This course will invite would-be writers into the landscape of personal essay writing. Through reading, discussion, craft, and care, students will be guided to write a polished personal essay to submit to publications.
Do you consider yourself a non-writer but want to write? Are you new to writing and want to learn more about personal essays? This introductory-level class will share the elements of the personal essay, its various forms, and how an idea becomes an extended piece. We'll read and discuss personal essays, write to small prompts, and share our work. Students will leave the class with a personal essay, feedback from peers and instructor, and confidence that they, too, are writers.
Course texts include Putsata Reang: "At Sea and Seeking a Safe Harbor;" CJ Hauser: "The Crane Wife;" Michelle Zauner: "Crying in Hmart;" and many more by Melissa Febos, Joann Beard, Elissa Washuta, Angela Garbes, and Christina Rivera Cogswell

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.