Stories to Keep
Six weekly in-person sessions | Sunshine Coast | Small group
Stories to Keep is a six-week, in-person guided writing group for anyone who has memories, stories, and experiences they'd like to explore and put into words.
Created and facilitated by Sunshine Coast freelance writer Sarah Vercoe, Stories to Keep grew from more than a decade of listening to people's experiences and turning them into stories for publications including Australian Women's Weekly, The Guardian, and MiNDFOOD, and health organisations and non-profits including Palliative Care Australia, BlueCare, and Cancer Council.
After years of writing other people's stories, Sarah wanted to create something that gave people the time and encouragement to write their own.
Stories to Keep isn't a writing course or a class. It's a guided writing group, with each session built around writing prompts that get you thinking about the people, places, moments, and experiences that have stayed with you.
Who is Stories to Keep for?
Stories to Keep is for adults who:
have stories, memories, or experiences they'd like to write down
would like some structure and encouragement to make time for writing
might be working towards something bigger, such as a collection of personal stories or think you’d like to write a memoir, but aren’t sure where to start
simply want to write without having a particular end goal in mind
would love to be part of a creative community
You don't need to be a writer, and you don't need to be working towards a memoir or a finished book either. Stories to Keep is about taking the prompts you're given and seeing where they lead, then writing in whatever way feels right for you. That might be poetry, letters to your grandchildren, personal essays, or simply stories and memories you want to get down on paper.
By the end of the six weeks, you'll have a collection of stories and memories you've written yourself, which you might keep for yourself, share with family, or continue developing.
No previous writing experience needed. Just bring your memories, curiosity, and something to write with.
Meet your facilitator
Sarah Vercoe
Sarah is a freelance writer with more than a decade of professional writing experience and a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing and Publishing from Curtin University. She specialises in health, personal storytelling, and writing that gives people space to share their experiences in their own words.
She’s written for publications including Australian Women's Weekly, MindFood, The Guardian, Luxury Travel, Travel Weekly, and House of Wellness, and works with health organisations and non-profits to tell stories about the people, experiences, and work behind what they do.
What to Expect
-
Each week, you’ll be introduced to a different theme and provided with prompts to get your memories and ideas flowing. The prompts are simply starting points, and you can take your writing wherever you want.
-
You'll have plenty of time during each session to write at your own pace. You might write a short piece, work on something you've started, or follow an idea somewhere unexpected.
-
Sharing your writing isn't required, but if you'd like to read something to the group, there'll be space to do that. Hearing other people's stories can help spark ideas of your own, and it’s a lovely way to get to know each other too.
-
Stories to Keep is a relaxed, supportive space where everyone can write, reflect and share at their own pace. We’ll approach each other’s stories and experiences with care and respect, and you’ll never be expected to share anything you’d rather keep private.
-
If you'd like some help with something you've written, you can bring it along and I'll offer suggestions. I might help you tighten a piece, develop an idea, or try a different way of telling part of your story. You can also simply write without seeking feedback.
-
You don't need to be working towards a memoir or a finished book. Poetry, letters, personal essays, family stories, and everything in between are all ways to tell your story. The aim is to give you the time, prompts, and encouragement to write the things you want to write.
The details
Six weekly sessions
Starting September/October 2026 | Date TBC
90 minutes
Each session
Small group
Limited places available
Sunshine Coast
Initial interest around Noosa, Peregian, and Eumundi | Exact location TBC
For adults of all ages
Approximately $240
For the full six-week program
Think Stories to Keep might be for you?
Sarah’s currently taking expressions of interest for the first group.
Fill out the form below and she’ll be in touch with details about dates and a confirmed location.