Memoir Writing Workshops

There is something remarkable that happens when people begin to write their life stories.

They discover, often for the first time, that what they lived through matters.

That the years of hard work, love, loss, and resilience are worth preserving.

Your Story Matters is a practical, warm, and deeply enjoyable half-day workshop that makes that discovery possible. It is designed for people who have never written before, delivered by Natalie Stockdale — a Big Sky Publishing author who has spent decades living and working in rural and regional Australia.

An elderly woman with long gray hair, glasses, and a white shirt, sitting at a table with papers and a pen, in a rustic wooden room.

Bring “Your Story Matters” to your community

If you run programs for older adults, or rural communities, or people in regional areas, this workshop is a meaningful and practical addition to your calendar.

What happens in the workshop

Participants are gently guided through a structured half-day experience that helps them identify and write the moments that shaped their lives.

They will:

  • Identify the turning points and key experiences of their life

  • Find the central thread that runs through their story

  • Learn to write vivid, meaningful scenes rather than simply recording events

  • Write a scene on the day — the beginning of their own memoir

  • Leave with a structured worksheet and take-home writing guide to continue at home

Many participants describe the experience as surprising, moving, and long overdue.

Workshop details

  • Half-day format: 10am–3pm including a one-hour lunch break

  • Groups of 7–15 participants for a personal, supported experience

  • Ideal for seniors, rural groups, men’s or women’s groups, and anyone who has never thought of themselves as a writer

  • Available throughout regional Queensland and beyond

Facilitation fee: $1,250 + travel and accommodation

Happy to discuss logistics and work within your programming budget.

Ideal for

  • Regional libraries

  • local councils

  • RSL sub-branches

  • aged care providers

  • CWA branches

  • Rural women's and men’s groups

  • Seniors’ groups

  • Other community organisations

Two women sitting at a rustic outdoor wooden table having a conversation, smiling, with trees and natural scenery in the background.
Person writing on paper at a table with brochures, a black coffee cup, and a pen in hand.

Are you ready to bring this to your community?

Get in touch to discuss dates, logistics, and whether this is the right fit for your program.

To enquire, simply contact Natalie to schedule a phone conversation.

Contact Natalie

  • Not knowing where to start, I recently signed up for a memoir writing workshop with Natalie. In a few hours, she provided the structure and framework I needed to get started. Her advice was very valuable, practical and to the point.

    — Dominique Noire, QLD

  • I love the way Natalie layered the learning and her very respectful way of inviting sharing. No pressure. The workshop helped me to value my own story, and with the tools she gave us for structure and scenes, we are super set up to go forth. Thanks so much Natalie! I loved every moment of today.

    Sharon Taylor, Qld

  • I think your delivery and structure of the workshop are exemplary. You have inspired me to write on... Thanks so much!

    Fiona Taylor, Qld

  • Your Story Matters memoir workshops, facilitated by author Natalie Stockdale, were a resounding success across Springsure, Duaringa, Capella, Blackwater and Emerald. A total of 55 participants attended the workshops, where they gained practical skills, writing techniques and the confidence to begin preserving their life stories. The workshops not only inspired participants to start writing but also fostered new social connections, with several groups choosing to continue meeting regularly to support one another on their memoir-writing journey. These workshops highlighted the importance of storytelling, community connection and preserving local history for future generations.

    Alleah Mayne, Central Highlands Regional Council, Qld

  • Thank you for a great day. You made the seminar interesting, informative and fun. I certainly fel that I can go forth and write my many stories.

    Martin, Proserpine, Qld

  • Thank you, Natalie, for the Memoir Workshop at Kingaroy Library. We have heard fantastic feedback from the workshop, and a group of the attendees have been inspired to meet monthly to share their progress. We really appreciate you making the effort to come to our town.

    Kahlea Wagner, Kingaroy