“MEMOIR AND PERSONAL ESSAY:

BEYOND THE BASICS PART II”—Self-Guided Version

FIVE-WEEK ONLINE CLASS (ASYNCHRONOUS)

Mon., Jan. 20 - Sun., Feb. 23, 2025

Tackle a big writing project in this second of a two-part series and take your craft to the next level.

Cost: $60
Optional Office Hour with me (live via Zoom): +$50

Curious about how I teach? Read testimony here.

Logistics
Self-guided, asynchronous class that you go through with a group. Designed to keep you motivated and moving ahead with your projects, it allows you to access materials on your own schedule. Before it begins, you will receive instructions on how to log on to the course through the online Wet Ink platform. Should they choose to participate, you will also receive written comments on your work from your peers. New lessons will open on 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, and 2/17. The course site will close on 2/23, after which you will be sent a zip file of all course materials (written lectures including audio/video formats, readings, exercises, discussion questions).

Though the class is without an instructor, for an extra $50 you can join me for one open office hour via Zoom to discuss your writing on any of these dates/times (Eastern): Tues., Jan. 28 2-3 p.m.; Mon., Feb. 3 12:30-1:30 p.m.; Tues., Feb. 11 4-5 p.m.; or Tues., Feb. 18 4-5 p.m.

Description
This second of a two-part series is designed for those who have already explored the basics of personal writing and wish to move on to a larger project or more challenging forms. You can work on either a section of a memoir or on a personal essay in a variety of styles. In this Part II course, you will learn how to structure chapters or essays, including how to incorporate reflection and research, move around in time, revise effectively, and prepare for publication. We will examine texts from published authors to analyze their writing techniques and play with ways to use those approaches in our own writing. You will explore a larger question/topic in depth through writing two optional 500-word pieces and one chapter/essay between 1,000 and 3,000 words.

Outcomes
·      Form regular writing community and deadlines to jumpstart projects
·      Explore and identify examples of essays/memoir working with structure
·      Develop writing approach through exercises, lectures, and discussions
·      Learn constructive peer review practices
·      Gain strategies in revising and submitting for publication

Schedule

WEEK 1: WRITING LONG

WEEK 2: NON-CHRONOLOGICAL STRUCTURE (optional office hour #1)

WEEK 3: WRITING OUT OF ORDER (optional office hour #2)

WEEK 4: REVISION (optional office hour #3)

WEEK 5: PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION (optional office hour #4)

Questions? Email me.