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ABOUT US – HIGH DESERT RAVEN WRITING (HDRW)

About Us – High Desert Raven Writing (HDRW)

Unearth. Reflect. Connect. Transform.

Welcome to High Desert Raven Writing (HDRW), where stories take flight and lives are transformed. Founded in January 2021 by Deb Winters LeBarge, a certified Guided Autobiography (GAB) instructor, HDRW is a space where individuals 18 and older are empowered to unearth the rich tapestry of their lives, one chapter at a time.

At the heart of our work is The Raven’s Method, a four-step approach—Unearth, Reflect, Connect, and Transform—that guides participants on a journey to explore pivotal life moments, uncover deeper meaning, and find connection through storytelling. Inspired by the time-tested Guided Autobiography Method developed by Dr. James Birren, HDRW workshops provide an encouraging, structured environment to share your story and be heard.

With 38* workshop offerings at varied price points, including the 7-day workshop Raven’s Flight, our programs are thoughtfully designed to meet you where you are—whether you’re just beginning to write your life story or looking to dive deeper into specific themes. We also offer interactive sessions like The Raven’s Trail and Let’s GAB About It, creating spaces for community, connection, and creativity.

We believe that everyone’s story deserves to be told and celebrated. At HDRW, our goal is to help you not only document your life but to see how reflecting on your experiences can lead to personal growth, healing, and transformation.

Our vision extends beyond workshops—we aim to establish a vibrant writing center where storytelling and connection thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone who has never picked up a pen, HDRW welcomes you to join our growing community of storytellers.

Together, let’s honor the past, embrace the present, and inspire the future—one story at a time.

Explore Your Story. Write Your Legacy. Transform Your Life.

*Learn more about our new workshops and upcoming events by contacting us today.

Deb Winters LeBarge
High Desert Raven Writing

“As the raven gathers wisdom, so too may your stories grow in strength and meaning”

Your visit to High Desert Raven Writing means the world to me. Whether you’re here to unearth your story, reflect on life’s twists, or to finally organize all those tales you swear you’ll write someday, I’m here to help.

Fly back soon, and remember: your story is waiting to take flight!

    QUICK LINKS
    CONTACT INFO
      • CALL FOR BOOKING

    (815) 902-1050

    [email protected]
      • LOCATION

    High Desert Raven Writing, where our official headquarters is… wherever your Wi-Fi signal is strongest! Who needs a fancy office when we’ve got virtual backgrounds, mute buttons, and the occasional ‘you’re on mute’ moments? We’re redefining ‘remote work’ one virtual call at a time—business casual on top, pajamas on the bottom.

    Your visit to High Desert Raven Writing means the world to me. Whether you’re here to unearth your story, reflect on life’s twists, or to finally organize all those tales you swear you’ll write someday, I’m here to help.

    Fly back soon, and remember: your story is waiting to take flight!

    CONTACT INFO
      • CALL FOR BOOKING

    (815) 902-1050

    [email protected]
    QUICK LINKS
      • LOCATION

    High Desert Raven Writing, where our official headquarters is… wherever your Wi-Fi signal is strongest! Who needs a fancy office when we’ve got virtual backgrounds, mute buttons, and the occasional ‘you’re on mute’ moments? We’re redefining ‘remote work’ one virtual call at a time—business casual on top, pajamas on the bottom.

      Copyright © 2025 High Desert Raven Writing – All Rights Reserved.

      Designed & Developed by Amigo Web Studios LLC

      Charting Your Story: Personalized Life Writing Consultations

      Introductory Rate: $100–$150 for a 60 or 90-minute session (one-time consult).

      Ongoing Packages:

      $300–$500 for three sessions (60–90 minutes each).

      $1000+ for long-term support (customizable).

      Description:

      High Desert Raven Writing offers personalized one-on-one consultations to help you craft your life story with confidence. Together, we will design a process tailored to your needs—whether you are just starting out, need inspiration, or want consistent support to stay on track.

      Services include:

      • Brainstorming and planning your life story.

      • Weekly prompts and progress check-ins.

      • Strategies for building momentum and overcoming writer’s block.

      • Custom guidance based on your goals, interests, and pace.

      Each session focuses on meeting you where you are, providing a supportive space to explore and express your story authentically. We can schedule sessions as needed or develop a more structured plan to guide your journey.

      Start creating the story only you can tell, with guidance every step of the way.

      Birdsong Beginnings: Free Writing Classes with High Desert Raven Writing

      Want to dip your toes in the birdbath and see what High Desert Raven Writing is all about? Join us for two weeks of free, no-commitment classes designed to help you spread your creative wings.

      Discover your creative home while exploring hands-on writing exercises, lively craft discussions, and supportive feedback. Each session introduces you to The Raven’s Method—our unique approach to Unearth, Reflect, Connect, and Transform your stories—through our signature workshop style.

      Whether you’re new to writing or want to rejuvenate your practice, this is your chance to test the waters, meet our flock, and let your stories take flight. Ready to see where your writing journey begins?

      Raven Rise & Write: Catch the Inspiration Early

      Commit to Your Creative Practice in 2025

      Daily Writing Sessions to Establish Your Routine

      Are your ideas slipping by without getting any writing done? Make 2025 the year you change your writing into a consistent and creative practice.

      Join Raven Rise, a supportive, hour-long weekday Free Write program throughout January. Starting at 8 a.m. every weekday, these sessions provide the accountability and structure to help you build a sustainable writing habit before the demands of the day take over.

      All writing levels welcome

      Flexible payment options (Pay what you can: $95, $47.50, $25, $10, or free!)

      No meeting on January 20 – Inauguration Day

      Start your mornings with focus, creativity, and connection to a community of writers. Whether you choose to leave your camera on or off, you’ll find a judgment-free space to write, reflect, and transform.

      If there is enough interest, this program may continue beyond January. Reach out for details.

      Ready to author your story? Reserve your spot now and make 2025 the year of your writing practice!

      The High Desert 10-Workshop Package

      Life Stories Unfolded: A 10-Workshop Guided Autobiography Experience

      Uncover the story treasures of your life with our 10-Workshop Guided Autobiography Package. Designed to help you explore your past, reflect on pivotal moments, and gain clarity for the future, these workshops are a journey of self-discovery and connection.

      Each workshop focuses on key life themes to help you create a rich, meaningful narrative of your life—one chapter at a time. With expert facilitation, guided prompts, and engaging exercises, you will reflect, write, and share in a supportive group setting.

      What’s Included in This 10-Workshop Package:

      1. New Beginnings: Mapping Your Journey

      Explore early milestones, firsts, and turning points that shaped your path.

      1. The Heart of Who You Are

      Dive into your values, beliefs, and the core of your identity.

      1. Life’s Turning Points: Choices That Shape Us

      Reflect on the decisions that defined your journey and shaped your perspective.

      1. The Ties That Bind: Stories of Connection

      Celebrate the relationships, friendships, and communities that support you.

      1. Body, Mind, Spirit: The Journey to Wellness

      Explore moments of resilience and develop a self-care plan for balance and renewal.

      1. The Seasons of Change: Navigating Life’s Transitions

      Reflect on life’s transitions and the lessons they bring.

      1. Inner Reflections: Lessons and Insights

      Unearth the wisdom hidden in life’s challenges and triumphs.

      1. Finding Your Compass: Gaining Clarity Through Reflection

      Gain insight into your guiding principles and inner wisdom.

      1. The Art of Celebration: Honoring Milestones

      Reflect on life’s joys and victories, big and small.

      1. Charting the Road Ahead: Imagining Your Future

      Envision your next chapter with clarity and purpose.

      Who Is This For?

      This package is perfect for anyone who wants to:

      • Reflect on their life experiences with intention.

      • Gain new insights into their values, choices, and relationships.

      • Build connection and community through shared storytelling.

      • Create a legacy of written memories for themselves or loved ones.

      What You’ll Receive:

      • 10 workshops tailored to 50 specific life themes.

      • Guided writing prompts, engaging exercises, and time for reflection.

      • A supportive, eased group experience where you can share and connect.

      • Access to materials for continued writing after each session.

      Special Offer: $800 ($1500.00 value) for All 10 Workshops

      Sign up now to begin your journey of self-discovery, connection, and transformation.

      Start your storytelling adventure today!

      Writing the Threads of Your Life: A 2-Week Guided Autobiography Experience

      Dive into a meaningful two-week journey of self-discovery and storytelling. Meeting every weekday, Monday through Friday, for two hours a day, this immersive workshop will guide you through exploring key life themes and uncovering the threads that weave together your personal narrative. Through thought-provoking prompts, collaborative discussions, and focused writing time, you’ll transform memories into compelling stories. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have written a collection of personal chapters that honor your journey and gained tools to continue authoring your story.

      Pricing:

      Standard Enrollment: $297

      Early Bird Discount: $247

      VIP Package: $347 Includes a 30-minute private coaching session where we will address challenges, clarify themes, and answer questions.

      Level 3: Expanding Your Life Story Collection

      This 20-week, 2-hour-per-session course builds upon the foundation shown in Course 1 and Course 2 of the High Desert Raven Writing (HDRW) program. Designed for those who have completed the beginner and Level 2 course, Level 3 takes your storytelling journey deeper with fresh themes and an evolved instructional approach.

      While the course introduces 20 potential life themes, not all may resonate universally with participants, allowing you to tailor the experience to your personal story and values.

      Each session follows the familiar structure of exploring themes in the first hour, paired with group story-sharing during the second hour. This format fosters community, reflective growth, and creative inspiration. By the end of the course, you will have written up to 20 added life stories, further enriching your personal narrative archive. However, the course also emphasizes that storytelling is a lifelong process with infinite possibilities.

      Grounded in the principles and research of Guided Autobiography, this advanced-level course continues to inspire personal transformation, connection, and self-discovery through the power of storytelling.

      Pricing :

      Standard Pricing: $475 for the full course

      Installment Option: $45/week or $150/month for 4 months

      Important Note: Completion of Discover Your Story: A Guided Autobiography Beginner’s Course and Your Story, One Chapter at a Time: Guided Autobiography Level 2 is needed to enroll in this advanced course.

      Your Story, One Chapter at a Time: Guided Autobiography Level 2

      This 12-week advanced Guided Autobiography course is for individuals who have completed Discover Your Story: A Guided Autobiography Beginner’s Course and want to deepen their reflective writing journey.

      Guided by The Raven’s Method—Unearth, Reflect, Connect, and Transform—this course delves into 25 new life themes, offering fresh opportunities to explore untold moments and gain deeper insights.

      In this course, you will:

      • Draft a new story each week based on prompts designed to inspire deeper self-discovery.
      • Explore patterns and themes that have shaped your journey through reflective exercises and storytelling.
      • Share your stories in a supportive, structured group setting to build meaningful connections with others.
      • Learn advanced techniques to enrich your reflective writing and create cohesive, meaningful narratives.

      Whether you aim to preserve your history for loved ones, uncover new perspectives, or simply enjoy the process of writing, this course provides a safe and inspiring space to continue your story.

      Course Pricing: $497 for the 12-week course (includes weekly group sessions, guided writing prompts, and access to curated resources).

      Important Note: Completion of Discover Your Story: A Guided Autobiography Beginner’s Course is required to enroll in this advanced course

      Discover Your Story: A Guided Autobiography Beginner’s Course

      This 8-week beginner’s course introduces you to the transformative process of Guided Autobiography (GAB) and The Raven’s Method. Perfect for anyone ready to start writing their life stories, the course provides a welcoming and supportive environment to explore 10 key life themes, reflect on meaningful experiences, and begin documenting your journey. Through guided writing exercises, structured prompts, and group sharing, you will gain confidence in your storytelling, uncover connections between your past and present, and take the first steps toward creating your personal legacy. No prior writing experience is needed—just a desire to begin your story.

      Duration and Pricing:

      8 weekly sessions (2 hours each)

      $247 per participant

      Writing Memories: A Family Storytelling Workshop

      Do you have cherished holiday traditions, a favorite recipe with a story behind it, or a memory you have been meaning to share? This 3-hour interactive workshop helps you preserve these moments and turn them into meaningful stories to share with your loved ones.

      Through creative activities designed to spark inspiration, you will outline, write, and share a memory story in a supportive environment. Whether creating a keepsake for family or writing for yourself, this workshop is an opportunity to celebrate traditions, connect across generations, and capture lasting memories.

      Perfect for individuals or family members, this session is ideal for anyone wanting to preserve family stories and create meaningful connections anytime of the year.

      Pricing: $47 per participant or $75 for two.

      Great Gift Idea:

      Give the gift of storytelling for any celebration. This workshop makes a thoughtful gift for loved ones who enjoy storytelling, family history, or creative projects.

      Life Themes Unlocked: A Guided Autobiography Intensive

      $125.00 per participant.

      Life Themes Unlocked: A Guided Autobiography Intensive" is a dynamic, 1-day, 6-hour workshop designed to jumpstart your journey into life story writing. Perfect for those with busy schedules and a passion for self-expression, this workshop introduces you to 10 foundational life themes—each offering a lens through which to explore and reflect on pivotal moments of your life.

      During the workshop, each theme is presented with prompts and examples to spark inspiration. You will then engage in 10–15 minutes of focused brainstorming, crafting initial thoughts, memories, and ideas. In a supportive and collaborative environment, participants briefly share their insights, gaining valuable perspectives and encouragement from the group. This process builds confidence and momentum as you move through each theme.

      By the end of the day, you will walk away with an organized set of ideas and outlines—perfect starting points for writing compelling 2-page (or longer) stories on each theme at your own pace. Whether you are just beginning or looking for inspiration to continue, this workshop will empower you to unearth the stories that matter most.

      Ideal for:

      • Busy, motivated individuals who want to write, but need guidance to begin.
      • Those seeking a supportive group setting to spark creativity and reflection.
      • Anyone ready to document their life stories independently after the workshop.

      Roots & Reflections: Exploring Your Story Through Genealogy and Guided Autobiography Intensive

      Discover the power of family history and storytelling in this immersive 1-day workshop, Roots & Reflections: Exploring Your Story Through Genealogy and Guided Autobiography. Designed for beginners, this course combines reflective writing with the essentials of tracing your roots. Through engaging activities and expert guidance, you will learn how to draft meaningful personal stories, uncover your family’s heritage, and integrate both into a compelling narrative. Leave with a deeper understanding of your unique journey, practical genealogy tools, and inspiration to continue exploring your story.

      Duration: 6 hours (1-day workshop)

      Pricing: $97 per participant

      Special Offer: Start your journey into Guided Autobiography today! Regularly priced at $97, this transformative experience is now available for a limited time at just $75. Don’t miss this opportunity to save while discovering the power of your story.