BEHIND
the COURSE
With gentle encouragement and an art director's eye, I collaborate with my couples to create effortlessly editorial images full of pure love, stunning backdrops, and natural moments (with just enough guidance!)
Light is my biggest inspiration, and I find weddings to be complex, joyous, fashion-filled, emotional, utterly beautiful celebrations that I can't get enough of.
ENNEAGRAM 8, CREATIVE TO MY CORE, ARTIST, ROMANTIC, JANE AUSTIN STAN
about
abigail
as seen in
Harpers Bazaar / Vogue
Marie Claire / Weddings Magazine
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As a globally celebrated wedding photographer with nearly two decade’s experience, Tec Petaja brings an innate knowledge of composition, mood, and light to every moment he captures.
by abigail fitzgerald
About
Author
the
as seen in
Harpers Bazaar / Vogue
Marie Claire / Weddings Magazine
Does this sound familiar?
You’re tired of writing alone, staring at a blank page, and wondering if you’ll ever finish.
You’re overwhelmed by conflicting advice: should you focus on structure, style, or just getting words on the page?
You’re held back by self doubt and limiting stories that tell you you're not good enough to be a real writer.
You crave feedback, accountability, and a supportive community of like-minded writers who actually get it.
Here’s the truth: You don’t have to do this alone.
Imagine Instead:
...to guide you through the writing process with clarity and confidence, and keep you consistent with your writing goals.
...who cheer you on, offer feedback and editing of your work, and hold you accountable.
...and industry professionals who’ve been where you are and know how to help you move forward.
Monthly Online
Writing Workshops
01
Learn directly from top published authors and literary professionals to hone your craft and stay inspired. These 90-minute workshops offer a blend of instruction, practice, and sharing.
Here’s what’s waiting for you inside
The Story Sanctuary Membership…
Breakthrough Group Coaching Calls
02
Hosted by coach, writer, and The Story House founder, Melyssa Griffin. These calls are designed to help you break through limiting beliefs, self doubt, and stagnancy so that you can get back to the joy of writing and putting your work out there.
“Meet the Author”
Live Interviews
03
Get behind-the-scenes insights into the writing process, publishing industry, and creative breakthroughs.
Private Online
Member Forum
04
This is the place to share your work, get feedback, ask questions, and connect with a supportive community of writers who understand your journey.
Accountability + Feedback Sessions
05
Our Accountability Sessions give you the chance to write quietly with other members online. And our Feedback Sessions offer you the chance to get feedback from other members on your work!
2x/year Virtual
Writing Retreats
PLUS, IF YOU JOIN THE "ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP" YOU ALSO GET...
Full days of workshops, feedback, community, and momentum. Your writing will never be the same. You can join online from anywhere in the world!
"This retreat opened up possibilities I didn’t know I had. It was tremendously helpful."
- Janani
It all started in 2023 with Fable, a cozy bookshop nestled in Lisbon that quickly became more than just a place to buy books. It became a gathering space for writers, dreamers, and creatives craving connection. Week after week, we hosted sold-out workshops and intimate writers’ hours, and it became clear that people weren’t just looking for books – they were looking for belonging.
About Us
The Story House was born from a simple idea: everyone has a story to tell.
That’s when the idea for The Story House was sparked. We wanted to create a space where writers of all levels could come together to learn, grow, and share their stories in an environment that’s inclusive, inspiring, and free of gatekeeping.
Now, The Story House is a global community offering retreats, online courses, and our online membership, The Story Sanctuary – a space designed to give you the tools, accountability, and support you need to keep writing. Every program is led by published authors and writing professionals, because we believe world-class education should be accessible to everyone.
And here’s the heart of it: we know that everyone has a story worth telling – including you. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been writing for years, The Story House is here to help you take your craft to the next level, surrounded by a community that truly gets it.
Let’s write your story together.
Our 90-minute workshops are led by acclaimed authors or writing professionals who are here to help you improve your craft. Each session blends instruction with implementation, so you’ll leave with actionable insights and progress on your writing. Think of it as a masterclass designed to inspire and elevate your work.
What happens during
the monthly workshops?
03
Not at all! Some members come with a clear project in mind, while others join to explore their creativity and find inspiration. Whether you’re drafting a novel, journaling for self-discovery, or just dipping your toes into writing, you’ll find support and tools to help you grow.
Do I need to have a specific writing project to join?
02
The Story Sanctuary is for anyone who loves writing and wants to grow, whether you’re just starting out, working on your first draft, or polishing a manuscript. It’s for novelists, poets, essayists, and anyone who feels called to put pen to paper. If you’re craving connection, accountability, and expert guidance, this is your space.
Who is this membership for?
01
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
No worries! All workshops and interviews are recorded and uploaded to your member portal, so you can watch (or re-watch) them anytime that works for you.
What if I can’t attend a live workshop or author interview?
04
Accountability Sessions are 60-minute silent co-writing sessions where you can log in, set your focus, and write alongside the community. It’s all about building a consistent writing practice in a supportive environment. Once the hour is up, you’re welcome to hop into our online forum to share your work and connect with others, if you’d like.
What are Accountability Sessions and how do they work?
05
Our forum is your go-to space for all things writing. You’ll find dedicated areas to discuss craft and get advice, share your work, find an accountability partner, share your wins, and get peer feedback. It’s designed to be easy to navigate and full of supportive, like-minded writers ready to connect.
How does the online forum work?
06
Absolutely! Every Wednesday, we host “Feedback Wednesdays” in the forum. You can post a piece of your work and receive thoughtful feedback from other members. We also host live feedback sessions where you can exchange your work with another member and offer feedback live. It’s a great way to grow as a writer and build community.
Will I get feedback on
my writing?
07
Nope. The Story Sanctuary is a supportive, non-judgmental space where writers lift each other up. We created this membership because we were tired of writing spaces that felt hierarchical or gatekeep-y. Here, inclusivity is key, and while we’re serious about helping you grow, we’re just as serious about creating a warm, welcoming environment.
Is this a competitive environment?
08
Each month, we gather with our founder and coach, Melyssa Griffin, for a live Breakthrough Coaching call where we work directly on what’s getting in your way. Together, we untangle self-doubt, perfectionism, fear of being seen, and the inner narratives that keep you stuck so you can leave feeling clearer, lighter, and more able to move forward with your writing.
What happens during the Breakthrough Coaching Calls?
09
Nope! While our bookshop, Fable, began in Lisbon, The Story House is now a global online community open to writers everywhere, no matter where you call home.
Do I need to live in
Lisbon to join?
10
What You'll Receive:
Monthly Online Writing Workshops
“Meet the Author” Live Interviews
Live Accountability + Peer Feedback Sessions
Join The Story SANCTUARY and RECEIVE the support, tools, and community you need to make real progress on your writing GOALS.
Plus: If you join our annual plan you'll get to join our biannual virtual writing retreats!
Breakthrough Group Coaching Calls with Melyssa Griffin
Private Online Forum
Just fill out the form below to instantly receive your free 26-page guide on how to turn the ideas in your head into a handy, one-page outline for your book.
From Idea to Outline:
Create a One-Page Plan
for Your Book
free download