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Stories are my passion...
Let me help you tell yours!
I'm Ansley Dauenhauer,
career educator, life-long writer, and
memoir aficionado, and...
I can't wait to hear your story!
** Why write your memoirs? **
So many benefits!
Share the gift of legacy
Connect the threads of your life
Unleash your creativity
Classes and Coaching
Guided Memoir Writing
Basic Memoir Structure
GMW uses themes and activities to prompt story recall. Each week, reflection on participant narratives prompts more in-depth recall and encourages a deeoer understanding of your personal story.
You have a great collection of memories, and now you're ready to turn them into a memoir. In this two session class, learn the fundamentals necessary to shape your memories into a compelling story.
1:1 Coaching
Need some personalized assistance?
Consider 1:1 coaching!
Editing Services
I offer a range of editing services to make your work shine!*
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Developmental Editing
I'll consider your story on a macro level. Does your story structure work? Do you characters have a satisfying arc?
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Line Editing
I'll make suggestions to strengthen your sentences and make your writing clear.
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Copyediting
I'll scrutinize your grammar and punctuation.
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Proofreading
I'll double-check your manuscript before you present it to the world.
I'll look at a sample of your work and together we'll determine the type of editing that will best polish your work.
Prices for editing services vary by project. They are in line with EFA editing averages.
About Ansley
Hi! I'm Ansley. I've wanted to be a teacher and a writer since I was young. I'm so fortunate that I get to do both! It's my privilege to have a small part in giving voice to your stories.
I've taught in a variety of educational settings, designed programs, written curricula, and supervised staff.
I'm also a writer, and I've incorporated writing into every position I've held. Some of my work has published in both national and local presses.
Since much of my writing is memoir-based, I understand both the beauty of the genre and the writerly frustrations that can come from putting your memories into words.
I am certified through the Birren Center in California to teach memoir-based writing using the Guided Autobiography method, and I received my certificate in editing and publishing from UCLA. I've worked with Book Genie to hone my skills for the marketplace.
I love words, and I love working with writers!
Your Story Matters!
Let's Make It the Best It Can Be!
Clients and Participants Say...
"Ansley has a creative way of taking the fear out of writing your own story. She is engaged in her teaching process and her passion for writing spills over into all of her presentations. I highly recommend anyone who has ever contemplated writing their story to take her class. You won't be disappointed."
Mary Jo Kerlin,
Guided Memoir Writing
Participant
"I cannot recommend Ansley enough. She works with each client to understand their vision and can coach, mentor, or edit that work into its most clear, correct, and compelling version."
Jeanne DaVita, Owner
Book Genie
Author Services
“Thanks for leading our group with kindness. You provide greedom for us to share what may make us feel vulnerable. The session on play has inspired me to discover more and to ensure humor has a place in my writing. Both my reader and I deserve the fun!"
Carman Kessler,
Guided Memoir Writing Participant
Get Involved!
Attend an informational or taster session
I am passionate about Guided Memoir Writing! Attend an informational session to find out more about why I love it and why I think you will too!
Try a taster session to get a glimpse of what Guided Memoir Writing classes are all about!
Guided Memoir Writing One
In Guided Memoir Writing One, we explore people, places, and objects that are central to your story through a series of five themes and activities. This manageable approach to recalling your life story makes the process fun! Each week, we reflect on each other’s narratives when we share our pieces with the class. The communal nature of the process prompts even more in-depth recall and encourages a deeper understanding of your personal journey.
No prior writing experience is needed. Guided Memoir Writing is not a structured writing class but an opportunity to begin to write your story as only you can!
Guided Memoir Writing Two
Ready to go deeper? Guided Memoir Writing Two offers five additional themes for you to explore!
Basic Memoir Structure
You have a rich collection of memories, and now you're thinking about turning them into a memoir in book form. How do you do that? In this two session class, we'll explore the difference between a collection of memories and a memoir, and you'll have the opportunity to identify some themes in your collection to get you started!
Current Class Schedules
Informational and Taster Sessions
January 20, 2026, Lions Club of Midland, Informational Session, 6:00pm
January 23, 2026, Senior Center of Midland, Lunch and Learn Taster Session, 12:00pm (registration required)
Guided Memoir Writing One
Afternoon Session
5-week, virtual class format
Wednesdays, October 15, 22, 29, and November 5, and 12
1:00-3:00pm
$100
Evening Session
5-week, virtual class format
Wednesdays, October 15, 22, 29, and November 5, and 12
6:30-8:30pm
$100
Guided Memoir Writing One
Afternoon Session
5-week, virtual class format
Tuesdays, February 10, 17, 24,
March 3,10
1:00-3:00pm
$100
Evening Session
5-week, virtual class format
Tuesdays, February 10, 17, 24,
March 3,10
6:30-8:30pm
$100
Guided Memoir Writing Two
Evening Session
5-week, virtual class format
Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29,
and February 5
6:30-8:30pm
$100
Registration
Musings...
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