Your Story Matters: The Building Blocks of the Personal Essay

People tend to think that only those who have gone through sensational, dramatic experiences have something worth writing about. I disagree: not only does everyone have rich, singular lives worth exploring on the page, but the tools that make even the most mundane seeming topics compelling to a reader are all about perspective and practice. In this class, we will be examining the building blocks of personal essay writing (details, characters, point of view, description, focus, even more general ideas like Theme and Truth) in order to get comfortable with the process of writing about ourselves and get excited about the possibilities of exploring who we are. This is a generative class for new/beginning writers, meaning that it will focus on writing toward prompts and encouraging discussion of the material you share rather than critical feedback or finishing pieces. We will read and discuss personal essays and memoir excerpts, but we will also look at poetry, short fiction, and criticism as well in order to expand our understanding of what can be considered “personal” writing.

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Details: Your Story Matters: The Building Blocks of the Personal Essay meets Thursdays April 4, April 11, April 18, April 25, May 2, May 9, May 16, and May 23 from 6:30-8:30pm remotely online via Zoom.

Prerequisites: None

Genre: Nonfiction or memoir

Level: Emerging

Format: Generative writing workshop with at-home writing and group sharing

Location: This class takes place remotely online via Zoom.

Size: Limited to 12 participants (including scholarships)

Suggested Sequence: Follow this class with another generative fiction writing workshop or a feedback course.

Scholarships: Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by December 11.

Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email info@litcleveland.org.