Master Class in Creative Nonfiction Writing
Review and reimagine your creative nonfiction book manuscript in this three-quarter course for students revising their work toward finding and agent and submitting to publishers.
What you can learn.
- Review the elements of craft that make for powerful creative nonfiction
- Discover how to weave universal themes into your next draft
- Listen to guest speakers guide you through writing, revising, and publishing
- Get feedback on your manuscript and query from an established agent in the field
About this course:
Designed for writers serious about revising their draft memoirs and personal essay collections into polished works for publication, this 30-week course allows for in-depth critiques from a community of nonfiction writers, personalized guidance, and ongoing, one-on-one mentoring from a professional writer. In a challenging but supportive workshop environment, you will study the advanced elements of craft such as capturing memorable moments, developing a narrative structure, braiding your story with larger universal themes, and the art of revision. Guest speakers share their insights on writing, publishing, and the nonfiction market as you shape your next draft and prepare a professional book proposal. Master Class students' excerpts are submitted to an established agent for review and consideration at the completion of the course. Participants may withdraw their application any time before acceptance. A submission of a complete memoir manuscript or collection of essays and a $10 nonrefundable application fee are required.Fall 2020 Schedule
Available Format(s):
These courses have regular meeting times and are fully online, via remote instruction. Click “See Details” below for more information.
No meetings November 24; December 22 & 29, 2020; January 5; March 23, 2021.
Deadline for application is August 31, 2020 at 9 am (PST) and there is a $10 non-refundable application fee. Restricted course; approval needed to enroll. Not eligible for any discounts. Enrollment limited to eight students. Visitors not permitted. No refund after enrolling.
Submission Guidelines for Master Class in Creative Nonfiction Writing
Please submit the following materials (Word Document or PDF only): a one-page personal statement that includes your writing background, previous creative writing courses taken, a two-page synopsis of your work-in-progress, and the completed first draft of your creative nonfiction manuscript (either a memoir or personal essay collection). (Note: participants in this master class work only on the project submitted for admission. No exceptions. Each page should be numbered, typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, and double spaced with 1-inch margins.)
This course uses remote instruction. As such, instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at course meeting times as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation.
Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.
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