top of page

Connect and Grow:
For Memoir, Family History, & more

81% of people say they want to complete a book.
Less than 11% end up doing so.

Bring Your Story to Life – With Support & Structure

Do you have a family history or life story book idea that’s been 'on the back burner'?

 

Want to have some motivation and structure?

 

Would you value an outside perspective, publishing expertise, and peer support to get your book done?

 

Imagine holding a beautifully crafted book filled with your family’s stories—one that future generations will cherish. Join Connect and Grow to bring your life story or family history to the page.

​

The next Connect and Grow session will be April-May 2026. Register today to reserve your space!

Photo of a stack of custom books.
Laptop Typing on Bed

Is this you?

Connect and Grow is for you if:

  • You know you have a story to tell, either about your own life or members of your family

  • You are either ready to begin your book project, or have already started with writing, interviews, or research. 

  • You are willing to invest time and resources into doing a book project yourself, but could use some support, structure and motivation

  • You feel a sense of duty to document and record family stories for generations to come: because if you don’t do it, who will?

How "Connect and Grow" Will Help You

Join to make real progress on your book. Get expert guidance, structured support, and a motivated community to help you refine your writing and move toward publishing:

  • Build a sustainable writing routine

  • Overcome writer’s block & find your voice

  • Explore storytelling techniques & editing strategies

  • Explore editing options

  • Receive personalized feedback

  • Connect with a supportive community of life story and family history writers

Connect and Grow

The commitment is for 3 months: during that time our group of life story and family history writers will engage in 4 live seminars, with at least two guest speakers.

You may choose to create a book for your family, for family & friends, or for public distribution. You are welcome at any stage of the writing and publishing process: the intention of this group is to support you to move significantly further on your journey.

Includes

​

  • Four group webinar sessions* with other life story and family history writers​
    ​

  •  NextGen Story Guide to Publication with tips, resources, and checklists useful at each stage of book creation
     

  • “Behind the Scenes” Q&A with guest speakers
     

  • Wherever you are at in your book writing/publishing journey, join this small, warm community of writers who want to make real progress. 

$349* - Regular price
$299* - Early-bird (register by March 15th)
$175* - Alumni rate





+ applicable taxes
Discounts available for persons of Indigenous descent or on fixed income.

Group Coaching Sessions

We gather in groups of 4-7 people; topics vary depending on the needs of the group involved and may include:

  • Focus, Purpose, Audience: refining the basics

  • Peer Input Process: opportunity to share and hear feedback on pressing issues

  • From Spark to Structure: approaches to arranging content, and direct feedback

  • Designing Your Book: considerations in interior and/or cover design choices

  • Sharing Your Story: Publishing basics including print & distribution

  • Personalized Support & Feedback: Overcoming challenges and staying motivated
     

  • Tentatively scheduled dates are April 15th, April 29th, May 13th, and May 27th from 9:30am - 11am PST (12:30 - 2pm EST).
    ** we gather in group(s) & will adjust times to fit your schedule; please indicate availability on your registration form

​

Join Connect and Grow to move your book forward this year.

Photo of a stack of custom books.

Testimonials

Past participants of our book-writing cohorts have found the group structure, motivation, and expert guidance invaluable. Connect and Grow offers a similar supportive environment tailored for life story and family history writers.

Subscribe

"Writing is a lonely and uncertain undertaking. Connect and Grow exposes you to other nascent writers, to the breadth of stories, to approaching storytelling from a narrative perspective. Mali's groups have given me a scaffold from which to approach my own writing, and have also given me an impetus to keep going. The structured approach to writing, editing processes, and eventually publishing are very helpful"

Connect and Grow 2025 participant

The Cohort was the best thing that happened to me in 2022

Patricia, Cohort 2022 participant

I appreciated the connection with other like-minded people; it felt less alone. I recommend the Cohort for anyone who has written some content and wants to publish a book!

Judy McBride, Cohort 2022 participant

I would never have persevered were it not for the Cohort and Mali's guidance.

Mary, Cohort 2023 participant

Don't hesitate if you need help to get started or keep going—the knowledge and support makes all the difference.

Connect and Grow 2025 participant

Connect and Grow

Includes

​

  • Four group webinar sessions with other life story and family history writers​​

  • Book Publishing Guide with guidance through the publishing process

  • “Behind the Scenes” Q&A with guest speakers
     

$349* - Regular price
$299* - Early-bird (register by March 15th)
$175* - Alumni rate

 

Questions?

Email Mali: mali@nextgenstory.com

bottom of page