you are encouraged to write by hand, you may write on a computer if you prefer.

  • You will never be forced or pressured to share your writing. That being said, there is great power in being witnessed and bearing witness to others’ stories, and so you will have opportunities to share what you write.

  • This creative space is open to all, whether you have a background in writing or not. Over the years of working with personal stories, I have noticed that memoir is the great leveler. We are all coming together with the same intention: to discover the underlying emotional truth of our life experiences—to make sense of them and express what matters most to us.