The Missing Peace Offerings

The Missing Peace began as a dream. A dream we had to give others something radical and life-changing — the healing, connecting, and empowering act of telling your authentic story. True storytelling, or memoir, is a pathway to discovering who you are through your unique life journey. Discovering and embracing your authentic self is a profound act that bonds you with humanity and gives reciprocally to others — in narrating your story, you are building peace for yourself, as well as your community.

Our workshops utilize a unique process we developed to help get to the heart of your story. This process combines oral storytelling through an age-old tradition of “Council Circle,” and stream-of-consciousness memoir writing. Each workshop is custom-tailored. Through a series of prompts built on a specific theme, you will receive helpful insight and guidance in a supportive and safe environment. Through our combination of Council Circle and memoir writing, you will discover your story, reignite creativity, and receive guidance on your written work.

Our workshops are for all skill levels — from novice to veteran writers, or anyone who is interested in learning more about themselves. Workshops are held online. For offerings, dates, and registration, scroll down.

To hear about what others think of our offerings, please see our testimonials page.

About The Missing Peace

The Missing Peace helps others tell their stories, as we have been doing ourselves, working with notable mentors for many years, and leveraging our combined teaching experience and unique areas of focus. Hali’s specialties include Council Circle, memoir writing, and spoken-word performance. Robin’s specialities include memoir writing, linguistics, and literature. To learn more about The Missing Peace, click here.

About the Instructors

Robin Hanson has been writing since the age of 11. She has studied under three different memoir instructors, and has been working on the craft for the past eight years. A lifelong, avid reader, her interest in the written word intensified when she began working at the Santa Monica Public Library while in college. Robin brings her Linguistics degree from UCLA, English teaching experience, interest in human communication, devout love of literature, and her years of writing experience to The Missing Peace workshops. Most importantly, she brings her passion for humanity, and the shared healing experience of expressing true stories to our circle. To learn more about Robin, click here.

Hali Morell is an actress, writer and Council facilitator. Majoring in Theater and Minoring in Creative Writing, Hali has written and performed in two semi-autobiographical plays as well as a one woman show. Studying under four different memoir instructors, Hali has gained immense knowledge on how to craft her own story. Her introduction to the Council process presented itself in 2001 while working at Crossroads School in Santa Monica. To fully understand yourself and your journey, Hali feels that it is imperative to share your true stories with others. To learn more about Hali, click here. 

Offerings

Storytelling Circles

Tell your story in The Missing Peace Storytelling Circle. Our three-hour online sessions include Council circle, stream-of-consciousness writing, and a unique connection to yourself and others in our warm community. Open to everyone. See below for ongoing dates and to register. $60. Drop-ins welcome.

Workshops

Join us for The Missing Peace Workshop. In our online read & critique sessions, you’ll have a chance to listen to fellow writers, and receive supportive feedback on your memoir piece. Please bring 2 double-spaced pages using one of the following prompts: paint the scene for a piece you wrote during one of our latest storytelling circles or a memoir piece you are working on at home. See below for ongoing dates and to register. $50. Drop-ins welcome.

Private Sessions

Hali and Robin offer private sessions, which are custom-tailored. We will co-create with you to design a session that fits your needs. Whether you require constructive critique, direction on a work in progress, or a writing session built on a specific theme, you will receive guidance and support in discovering your authentic voice and fine-tuning your craft. $100 per hour for both instructors or $50 per hour for one. Contact us for more details or to set up a date.

"The two hours Hali and Robin spent to work on my memoir piece was like being at a Missing Peace workshop on steroids. Not only did the time fly by, but their ability to zero in on my piece and help me see where it needed more, along with their deeply insightful questions, has given my writing an entirely new direction. If you’re thinking about having a private writing session with Hali and Robin, I highly recommend it." - Mindi Rivin

“Working with Robin over the past two months has been a joy. She helped me craft a story for my application to a writing program at New York University. When my mother connected me with Robin, I was in need of a creative idea; something that would not only capture who I am as a person, but who I am as a writer. In our first session, I was immediately inspired. Robin helped me discover so many stories within me that I was not even aware that I had. She taught me skills in writing that I will never forget. “Show, don’t tell; always write your authentic truth; and it's your piece and no one else's!” I enjoyed every minute of our time together.” - Dale Slade

Salons

We offer online storytelling celebrations (salons). Our salons are coffeehouse-style events where readers and listeners alike gather to witness true narratives. Our salons typically feature 10 readers, whom we have worked with to help flesh-out, refine, and finalize the “peaces” they will share at our circle. Both storytellers and listeners are welcome! If you would like to read a piece of your own, please contact us. Requirements are that pieces be true and less than 8 minutes long when read aloud.

The Missing Peace Virtual Salon

Upcoming salon date coming soon!



Retreats

Join The Missing Peace for our retreats where we combine inspiring ways of accessing one’s personal story with various modalities, such as yoga, meditation and/or fine art, in addition to our usual combination of oral and written storytelling.

"I loved every minute of the Balance & Peace retreat. The yoga/aromatherapy was both relaxing and rejuvenating, and the writing and storytelling were empowering on so many levels. It’s a beautiful afternoon in a serene environment, which draws a welcoming and intimate group." - Christina Madrid

"Attending this retreat is a must! Don't miss it!! This is a special treat for yourself! The environment is beautiful, and the program is planned with great care, thought and love. Alison is an exceptional yoga instructor. Hali and Robin provide an amazing, safe space for writers to explore their personal story. If you've never written before, or it's been awhile, no worries, you are in great hands with these ladies. And the food provided is so delicious. Hali and Robin put so much love into the programs they run. Trust me. It is time and money very well spent. I really can't say enough good things about their retreats. My only wish is that there were more of them." - Heather McGonigal

Registration

Join The Missing Peace Online!

See below for our upcoming dates and to register.

Storytelling Circles ~ Sunday, January 14 and January 28, 2024 from 11:00 - 2:00 PM PST

This offering is both in person or virtual! If you will be attending in person, the location address will be given after registering. This circle will be held at Robin’s home in Brentwood, Los Angeles.

Storytelling Circles are $60. See more details above. Please contact us for more information. Register here for our offerings. Drop-ins welcome.