Is the course live?

Yes, the course is conducted live via Zoom. Occasionally, I will offer in-person sessions at specific locations.

How long is the course? 

Zoom courses are five weekly two-hour sessions. In-person options can vary between weekly sessions, half-day, full-day, or retreats, 

What can I expect during the Zoom session? 

Each Zoom session includes engaging activities, discussion, and reading a section of your story in a safe, supportive small group setting. 

How much writing is expected each week?

Writing on the weekly theme is done outside of class. You are expected to write at least 900 words each week and be prepared to read your writing in a safe, supportive, small-group setting during the next live session. (Nine hundred words is the minimum goal. Write as much as you feel led to write; however, for time's sake, you will share a 900-word excerpt.) 

Will I receive feedback on my writing?

Yes! Feedback is given in small groups during the live sessions. The feedback is specifically intended to encourage and support your writing journey in a positive and constructive way. There will be no critique of your writing style or grammar. The emphasis is on your story, not on perfection. 

How much time will I need outside of the sessions? 

This course is designed to be manageable. The time required will vary for each individual, but you must complete your story assignment before each session. You are expected to come prepared with at least 900 words written for each session. There may be additional short activities to complete independently. They are not mandatory, but completion enhances your self-reflective journey. 

Who is this course for?

This course is for anyone interested in the transformative benefits of writing their story. It is designed to help participants reflect on their lives, connect with their experiences, and preserve their personal history in a meaningful way.

Do I need prior writing experience?

No prior writing experience is required! While I am a professional writer, editor, and ghostwriter, this course is about your story, not writing perfection. I will offer occasional writing tips, but your work will not be critiqued on writing style or grammar. The focus is on self-expression, storytelling, and reflection.

Can I get additional writing support?

Yes! As a course participant, you have access to discounted writing coaching sessions for extra guidance on refining and, perhaps even publishing, your writing.

How do I sign up for the course?

Signing up is simple—just email me at mary@crimminscommunications.com, and I will send you a short form to complete.

When are the sessions offered?

Sessions are on a rotating basis, so if you can’t join the next one, there will be future opportunities to enroll.

How do the small groups work?

The course instructor will divide the class into small groups for reading and feedback. Each group will typically consist of four to five participants to ensure everyone has time to share.

Who facilitates the small groups?

One person from each small group will be asked to keep track of time and facilitate the readings and feedback. The instructor will rotate between groups to listen, offer guidance, and ensure the process runs smoothly.

Will I be in the same small group every week?

You will have the opportunity to engage with different small groups throughout the course. Varying the groups allows you to hear a variety of perspectives, build connections with more participants, and receive fresh insights on your writing.

What happens during small group time?

Each participant will read their 1,000 words aloud to their group. If you wrote more than 1,000 words, your reading will still be limited for the sake of time, but you are encouraged to write as much as you feel led to write.

What kind of feedback will I receive?

Feedback is encouraging and supportive—designed to uplift and motivate you as you share your story. Small groups create a safe space for sharing, and all feedback is meant to celebrate your voice and experiences rather than critique your writing style. 

How does the referral program work?

If you refer someone to any of the Seasons & Moments Life Story Courses and they pay for and complete the course, you’ll receive a referral fee in the form of either: 

• An Amazon, Target, or Walmart e-gift card—your choice. 

• Course credit toward your first or next course, 

How much can I earn for each successful referral?

For the Beta Course (first-time offering of the course): 

• Anyone who refers a paying participant will receive a $20 e-gift card or course credit. 

After the Beta Course:

• Alumni (past course participants) will receive a $20 e-gift card or credit toward a future course. 

• Those who have not taken the course YET will receive a $10 e-gift card or course credit. 

Who can participate in the referral program, and what is a successful referral? 

Anyone can participate in the course. A successful referral is when the person has paid for the course and remained in it beyond the refund window.  

How do I refer someone?

When someone signs up for the course, they will be asked who referred them. To ensure you receive credit, please send me an email at [your email] with a simple message:

Subject: Referral 

Message: I referred [Full Name of the Person You Referred].

It will help me confirm your referral and ensure I have your email address to send your e-gift card.

When do I get my referral e-gift card?

Referral e-gift cards are only issued after the referred person has paid for the course and remained in it beyond the refund window. 

Is there a limit to how many people I can refer?

No! You can refer as many people as you’d like, and there’s no cap on how many e-gift cards you can earn.

How will I receive my referral e-gift card?

Referral payments will be issued as an Amazon, Target, or Walmart e-gift card and sent to your email address. That’s why emailing me at mary@crimminscommunications.com when you refer someone is important.

What payment methods do you accept?

I currently accept the following payment methods:

• Check: Made payable to Crimmins Communications LLC

• PayPal (A small processing fee applies when using this service.)

Why is there a processing fee for PayPal?

PayPal charges a transaction fee that directly impacts small businesses. A small service charge will be added to payments made through these platforms to offset their fees.

Do you offer payment plans?

At this time, full payment is required upon registration.

Can I earn a discount or credit toward my course?

Yes! You can earn course credit or an e-gift card through the Referral Program when you refer a paying participant. See the Referral Program FAQ for details.

What technology do I need to participate?

You will need:

• A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a working camera and microphone for Zoom sessions.

• A reliable internet connection to join live sessions and access course materials.

• The ability to receive and open emails with PDF or Word attachments, as course materials will be emailed.

Do I need to have my camera on during Zoom sessions?

Yes, participants must have their cameras on during live sessions, especially during small group sessions, where you will read your writing. This helps create a more engaging and connected learning environment.

Are the live sessions recorded?

Yes, live sessions are recorded except for small group sessions, where participants read their stories. These small group discussions are not recorded to ensure privacy and a comfortable sharing environment.

Can I participate from anywhere?

Yes! You can take this course from anywhere if you have a stable internet connection.

Will I have access to materials after the course ends?

Course materials sent via email (PDFs and Word documents) will be yours to keep. However, access to Zoom recordings may be limited to a set period after each session.

What if I have trouble accessing the Zoom session or course materials?

To ensure everything is working smoothly, all participants should sign in 15 minutes early for the first session so we can confirm that your camera, microphone, and connection are working properly. Arriving early also allows time for a short meet-and-greet.

If you have technical difficulties during the course:

• Zoom Issues: Try restarting Zoom, updating the app, or checking your internet connection.

• Audio or Video Not Working: Ensure your camera and microphone are enabled in Zoom settings and that no other applications use them.

• Can’t Open Course Materials: Ensure you have a PDF reader (Adobe Acrobat) and a word processor (Microsoft Word or Google Docs).

• If you still have issues, you may need to seek help from Zoom’s support page or a tech-savvy friend. ption

At Crimmins Communications, we aim to provide meaningful learning experiences while ensuring our policies are fair and sustainable. Below are the refund policies for the Seasons & Moments Life Story Courses.  

Refund Policy for Online Courses

Alternative Option: Transfer to Another Course

Instead of requesting a refund, you may apply your course fee as a credit toward a future Seasons & Moments Life Story Course or another eligible course offered by Crimmins Communications.

Before the Course Starts:

• If you request a refund 7 days or more before the course start date, you will receive a full refund minus any processing fees charged by payment platforms (e.g., PayPal, Venmo).

• If you request a refund within 7 days of the course start date, you will receive a 70% refund, minus any processing fees.

After the Course Starts:

• Within the first week of the course: You may request a refund and receive 50% of the course fee, minus any processing fees.

• After the first week of the course: No refunds will be issued.

Refund Policy for Hybrid (Online & In-Person) or In-Person Courses

Before the Course Starts:

• If you request a refund 14 days or more before the course start date, you will receive a full refund, minus any processing fees or bank fees for check refunds.

• If you request a refund within 14 days but at least 7 days before the course starts, you will receive a 50% refund, minus processing or bank fees.

• No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than 7 days before the course start date due to upfront costs incurred for venue rental and materials.

After the Course Starts:

• No refunds will be issued once the course has started, as venue costs, materials, and other associated expenses cannot be recouped.

How to Request a Refund

• Refund requests must be submitted in writing via email to mary@crimminscommunications.com.

• Please use the subject line Refund Request to ensure prompt processing.

• If you paid via check, please include your mailing address.

• Your refund request must include:

  • Your full name

  • Payment method

  • Reason for the refund request

Processing Details

• Refunds will be processed within 7–10 business days of approval.

• All refunds are subject to payment platform processing fees (e.g., PayPal, Venmo) or bank fees for check refunds.

• Refunds for payments via PayPal or Venmo will be issued minus all processing fees.

• Refunds for check payments will be mailed.

Exceptions

• In cases of unforeseen personal emergencies (e.g., medical issues), refund requests may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Documentation may be required.

• No refunds will be issued for failure to attend or complete the course.

All refund decisions are final and at the discretion of Crimmins Communications.