I met Angela Turner of SOS Legacies at the annual Photo Managers Conference. When I learned she was a Guided Autobiography (GAB) facilitator, I was instantly intrigued. So, when she offered a 6-week workshop, I signed up… not as a collaborator, but simply as a participant.

Back in 2016, I co-authored a book, helping a friend share his powerful story of surviving a suicide attempt. Since then, I’ve spent years helping others tell their stories through guided interviews, often using photographs to bring those memories to life. But when it came to capturing my own story, it always seemed to take a back seat.

Joining Angela’s class felt like the perfect nudge. I loved the structure she offered, gentle, focused, and approachable. It echoed advice I’d given to others over the years: Start with a few key themes. Just begin.

"Helping others tell their stories came naturally, but writing my own felt like a whole new adventure." 

Our first writing prompt was Branching Points, and it immediately helped me surface moments I hadn’t thought about in years, and many details that I’d never have talked about. As I reflected, I began to uncover even more of these defining moments. They’ve shaped the person I’ve become, and I’m eager to keep going. I’ve completed three themes so far and I’m working on the fourth. The process has been meaningful and surprisingly fun. I also appreciate the bite-sized approach. It makes storytelling feel accessible, not overwhelming. Just a few hours per week set aside seems like a doable approach for me and the other participants.

What’s worked well for me (and something I also recommend to others) is this: capture the stories first. Then, look through your photo collection to find images that help bring those stories to life. 

As I listened to other participants in the class, I was struck by the stories, that we choose to tell. It is interesting to reflect on what we choose to remember and write about. 

Collaborating with Angela also inspired something unexpected, a personal project we’re testing together: a special edition GAB Magazine. It’s a beautiful way to visually “publish” my stories in a flexible format. I love that I can continue adding themes and memories, and eventually print it as a keepsake. We’re refining the layout right now and would love to hear your thoughts!

Flip though my sample in-progress: https://flipbook.lifeazine.com/books/pbyf/