So, you’ve set out to write your life story, but something isn’t clicking. Maybe you’re staring at a blank page, feeling overwhelmed by memories, or questioning whether your story is even worth telling. If your Guided Autobiography (GAB) isn’t coming together the way you envisioned, you’re not alone.
At High Desert Raven Writing (HDRW), we know that writing about your life can feel like untangling a giant ball of yarn. That’s why we developed The Raven’s Method—a structured yet flexible approach to help you Unearth, Reflect, Connect, and Transform your memories into meaningful stories.
If you’re feeling stuck, here are five common roadblocks and how to break through them fast.
1. You’re Trying to Write Everything at Once
The Problem: You sit down to write and suddenly feel like you need to fit your entire life into a single sitting. The sheer scope of your experiences is overwhelming, making it hard to start.
The Fix: Break it down into smaller, focused themes. Guided Autobiography (GAB) uses structured prompts around key life themes—such as “Forks in the Road” or “My Life’s Work”—to help you focus on one story at a time. Instead of thinking of your life as one massive book, treat it as a collection of short, meaningful chapters.
2. You’re Struggling with What’s “Important”
The Problem: You’re second-guessing yourself, wondering, “Is this story worth telling?” or “Will anyone even care?” Self-doubt creeps in, and suddenly, you’re stuck.
The Fix: Trust that your experiences matter. Every life is made up of pivotal moments that shape you, challenge you, or reveal something about who you are. The Raven’s Method helps you uncover these moments by asking the right questions. If you’re struggling, start by writing about a time you felt truly alive, a moment of unexpected change, or a lesson you learned the hard way.
3. You’re Editing While You Write
The Problem: You find yourself obsessing over every word, rewriting sentences before you even finish your first thought. Perfectionism is slowing you down.
The Fix: Give yourself permission to write badly—at least at first. The goal is to get your stories onto the page. You can refine them later. One of the key principles of The Raven’s Method is to separate the Reflect phase (where you let the memories flow) from the Connect and Transform phases (where you refine and find deeper meaning). Write first, edit later.
4. You’re Not Writing Consistently
The Problem: You started with enthusiasm, but now weeks have passed, and you haven’t touched your autobiography. Life got busy, and writing fell to the bottom of your list.
The Fix: Make writing a habit, not a task. Set aside dedicated time—even just 15 minutes a day—to write. If accountability helps, join a Guided Autobiography workshop or try our Raven Rise & Write sessions with HDRW. When you commit to regular storytelling, your momentum will grow.
5. You’re Writing Alone
The Problem: Writing about your life feels isolating, and without feedback or encouragement, you’re unsure if you’re on the right track.
The Fix: Guided Autobiography is designed to be shared. When we share our stories, we deepen our understanding of them. Find a supportive writing group, join an HDRW workshop, or work with a GAB-trained facilitator. Sometimes, just hearing someone say, “I relate to that” can be the push you need to keep going.
Ready to Get Your Story Flowing Again?
If your Guided Autobiography has hit a roadblock, don’t worry—you can get back on track quickly. By focusing on smaller themes, trusting your experiences, writing freely, staying consistent, and connecting with others, you’ll transform your memories into powerful stories.
At High Desert Raven Writing, we offer GAB-based workshops and resources to help you finally tell the stories only you can tell. Whether you’re just starting out or need a fresh perspective, The Raven’s Method can help you Unearth, Reflect, Connect, and Transform your writing journey.
Want to get unstuck today? Check out our upcoming workshops and start writing your story—one chapter at a time.
“Like ravens gathering at dusk, we find strength in each other’s presence – each voice distinct yet rising in harmony.”
