A lot of people have the idea that writing is something you have to do on your own.  It’s true that writing is not exactly a team sport – it’s more like weightlifting.  How?  Well, you might feel that you don’t know where to start and how to do it right, or you might feel that you’re stuck on a plateau and can’t reach the next level on your own.  That’s when a personal trainer (a.k.a., a writing coach) could help, and while they’re at it, they might have some other helpful suggestions for ways to strengthen your writing too, the way a gym coach might notice that your back isn’t straight or your abs aren’t pulled in! 

During the six weeks of The Autobiography Project, we want to make sure that everyone in the city who wants to get some personal training for their writing can.  You can visit a drop-in center attend a writing workshop or request one at your institution or organization, or even get online interactive feedback and support – or take advantage of all three different opportunities. Visit the links on the left to find out more about each. 

And remember, everyone who reads your writing will have a slightly different reaction – if you show your work to nine different people, you may get nine different reactions.  You can try other people’s suggestions, and decide you prefer your story the way it used to be (that’s why it’s useful to keep all your old versions, in case you decide to go back.) It’s your story – you don’t have to change it for anyone else at all!  Just be open to advice and relaxed about the whole process – it should be fun!