Writing the Personal Essay

The personal essay inspires both readers and writers to discover new perspectives for looking at the world, understanding their own lives, and discovering meaning in even those moments that without pondering might seem unimportant. It is also among the most marketable of genres. In this four-day course, you engage in writing exercises, small group work, readings of master essayists, workshopping, and studying marketing techniques, and in the process, unearth new story ideas, create messy first drafts, and learn the art and joy of rewriting as well as the pains and pleasures of publication. By the end of our four days together, you will have crafted one 500-to-2,000-word personal essay, as well as planted and begun to develop seeds for many future essays. Suitable for both new and experienced writers.