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  • About
  • Work with Kate
    • Personal coaching
    • Business Coaching
    • Leadership Coaching
    • Half-day coaching intensive
    • Speaking
  • Courses & groups
    • Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Workshops
    • The Confidence Course
    • Free Monday Talk & Meditation
  • Retreat
  • Writing
    • Blog
    • Kate’s books
    • Free resources
  • Contact
  • 0 items

Write your stories, discover yourself

Write your life stories, two pages at a time

Join Kate as she facilitates the engaging Guided Autobiography method to help you uncover and make sense of your life stories.

This research-backed approach will help you to explore your life stories using themed writing prompts and small group sharing, giving you a deeper understanding of your personal journey.

This is a program that will improve your self-awareness, give you insight into who you are and open renewed perspectives about your life experiences. Awaken your innate creativity and reconnect with memories in a meaningful and therapeutic way. In these classes you’ll be introduced to authentic conversation, thought-provoking questions, helpful writing techniques, inspiring videos, and easy writing exercises.

Each week we’ll explore a simple theme such as life branches, your life’s work, family, health etc. The topics will help you approach your personal stories with a renewed sense of openness and curiosity. Through the writing process, you’ll discover new insights as you craft a series of stories that are entirely your own.

No previous writing experience required – everyone is welcome.

FIND OUT MORE
Older woman writing a life story on a green typewriter in front of bookcases.

“Stories change lives; stories save lives.
They crack open hearts, they open minds.”

Brian Doyle

Woman writing her life story

In these workshops you will:

  • Reconnect with yourself through intuitive, theme-focused writing that helps navigate life’s transitions and pivotal moments.
  • Achieve greater clarity and fresh perspectives as you reflect on your journey.
  • Reawaken hidden talents and dreams.
  • Rediscover your life purpose.
  • Find inspiration from expressing your story through the art of storytelling.
  • Enjoy the process of connecting with others and exchanging stories within a nurturing and supportive environment.
  • Create a meaningful collection of life stories to share with those you love.

“We write to taste life twice,
in the moment and in retrospect.”
Anaïs Nin

write-your-story-2

Who are these workshops for?

Everyone is welcome to join the life story series and you don’t need any writing experience to benefit. The goal is not to write an autobiography (although you might find that the process inspires you to continue writing) but rather, to connect you with your own life experience.

Typically, Kate works with people who share some of the following qualities.

  • You might describe yourself as someone who thinks deeply.
  • You’re curious and open-minded.
  • You love the idea of exploring your creativity.
  • You have an interest in knowing yourself more authentically.
  • You enjoy reading and listening to other people’s stories.
  • You’re a kind and compassionate human being.
  • You want to explore how to view your life with greater meaning.
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Upcoming workshops

INTRO TO LIFE STORIES

Join Kate for this introductory workshop where she’ll introduce the life stories writing process and its unique benefits.

– the benefits of writing your life stories
– how this process is accessible to everyone (including those with no writing experience)
– how to use prompts for your writing
– participate in engaging writing exercises
– make meaningful connections

Date:  Saturday 19 July 2025
Time: 9.30am – 10.30am AEST
Where: Online via Zoom
Fee: Free

BOOKINGS CLOSED

ONLINE LIFE STORY SERIES

Join Kate for this four-week online course where you will write and share the things that shaped you. Kate will introduce the life stories writing process and each participant will have the opportunity to share a story briefly in a safe setting.

– introduction to prompts for your writing
– participate in engaging writing exercises
– make meaningful connections
– share your story in a small group setting

Commences: Saturday 16 August 2025
Time: 9.30am – 11.00am AEST
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: $195 AUD

BOOKINGS CLOSED

1:1 LIFE STORY SESSIONS

Join Kate for a 1:1 session where you will learn how to write and share your stories. Kate will introduce the life stories writing process then you may like to share your stories with her in a future session.

– introduction to prompts for your writing
– participate in engaging writing exercises
– share your stories in a safe and supportive setting

Commences: At your convenience
Time: TBC
Venue: Online or in-person (Mornington Peninsula)
Cost: $275 for 60-minutes

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THE GIFTS OF LIFE STORY WRITING

Ignite personal growth – Deepen your self-awareness and embrace who you are with greater compassion.

Stimulate your mind – Keep your brain active and engaged through intentional, reflective writing.

Strengthen connections across generations – Document family stories that carry meaning and legacy.

Foster community and belonging – Share your journey in a space that welcomes honesty and care.

Discover your inner landscape – Uncover recurring themes and life-shaping moments.

Cultivate emotional clarity – Use writing as a tool to release stress and process your thoughts.

Find your voice through storytelling – Develop the confidence and skill to communicate your lived experiences.

JOIN THE COURSE NOW

Kate-James-2020 crop

Kate James

Kate James is the author of Quietly Confident, and a coach and mindfulness teacher. For over 23 years, she has supported introverted women build self-belief.

She describes her own experience as a participant of Guided Autobiography as life-changing. “I learned so much about myself and found the process both healing and life-affirming.”

Participants say Kate is an authentic, warm and down-to-earth workshop leader.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT GUIDED AUTOBIOGRAPHY

“This course has been life-changing. It came at the most perfect time for me and has been the highlight of my week. I’m going to miss it so much!”

Karen

“Guided Autobiography is such a brilliant format to help people understand and make sense of their stories. It was also a wonderful way to get to know others and learn from their experiences.”

Ellie

“Most weeks I found myself thinking, ‘what am I going to write about?’ but by the time I’d been in front of the laptop for ten minutes, the words just poured out of me. I didn’t know I had these stories inside me!”  
Sandy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to attend the full series?

It is recommended that you join all of the workshops but sometimes it’s inevitable that you need to miss one. For online courses, we’ll share a recording and for both online and in-person workshops, we’ll share everyone’s stories via email so you don’t miss any content.

How are the workshops run?

Each session includes engaging activities, discussion, and reading a section of your story in a safe, supportive small group setting.

How much writing is required?

Each week, you’ll write on the set theme in your own time between sessions. The aim is to write between 500 and 1,000 words, though you’re welcome to write more if you feel inspired. During the next live session, you’ll share a maximum of 1000 words within a small, supportive group. This ensures everyone has time to participate while still encouraging depth in your writing.

Will I receive feedback on my writing?

Feedback takes place in small groups during the live sessions and is designed to be uplifting and supportive. The focus is on encouraging your creative process rather than critiquing style or grammar. It’s all about your story so authenticity matters more than perfection.

Do I need any writing experience?

Not at all. This course is suitable for everyone. The focus is not on the quality of your writing, your grammar or spelling. It’s simply about sharing your story in your own words.

What technology do I need to use?

You will need:

  • A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a working camera and microphone for Zoom sessions.

  • A reliable internet connection to join live sessions and access course materials.

  • An email address for all workshops, as course materials will be emailed.

  • The ability to write and send your story via email as a PDF or Word attachment.

What is your refund policy?

Unfortunately we are unable to offer refunds or credits once the program has started but if you withdraw from the program within 7 days of commencing, we’ll happily offer a full refund.

Have a question?

If there’s something we haven’t answered, please reach out. We would love to hear from you.

ENQUIRE NOW

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My end-of-year wish for you, your loved ones, and for all of humanity is greater peace. 🙏
After posting some of our photos from last week’s trip, I thought I’d share one more that I took while we were exploring rock pools.Chris has always been good at going slowly. He has taught me a lot about being in the moment and even more about noticing beauty.This was a lovely reminder that lessons in presence are everywhere.An invitation for you this week – watch the people around you and observe the different ways they engage with the present moment. And see if there's something that inspires you. ✨#slowingdown #noticingbeauty #everydaymindfulness #presentmoment
“The real work of the artist is a way of being in the world.” Rick RubinJust before we came away for the weekend, I started reading Rick Rubin’s 'The Creative Act: A Way of Being'. It was the perfect invitation to look at everything through the lens of curiosity and wonder.Despite rain being predicted, we decided to hike a section of the Great Ocean Road Walk and spotted this beautiful koala sitting quietly in a tree, watching us with its own sense of wonder.We’ve discovered the sweetest little bays, incredible sections of forest and a beach that at first glance looked mostly grey. When we looked more closely, we found all sorts of small wonders and every colour of the rainbow.Sometimes it takes slowing down to recognise the little miracles that exist all around us.They can change the way we interact with the world, make us more open to the innate creativity that exists within every one of us, and fill us with hope when we remember that the natural world is still full of the most exquisite beauty. ✨Thanks @chrisjamesphotos for the koala pic. 🐨#greatoceanroad #greatoceanroadwalk #mindfulliving #slowliving #creativeact #rickrubin #australianbeaches #naturelover #curiosityandwonder #mindfulmoments #everydaybeauty
“Who would you be if you trusted the basic goodness and beauty that lives through you?” Tara Brach ✨#selfworth #selfkindness #confidenceforwomen #innerstrength #mindfulgrowth #personaldevelopment
I’m in Byron this week, running my annual retreat. It always amazes me how different life feels here. The days are long and time moves slowly. It feels like there’s room to breathe.We meditate, do yoga and Pilates, walk along the beach and swim in the tea tree lake. We eat beautiful vegetarian food and there’s plenty of time to rest.I think all of us could benefit from a place like this, but when it’s not possible, stepping away from your everyday life can help you remember what’s missing.So here’s a thought for the week: make some time – even half an hour – to sit beneath a tree. Cook a wholesome meal. Walk slowly through your local park. Write in your journal. Make a mandala. Breathe.Let the rest of your life wait for a bit, and give some time to yourself. ✨#womensretreat #byronbayretreat #mindfulnessforwomen #yogaretreataustralia #meditationretreat
I read a beautiful article last week about the concept of fragility, and how it applies in just about every area of life. I know this is true, but it also reminded me that when we're willing to accept our vulnerability, we come to discover our true strength.The way we keep showing up through moments of uncertainty.The way we stay open to love when we've been deeply hurt.The way we adapt when life throws us a curve ball.The way we stay hopeful, even when we're afraid.The way we find meaning in the smallest of moments.Fragility isn’t weakness. It’s part of what it means to be fully alive.When we recognise it, we learn to handle ourselves and one another with more care.To cherish what matters and to stay open to the life that we're living.✨#vulnerability #fragility #innerstrength #tenderness #selfcompassion #mindfulliving #emotionalwellbeing #personalgrowth #slowliving #healingjourney #beinghuman
I've just finished listening to the audio version of Jacinda Ardern's book, A Different Kind of Power. What a beautiful book – and what a beautiful woman.For decades, I've looked for role models to show me how to be both a mother and a businesswoman, and I've struggled to find someone I can truly relate to. Until I heard Jacinda's story.As she writes in one of the final chapters, when asked about what it means to be a leader:“If you have impostor syndrome, or question yourself, channel that. It will help you. You will read more, seek out advice, and humble yourself to situations that require humility to be conquered. If you’re anxious, and overthink everything, if you can imagine the worst-case scenario always, channel that too. It will mean you are ready when the most challenging days arrive. And if you are thin-skinned and sensitive, if criticism cuts you in two, that is not weakness; it’s empathy. In fact, all of the traits that you believe are your flaws will come to be your strengths. The things you thought would cripple you will in fact make you stronger, make you better. They will give you a different kind of power, and make you a leader that this world, with all its turmoil, might just need.”This book is a brilliant read. I highly recommend it. Thank you @jacindaardern for sharing your story with such warmth, humility and kindness. ✨Image: @penguinbooksnz#jacindaardern #adifferentkindofpower #leadership #empathy #womeninleadership #kindness #audiobookrecommendation #personalgrowth #mindfulleadership #inspiringwomen
After writing the first article about overfunctioning, so many women have reached out to say, ‘this is me’ and ‘what can I do about it?’.Later this week, I’ll be sharing an article about breaking the cycle of overfunctioning, but first, I thought it might be helpful to remember why we do this and why it can be such a hard pattern to break.Scroll through the carousel for quick tips, or read the full article (the link’s in my bio). And keep an eye out for the new article later this week where I’ll share more about doing things differently.This is something I’m working on myself, and I have to say that even with awareness, I don't find it easy. Those long-held habits can be hard to shift but when I can catch myself and go a little more gently, it makes the world of difference to how I'm feeling. ✨#overfunctioning #personaldevelopment #mindfulcoaching #selfkindness #selfawareness #wellbeingjourney #womenwhothinkdeeply #innergrowth #mindfulnessmatters #doinglessfeelingmore #confidencecoachmelbourne
When I was taught to meditate, over thirty years ago now, the advice was very rigid. You had to practice twenty minutes, twice a day or you might as well forget it. For so many people who learned, this ended up being off-putting and often not realistic.These days, there are so many different approaches and it's much more flexible – which is exactly what we need.Almost everyone I work with is short of time, but they're still keen to be mindful. And the reality is, you can achieve this even in just a few minutes.In its simplest form, mindfulness is really about two things – paying attention and non-judgement. When you start there, you realise you can practice in so many small ways and the impact can still be incredible.You don't need to head off on retreat (although it is pretty amazing) or block out huge amounts of time to simply tune in and pay attention.Try one or more of these small pauses today:▫️ Drink your tea, coffee or water with your full attention. Slow it right down and notice what you taste, smell and feel – bringing a sense of appreciation.▫️ Take five long, slow breaths. Pay attention to extending your out-breath to engage your parasympathetic nervous system.▫️ Before you send an email or make a call, pause and think about your intention. What matters most in this interaction?▫️ When you're at your computer or using your phone, notice your breathing. It often becomes more shallow (or we hold our breath without realising).Small moments of mindfulness really do make a difference. A few simple pauses through your day can bring you back to calm, clarity and presence. 🙏#mindfulness #presence #selfawareness #mindfulliving #mindfulnessretreat
© Kate James 2025

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We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands we live and work on, the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

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