Have you ever wondered how the stories get here on True Stories Well Told? It’s like this.

Some, I hear in my reminiscence writing workshops. What curriculum I’m teaching influences whether a particular workshop produces stories fit for sharing with a public of unknown readers. For example, “Start Writing Your Life Story” tends to produce a number of funny or frank short essays that are shareable–not so personal the writer wouldn’t want a family member to stumble across their words.

On the other hand “Going Deeper with Guided Autobiography” encourages writers to go into the deeper themes of their lives–gender identity, experiences and ideas about death, spirituality. The writing is marvelous, but often intended only for the writer and the compassionate, curious ears of the people in the room, holding space for each others’ stories.

Other stories come from my monthly writers’ meet-up, “First Monday, First Person,” where people–frequently “graduates” of my workshops, but not exclusively–come to share true stories, well told. (Find my Upcoming Workshops for Fall 2023 here–I’ve got both curricula on offer.)

And the rest? Many are submissions from the people who find this blog online and decide they have stories that would be a good fit. Sheila Bender, of Writing It Real, has a number of participants in her community who have passed the word along about this blog. Some of the stories you find here are theirs.

Your story is welcome here. Have a look at the submission guidelines and then, as I like to say, “Throw me somethin’, Mister!”