Online Memoir Writing Class for 2026
Are you beginning your memoir? Do you have a draft complete? Are you writing your stories and not sure how to piece them together? Memoir writing is a creative process and there is not one single way to approach your memoir. I will meet you where are and offer you tips, strategies, and encouragement.
For all my writing and journaling friends, if you'd like to join me for the annual memoir writing class, it will be starting March 3, 2026
The class covers: How to decide what to leave out and what goes in, going deeper with your internal arc (how you changed and grew), tightening your external arc, and braiding the internal arc of your story with the external arc. We will be identifying key words of your story and building up the specific language necessary for your story. We will learn strategies for the editing to make your story shine. We will talk about readers and why they will love reading your story.
Each week there is optional writing homework to develop your skills.
If you are interested in the class, please send me an email
I taught memoir for years and loved being in the “student chair” with Sarri. I learned things from her that I wished I had had to offer my own students and that I am now using in my own writing. Sarri combines an easy, supportive environment with solid information and inspiration. Write on! Christina Baldwin, Author - Storyteller - Teadher
"There were so many rich insights in this memoir writing class that I am compelled to take it again. Sarri guides a thought provoking discussion using others' memoirs to demonstrate the various approaches to a writer's subject matter.
As a group, we examined how readers are transported into a deeper understanding of themselves when writers use effective techniques to share their truth with vulnerability and clarity.
Since taking this course, I see my own personal narrative with more honesty and grace and I keep a lexicon journal to track what words resonate with my story.
Sarri shared her journey in writing a memoir with such humor and humility that it all seems possible now."
Jeannine Acantilado, executive leadership coach, and award winning producer of Breathe: Honoring Voices of Healthcare short films
Sarri's book Cocoon was featured in the Spring/Summer 2025 edition of Welcome Magazine.
Kerry Spaulding writes, "Discovery begins with curiosity--about ourselves, each other, and how we're all connected."
Self Care: You Know You Need It – How To Make It Happen - Amy Fournier Awakening Aphrodite podcast with Sarri Gilman
In this heart-centered conversation, we explore the deeper meaning of self-care—what it is, what it’s not, and why it’s essential, especially for women.
Sarri shares wisdom from her latest book Cocoon, including the concept of the “self-care wheel” and why basics like rest, movement, and nutrition are often the most powerful. We also talk about the guilt that can arise from putting yourself first, and how to set boundaries with grace and confidence. If you’re ready to take your self-care seriously—and finally let go of the shame around it—this episode is for you.
Standing in the Shoes of Others - Sarri Interviews author Jing Jing Tsong
Stories are the way we bring understanding to each other about perspectives we cannot see. After reading Jing Jing Tsong's middle grade graphic novel, FAKE CHINESE SOUNDS - I reached out to interview her about this book. Jing Jing helped me stand in the shoes of the character in her story and think about the ways we make fun of "others". Othering is dangerous behavior and Jing Jing captures through story, much of what goes unnoticed and unremarked upon. She has written a significant story for kids and adults. I'd like to see this book become a community read, a fifth grade required read, and a school-wide middle grade read.
Cocoon is listed in Women's History of Washington State
Cocoon is one of the stories of women who shaped Washington State’s history—pioneers, activists, and visionaries whose legacies continue to inspire. Celebrate their contributions and the lasting impact they’ve made on the region’s culture and progress.
The book is available here
The Art of Small Talk by Casey Wilson and Jessica St. Clair
The audiobook features smart humor and genuine advice from Amy Poehler, Colin Quinn, Tony Hale, Malcolm Gladwell, June Diane Raphael, and Sarri Gilman with their takes on not only the how but also the why. Filled with entertaining tips to take you from Hostile Beginner to Confident Expert, compelling insights on the significance of chatting up strangers.
Hear Sarri popping in and out in chapters 10-14 to give boundary tips in different scenarios with Casey and Jess.
The Audiobook is available here
"Cocoon is a page turner! I couldn’t put it down."
Your memoir presents a role model for empowered women, unempowered women, social activists,
wannabe social activists, literally just anyone who wants to make a difference, anyone trying to
navigate life with determination and grit. B.A.
Sarri Gilman noticed a problem. Many of the teenage students attending the Everett, Washington, school where she worked had nowhere to go at night.
She then realized they were victims of a devastating loophole in the state's system, which provided housing for younger children and adults who were homeless,
but had no space for teens.
What happened next was not in Sarri's career plan, but the marriage and family therapist could not turn her back on the problem unfolding around her.
Instead, she became the executive director of a nonprofit organization, Cocoon House, which served - and continues to serve - as a home for the most
vulnerable teens in her community, giving them the chance to find stability and a new lease on life.
Cocoon is her unbelievable, inspiring and true story.
Sarri joins Joe Alonzo, CEO of Cocoon House, in their new Podcast: Unhoused and Unscipted
to discuss her current focus of work and the importance of community in making a difference in teen homelessness.
Good boundaries free you
Sarri Gilman | TEDxSnoIsleLibraries With over 1.6 Million views!
This talk was given at a local TEDxSnoIsleLibraries event and produced independently of the TED Conferences. Sarri Gilman has found that clear boundaries enhance relationships and the quality of life.
Sarri is the author of “Transform Your Boundaries,” which she based on insights gleaned from decades of experience as a marriage and family therapist. She is the founder of two organizations that support the needs of children and teens facing homelessness. In both, she created partnerships and unique programs to increase the chances of success for youth in overwhelming circumstances.
When I wrote books and taught workshops on boundaries and overwhelm, I never imagined where we would find ourselves in America in 2025 and 2026. But I did know these topics had political implications...
Stories are the way we bring understanding to each other about perspectives we cannot see.
After reading Jing Jing Tsong's middle grade graphic novel, FAKE CHINESE SOUNDS...
I am honored to share with you my conversation with Chuck Wild. I've been soothed by his music for several decades and recommend his LiquidMind Music for meditation and creating a sense of peace around you. I listen to his music in my office between therapy sessions. I also used his music for sleep and healing when I broke my hip...
Last summer, Kathy Solberg was working on her book in my writing class. I was struck by the word 'unweaving' she used to describe a process that is relevant for all of us in these times...
Here is a recording to inspire you to create your 2025 SelfCare Wheel.
This is my tenth year sharing how to do a selfcare wheel.
This wheel keeps me tuned in to how I can support myself.
May you take good care in these challenging times.
We are all experiencing the psychological warfare waged by this criminal in office.
I’ve heard from many of you that following the news is terrifying and heartbreaking.
Here is what I want you to do: 5 things...
“This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for
despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We
speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal. I know the
world is bruised and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its
pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence.” - Toni
Morrison.
This month I interviewed Christina Baldwin, who has devoted her life to fostering the
power of story and facilitating the power of community. She is also a writing teacher,
and journal keeper. The interview is full of tips to begin or deepen your journal
practice. I began my journal practice when I was teenager and was deeply
influenced by Christina's first book, so it is extraordinary to share this conversation
with you my friends.
It doesn’t happen all at once. Gradually over many years, my self-care
and self-repair has evolved. Each practice takes time. It’s time you
invest in your own wellbeing, your joy, your health. One of my clients
said, “I think I got it now, it’s changed my mind-set.”
"You will learn more about who you are, what's most important to you, how to listen to yourself and develop the skill of guiding your own life." Dr. Michael Douglas
Do you have trouble saying no without guilt? Discover how to establish boundaries to heal your mind, body, and spirit.
"I have been in health care system leadership for over three decades. I read in depth about Caregiver Burnout and resilience. With that said, I want to recommend Sarri Gilman's most recent book entitled Naming and Taming Overwhelm. It is Outstanding!!! It is a major contribution to the literature on 'MD and Caregiver Burnout.'
Author Sarri Gilman has authored an insightful work defining 'overwhelm' in healthcare and naming it as the root of the crisis of caregiver burnout. Wow! This work needs to reach healthcare leaders!"
John B
If you work in health and human services, you know how susceptible you and your colleagues are to stress and compassion fatigue. The risk factors and occurrences of becoming overwhelmed are widespread and systemic. However, the industry generally addresses only the symptoms, rather than treating the problem holistically.
"This journal fits perfectly with the intention of our workshop,
which is all about empowering women of color to connect with their authentic selves,
connect with other women of color, and practice fierce self care. This journal is a
roadmap to all of those practices, while also encouraging healing through journaling and reflection.
Everyone can benefit from this journal, but communities of color can especially benefit
from this tool as a way to help us connect more deeply with ourselves, those around us,
and our spiritual practices."
Leilani Raglin - empowerwocproject.org
How do you nurture your spirit and be true to who you are?
This guided journal will support your true self as you dive deeply
into a reflecting process through writing - to increase your self-care,
experience more joy, and grow healthy boundaries.
