Gail Thorell Schilling
Memoir - Spiritual Writing - Travel Writing
Available in paperback, audio and eBook
Meet Gail
A New Hampshire native who began journaling at age 12, I learned newswriting at the University of New Hampshire with Don Murray and teaching pedagogy at Regis University in Denver. I came of age in Metro Boston and began writing in Wyoming more than 30 years ago. Awards from the Wyoming Press Association have recognized my craft. The Jentel Artists’ Community awarded me a month-long residency to work on my memoir, Do Not Go Gentle. Go to Paris: Travels of an Uncertain Woman of a Certain Age, published in 2019. I’ve contributed to Daily Guideposts for 20+ years.
I taught writing at Central Wyoming College and NHTI – Concord’s Community College for many years. Additionally, I’ve taught on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming.
Now back in Concord, NH, I teach memoir to lifelong learners of a certain âge and mentor Education for Ministry, a lay program for theological reflection and study. My children, grandchildren, plants, kitty, and beloved community bless my life.
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Only YOU can tell your story...
Growth fascinates me.
I marvel at plants, especially roses, that effortlessly adapt and bloom. At seekers who mature into their faith. At children who learn their ABCs and create tall tales. At emerging writers who find their voices.
So, grow with me as we share stories. I’ll tell mine in posts drawn from colorful life experiences, sometimes from travels, sometimes from spiritual experiences. Maybe an excerpt from my next book…
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We’ll look back to retell cherished narratives. Write a memoir? Who, me?
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We’ll look ahead to travel and challenges that keep us vibrant. Learn Chinese in my 70s?
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We’ll look this minute to ponder fleeting wonders of today. A rainbow in the dishpan?
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We’ll savor our experiences and write down the ones that matter. Now!
Expect writing tips in each post. Perhaps these will inspire you to preserve stories you’ve carried for a lifetime but never recorded. I’d love to work with you! Perhaps you’ll take a class with me and meet other writers, form a memoir group.
It’s your turn now. Let’s write!
Upcoming Events
OLLI Book Group, June 13, 12:30 Zoom.
For more information contact OLLI at Granite State College, 603-513-1377
Spiritual Writing:
Beyond Words
Date: TBA
Time: TBA
Location: GoodLife Programs and Activities, Concord, NH
Maximum: 6 students
Discern the transcendent in the mundane in this writing workshop guided by Gail, a Daily Guideposts contributor for 25 years. You will explore metaphor and symbol to express the essence of the shared human experience. Writers of all faith traditions – or none at all - are cordially invited. In-class writing exercises will draw from Writing the Sacred Journey: The Art and Practice of Spiritual Memoir by Elizabeth J. Andrew, so bring a copy to the first class.
Book Group
Author Visit
Date: Inquire for availability
Time: Inquire for availability
Location: Virtual or in-person
Invite me to your Book Group! I can visit virtually to join your discussion about my book and solo travel as a woman of a certain âge – then nudge you to keep traveling and writing!
Free within 30 miles of Concord, NH.
Energize Your Memoir Workshops
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
Location: GoodLife Programs and Activities, Online
Maximum: 6 students
Designed for writers more secure in their craft, these workshops strengthen and expand upon skills introduced in the newbie course. We’ll explore more styles of engaging introductions and conclusions, the story arc and more evocative detail. Crazy Quick Writes and in-class exercises banish writer’s block and keep writing fun! Contact me with your idea for a custom workshop topic.