Women's Personal Essay Writing: A Workshop

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Course Details

  • Location: Online
  • Duration: 9 weeks
  • Times: Evenings
  • Cost : $945

Next Start Date:

January 21, 2025

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About this Course


We write to be seen and to see the world anew. In this generative writing workshop taught by the award-winning instructor and New York Times-featured writer and essayist Natalie Serianni, you’ll practice the art of crafting a compelling personal essay. You’ll master the steps toward becoming a published essayist, including how to generate ideas, develop drafts, offer and receive constructive feedback, revise your own work, pitch and submit to editors, and build and sustain a writing community.

We’ll read and discuss essays by Elissa Washuta, Putsata Reang, CJ Hauser, Melissa Febos, Ada Calhoun, Jane Wong, Jennifer Finney Boylan, Gloria Anzaldúa, Audre Lorde and Elizabeth Rosner. Then you’ll write in response to timed, instructor-designed prompts based on these writers’ works. You’ll leave our time together with two workshopped essays that are ready for submission.

We'll invite three accomplished guest speakers to share their paths and expertise in personal essay writing during interactive lectures and discussions. 

Designed For

Those interested in writing and publishing personal essays and adding new ideas to our social discourse.

See Requirements

Explore More: Always wanted to tell your life story? Consider taking our Memoir Writing; Finding Your Story course.

What You’ll Learn

  • How to shape a basic concept into a viable essay 
  • How to choose a fitting form for your personal essay
  • How to provide, collect and apply feedback in the revision process
  • How to foster relationships with editors and pitch your work to publications
  • How to publish and promote your work

Get Hands-On Experience

  • Develop submittable drafts of two personal essays
  • Craft pitch letters that are ready to send to editors 

OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP

Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.

Learning Format

Online With Real-Time Meetings

Online Synchronous

Combine the convenience of online learning with the immediacy of real-time interaction. You’ll meet with your instructor and classmates at scheduled times over Zoom. Learn More »

Course Sessions

Online Synchronous

Online

Meet your instructor

NONCREDIT COURSE

You'll earn 3 continuing education units (CEUs) for successfully completing this course. Learn more about noncredit options.

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