Your Story Matters: The Building Blocks of the Personal Essay

It is often assumed that only those who have gone through sensational, dramatic experiences have something worth writing personal essays 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 exploring and honing your individual 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 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 takes place Wednesdays January 14, January 21, January 28, February 4, February 11, and February 18th from 6:30 - 8:30 PM remotely online via Zoom.

‍Genre: Nonfiction or memoir

Level: Emerging

Format: Generative workshop with writing in class and outside of class

Location: This class takes place remotely online via Zoom.

Size: Limited to 14 participants (including scholarships).

Scholarships: Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by December 15. Click here to apply.

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