The Workshop

We take a collaborative approach to helping you write your story.

In-Person Sessions

The Ultimate Story is a participatory experience. In the workshop, our practice will resemble the noted Iowa Method, in which Mr. Schaeffer is an expert. Over The Ultimate Story’s two meetings, you will “learn-by-doing” in a collaborative format that encourages constructive responses and edits. Multiple drafts become a vector to realize your own best story.

What We Cover

Specifically, The Ultimate Story imparts how to construct your personal narrative within a framework, such as:

01.

Where I’m From

02.

How I Grew

03.

What I Didn’t Know

04.

What I Learned and Did

05.

Why It Mattered

06.

How I Measure Myself

In classic storytelling there’s a three-act structure – predicament or origin; complication and obstacles; and resolution. The above numbered items will fold readily inside this structure, which our culture has conditioned readers to appreciate.

Further, there will be an emphasis on vernacular style (think: your letter-writing) and how you carry a story’s weight by declarative sentences, paragraph design, active voice, strong verbs, and evocative detail. Prepare to trim waste and learn just where. Concise is wise.

And lean writing is power.

Last, you will understand how sentences earn attention and, arranged well, stick in mind for good. Then you will land yours.

One on One Sessions

Once you have completed the workshop, we have additional services to help you get the most out of your experience. One on one sessions and video storytelling are just a couple of available options to further express your legacy.

“

I learned how to think and write about my life experiences — how it shaped me rather than see it as a series of events. I have seen how hard it can be for the family to talk about their loved one when they die. They don't know what to say. I have written my story for them to remember me by."

S. Paul, Retired Executive

“

As I get older I have thought more about leaving something behind for my family, so they know more about who I am not just what they have experienced of my life. I wanted them to know our family history. Now, I have something for them to hold onto and share with their children.