How do you turn a memory or life experience into a powerful essay? In this interactive workshop, learn how to structure essays and the key narrative techniques that make readers care, understand, think, laugh, or all of the above

There are no available registration dates at this time.

Note: This course will be held online using the Zoom Platform. Classes will be held on six consecutive Wednesdays 6:30-8 pm EST (Sept 7, 14, 21, 28 and Oct 5, 12). Plus 20 min one on one time per student to be scheduled with your instructor.

The personal essay form not only offers you stories to share with your family, it is also especially popular in today’s wide variety of print and online publishing venues. But how do you tap into meaningful story material? How do you turn a memory or life experience into a powerful essay? In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to structure essays and the key narrative techniques that make readers care, understand, think, laugh, or all of the above.

Expect submission deadlines, brief in-class writing exercises, instruction on craft, and feedback discussions that serve every participant’s work from the first draft to the final form.

You should leave with at least one essay close to being finished, as well as several new ideas.

Open to writers of all levels.

Course Requirements:

Required reading: Good Naked: How to Write More, Write Better, and Be Happier (new and revised edition, University of New Mexico Press https://unmpress.com/books/good-naked/9780826364364).


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Instructor: Joni Cole

Joni B. Cole is the author of two acclaimed writing guides: Good Naked (included in Poets & Writers list of Best Books for Writers); and Toxic Feedback (“I can’t imagine a better guide to writing’s rewards and perils than this fine book,” American Book Review.) She founded the Writer's Center of White River Junction, Vermont, and is a popular teacher and speaker at a variety of academic programs, writing conferences, and nonprofit organizations. Joni is the creator and host of the podcast Author, Can I Ask You? and a contributor to The Writer magazine.

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