Workshops
How do you turn a memory or life experience into a powerful essay? Guided by Joni Cole, learn how to structure essays and the key narrative techniques that will engage your readers.
Dates:
Jul 30, 2024 - Sep 3, 2024
Levels:
Intermediate,
Advanced,
Workshop Fee: $595
Workshop Duration: 12 hours over 6 sessions (Tuesdays, 3-5pm ET)
Workshop Location: Online
Class Size: 12
Note: This workshop will be held in a live, online format utilizing the Zoom platform.
Class meets Tuesdays, Jul 30, Aug 6, 13, 20, 27 & Sep 3 from 3-5pm ET.
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.
Student Testimonials
“[Joni’s] workshops have had a huge impact on my personal writing, academic writing, and my teaching. Not to mention my general love of life.” Lisa Baldez, Dartmouth professor
“I am fortunate enough to take workshops with Joni, and I can tell you that she’s as funny in person as she is on the page….There is a depth in her humor and teaching that reaches our common humanity.” Mary van Beuren, memoirist
“I can’t stress enough the power of a good workshop, and yours are the best. Little miracles happen every week.” Elizabeth Jane Whittington, poet, teacher
“Of course, I get so much value from your observations on craft, but the less obvious thing is how you facilitate discussion…You have a great skill in providing respectful, honest, and positive feedback that keeps people going forward.” Drew Rockwell, novelist, entrepreneur
Works by Joni Cole
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Instructor: Joni Cole
Joni B. Cole is a writing instructor and author of seven books, and has also authored two books for writers: Good Naked: How to Write More, Write Better, and Be Happier (listed as one of the "Best Books for Writers" by Poets & Writers magazine); and Toxic Feedback: Helping Writers Survive and Thrive (“strongly recommended” for students and teachers by Library Journal). Nominated for a US Fellowship Award and Pushcart Prize, she created the three-volume “This Day” series that shares a day in the life of hundreds of women across America (“fascinating and eye-opening,” Publisher's Weekly). For twenty-five years, Joni has taught online and in-person creative writing to adults through her own Writer's Center in White River Junction, Vermont, as well as at academic programs and conferences around the country.
