Connect and Grow:
Life Story & Family History

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 January to March 2026. Register today to reserve your space!

Registration

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
FREE copy of life story journal "My Life, My Words: A Memoir in Progress" - for the first 4 registrants only!

Wherever you are at in your book writing/publishing journey, this group will help you move toward completing the book that you have dreamed of.

Early bird rate: $299*
After December 31st: $349

+ 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
Dates: January 21st, February 4th, Feb 25th, March 11th 9:30 - 11:00 am PST
** we gather in group(s) & will adjust times to fit your schedule

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

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.

"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

Five group webinar sessions with other life story and family history writers
Book Publishing Guide with guidance through the publishing process
“Books by the Numbers” exclusive resource
“Behind the Scenes” Q&A with guest speakers
FREE copy of life story journal "My Life, My Words: A Memoir in Progress" - for the first 4 registrants only!