The Memoir Compass™ Workshops

Practical memoir-writing workshops for rural and regional communities

The Memoir Compass™ is a practical six-stage process that helps people make sense of their memories and turn them into memoir.

The workshops are for people who want to write their life stories but aren’t sure where to start, what to include, or how to pull everything together.

No writing experience is needed. Participants leave with more confidence, motivation and know what to do next.

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 The Memoir Compass™ Workshops to Your Community

Designed for libraries, councils, historical societies, RSLs, CWA branches and community organisations, The Memoir Compass™ Workshops can be delivered as a stand-alone workshop or as a regional or state tour.

Regional Tours

The Memoir Compass™ Workshops can also be delivered across several towns as a regional or state workshop tour. I work with councils, libraries and community organisations to develop programs that suit local needs, audiences and funding opportunities.

What happens in the workshop

Everyone has stories worth telling, but knowing where to begin can be the hardest part.

In this friendly, hands-on workshop, Natalie guides participants through the key stages of The Memoir Compass™, her six-stage method for turning a lifetime of memories into a memoir worth preserving.

Through conversation, reflection and practical writing activities, participants will:

• Discover what motivates them to write and who they want to write for

• Revisit meaningful memories, turning points and chapters of their lives

• Identify the themes and connections that give their stories meaning

• Learn simple techniques to bring memories to life on the page

• Take home a workbook and practical tools to keep writing with confidence

And the storytelling doesn't always end when the workshop does. Many workshops inspire participants to form local memoir-writing groups that meet regularly to share stories, encourage one another and keep their writing going.

Along the way, friendships form, memories are shared, and people discover how much their stories matter.

Workshop details

Facilitation fee: Workshop fees vary according to format, location and the number of workshops booked. Please contact Natalie for a quote.

Usual format: 10am–3pm, including a lunch break
Group size: Up to 20 participants
Location: Available throughout rural and regional Australia.
Suitable for: First-time writers and people who may not see themselves as writers

I’m happy to discuss logistics, touring arrangements and multi-community programs.

Ideal for

  • Regional libraries

  • Local councils

  • Historical societies and museums

  • RSL sub-branches

  • CWA branches and rural women’s groups

  • Rural women's and men’s groups

  • Aged care and retirement communities

  • Community organisations

The impact of The Memoir Compass™

Across rural and regional Australia, Natalie is helping hundreds of people discover the value of their life stories and gain the confidence and skills to write them down.

In 2026 alone, her workshops have so far reached communities across Queensland, with more than 250 participants, from Gatton, Kingaroy and Biloela to the Central Highlands, the Whitsundays and remote western Queensland.

The results are consistently strong:

  • Participants report significant improvements in confidence and practical writing skills.

  • 100% of feedback respondents would recommend the workshops.

  • 97% of participants rated the workshop Excellent or Very Good.

  • Belief that their life stories were worth preserving rose significantly.

And the impact continues. Participants are returning to unfinished memoirs, forming local writing groups and encouraging one another to keep writing.

Libraries and community organisations are inviting Natalie back, and new community storytelling projects are emerging.

Every story written helps preserve precious memories, experiences and knowledge for future generations.

  • 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, Airlie Beach, 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

  • You encouraged us. You listened to us. You renewed my writing hopes. Thank you.

    Liz Dimes, Kingaroy

  • “It made me think seriously about writing a memoir and gave me the tools to start and complete the process. Natalie is very articulate and engaging.”

    - Jim Cosgrove, Charleville

  • “I came into the writers class green, not knowing a thing about how to start. Now I’m leaving the course full of information and cannot wait to finish my first draft.”

    - Narelle, Cannonvale

  • “Natalie’s workshop brought the memoir process to life and dissolved a lot of my barriers to starting due to her easy, clear to follow Memoir Compass. Years of expertise were imparted by Natalie, along with many shared memories by the participants. Thank you!”

    - Suzie McDarra, Longreach

  • “One of the best workshops I have ever been to. It was informative, practical and very enjoyable. Natalie is a personable presenter and a pleasure to be with.”

    - David, St George

  • “We have heard fantastic feedback from the workshop, and a group of the attendees have been inspired to meet monthly to share their progress.”

    - Kingaroy Library

  • “A vibrant, informative session, increasing my enthusiasm to write.”

    -Eileen Dixon, Hervey Bay

  • “Natalie’s format of The Memoir Compass was so effective, yet simple to understand and follow. I am grateful that I attended.”

    - Jan McIntyre, Longreach

  • “I really appreciated the kindness, openess and skill you gifted to us.”

    - Alison Ricket, Flaxton

  • The workshop felt supportive, I was worried about being put 'on the spot' and glad this wasn't the case. Natalie was a fascinating speaker - easy to listen to and very encouraging of the memoir process.

    Jenny Aldridge, Rockhampton

  • Natalie gave insightful information and her delivery is clear and precise. I felt empowered by the experience.

    Yvonne Zumpe, Roma

  • I walked into the workshop having no idea what to expect. And now I will walk out with confidence and knowing that I have a story to tell. Thank you Natalie for a great workshop.

    Anon, St George, Qld

  • The workshop was very practical and gave me the tools to step out confidently into the new world of memoir writing.

    Win Salmon, St George, Qld

  • I've always wanted to write the stories and experiences that shaped my life. After this workshop, I feel like I can actually start. In fact, I actually have started! Now I just ned to continue.

    Fiona Mack, Yeppoon

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