Saving Your Life, One Story at a Time

Everybody has a story. Preserve yours now and create a legacy for generations to come, or discover the rewards of helping others tell their story. Overwhelmed by the idea of producing a life story? Wondering where to begin? Stop fretting and join Paula for an enchanting tour down Memory Lane. The delights and benefits of reminiscence will be revealed as you write a personal or family history one great story at a time. Relax and have fun with a variety of writing and memory-jogger exercises in this four-hour workshop. Bibliography and writing tips included with handouts.

Cooking up the Memories

A six-hour class that offers attendees the opportunity to begin work on a family history cookbook, incorporating a family tree and a brief family history along with family recipes and the charming stories behind them… "Grandma always made this casserole for potlucks, funerals, and singings-on-the- grounds." "Aunt Mary shipped dozens of these cookies to her son Tom and his buddies in Vietnam."  Workbook included.

From Memory to Memoir On Line

A six-weeks, online workshop geared to the do-it yourself personal historian interested in capturing his stories or those of family members. Each student will write four or five short stories, which will be edited by the instructor and returned with helpful suggestions for improvement or expansion. As an enrollee, you will have the unusual benefit of one-on-one instructions and editing advice. Students also will work on methods for transitioning and organizing their stories into a creative nonfiction narrative, including a table of contents, dedication, etc. Writing guidelines, story ideas, and a bibliography of suggested reading materials will be provided each week as well.

The Healing Power of Story

A powerful series of workshops (four) demonstrating the proven emotional and physical values of life reminiscence while helping students express themselves through journaling. Since the beginning of time, storytellers have provided lessons on living. Ancient drawings left by cave dwellers tell stories of great hunters. Native Americans for centuries passed on sacred tribal history through oral storytellers or shamen. Greek mythology is rooted in the wisdom of their gods and goddesses. Intuitive connection with a particular myth may say something about our own needs and may provide new ways of resolving an old problem. Finding and interpreting the myth that most closely reflects one’s own life may be the first leg on a journey of self-discovery, illuminated by introspection through journaling. Just as we can learn from listening to myths of old, we can learn from writing and sharing the stories of our own lives.

* Non-profit crisis centers are eligible for complimentary presentations and discounted rates for workshops. This series of workshops has provided participants with powerful tools for insight, self-esteem and strength on their individual paths to recovery.

Speaking Engagements

A renowned memoirist and writer with a background in journalism and public relations, Paula Stallings Yost is a gifted and popular speaker. She has addressed organizations and conferences across the country on a variety of topics, including but not limited to: