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Writing Trauma

hands writing with a pencil on a stack of papers
WRITING 721.6E

Learn to write about traumatic experiences in this introductory lecture for writers of all experience levels.

Duration
As few as 1 day
Units
0.0
Current Formats
Live Online
Cost
$0

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What you can learn.

Respond to writing prompts, live exercises, and reflections that help you contend with difficult memories
Broaden your approach to writing about lived experiences
Discuss the role of trauma in writing and how it can be employed to craft compelling, meaningful stories
Review published works by master writers whose works invite deeper understanding of traumatic events and experiences

About This Course

Writing about trauma allows us to process and give voice to our most challenging experiences, fostering healing and personal growth through creative expression. In this class, we’ll engage in writing prompts, live exercises, discussions, and reflections. Given the sensitive nature of writing about trauma, sharing your work with the class is optional, though there will be space and time for those who wish to do so. We’ll explore prompts that align with various methods for writing trauma, broadening our approaches. We’ll also review short examples from authors such as Elissa Washuta, Jeanne Thornton, Joan Didion, Claudia Rankine, and Wren Hanks.

Winter 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
Saturday 10:00AM - 1:00PM PT
Instructor:
REG#
405782
Live Onlineformat icon
UCLA X Open
Updating...
Notes
Enrollment limited; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
Course Requirements

Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Sat Jan 24, 2026
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA X Open
writers sitting in collaborative space discussing a topic

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