Creative Nonfiction Workshop: Shaping Our Personal Stories

“I truly believe all people have stories worthy of the page,” says instructor Shelby Hinte. “The trick is identifying the best way to tell them.”

In Creative Nonfiction Workshop, students will share drafts of their own personal stories and workshop them through an inquiry-based approach that emphasizes exploration and discovery. While this class will primarily focus on workshopping student writing, each week there will also be short, in-class readings and writing prompts. These prompts will focus on two main elements of craft: form and structure. Class readings and writing exercises are intended to encourage exploration into the various ways our personal stories might take shape. We'll read authors such as Melissa Febos, Vauhini Vara, Jami Nakamura Lin, and others. 

All writers will have two opportunities to share drafts of creative nonfiction pieces in an encouraging and supportive workshop environment. Maximum word count per submission is 5,000 words. Students will receive both oral and written feedback on their drafts from peers and the instructor.

Students will leave this class with a handful of generative writing leads, two workshopped drafts, and a plan for revision. Shelby will provide generous feedback on student work to encourage writing during class and beyond.

*Because of the nature of the workshop process, enrollment will be capped at 9 to ensure that ample attention is given to each writer and their work.

About The Writing Salon's In-Person Classes

In-person class schedules are subject to sudden change or cancellation due to Covid. We will communicate any course changes to you as quickly as possible. Masking, social distancing, and other Covid measures will be enforced in accordance with local guidelines. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about your class. If you have any questions about in-person learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.