The Memoir Compass™ Workshops

Practical memoir-writing workshops for rural and regional communities

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

The Memoir Compass™ is a warm, practical half-day workshop designed for people who may never have thought of themselves as writers. Participants leave with the confidence, structure and tools to begin preserving their own stories.

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

Participants are guided through key stages of The Memoir Compass™, Natalie’s six-stage method for turning a lifetime of memories into a memoir worth preserving.

They will:

  • Clarify why they want to write and who they are writing for

  • Identify important memories, turning points and life chapters

  • Find the deeper thread or theme connecting their stories

  • Learn how to turn memories into vivid scenes rather than simply recording events

  • Leave with a workbook and practical tools to continue writing at home

Workshop details

Facilitation fee: $1,250 + travel and accommodation

Format: Half day, 10am–3pm, including a lunch break
Group size: 6–16 participants
Fee: $1,250 + travel and accommodation
Location: Available throughout 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

Community Outcomes

The Memoir Compass™ workshops do more than teach writing skills. They help participants recognise the value of their own experiences, preserve local and family history, and create new connections within their communities.

Outcomes:

  • increased confidence to begin writing

  • practical memoir-writing skills

  • preservation of local and family stories

  • new social connections and peer writing groups

“The memoir -writing workshops, facilitated by author Natalie Stockdale, were a resounding success .... 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 Council
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, 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