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“By writing memoir and personal essays, we give form to our histories and make something of meaning and beauty that is uniquely ours,” says instructor Katharine Harer. “I love this genre because you can be yourself, complete with your idiosyncrasies, strong opinions, flashes of wisdom and crazy moments. You can write about that time you got locked inside a porta potty at the Roman Colosseum, or how you learned to make plum jam from your grandfather, or your first kiss in fourth grade.”
In this 9-week class, we’ll do generative writing exercises and optional homework assignments geared toward creating vivid scenes and characters, using fresh sensory details, and identifying our distinct voices, all of which are so important in making memoir and personal essays come alive. We’ll take inspiration from a variety of nonfiction writers—Ann Patchett, Ta-Nehisi Coates, David Sedaris and Maggie Nelson, among others—and practice giving and receiving encouraging, constructive feedback to develop and deepen our writing.
By the end of nine weeks, you’ll take home the tools you’ll need to continue writing memoir and personal essays, as well as at least one completed short draft and seeds for the development of several more.
*This class was originally scheduled to run from September 12-November 07.
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.
No Instructor Specified
- Tuesday, September 19, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Tuesday, September 26, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Tuesday, October 03, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Tuesday, October 10, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Tuesday, October 17, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Tuesday, October 24, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Tuesday, October 31, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Tuesday, November 07, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Tuesday, November 14, 6:30pm-9:00pm
I found Katharine's teaching style empathetic and helpful. She was always about improving, no matter what level we were at.
I think Katharine is a great teacher. She gives everyone respectful, individual attention. She lets everyone have their own opinion and encourages us to listen to each other with the same empathy.
I loved Katharine's teaching style. She pulled out creativity from everyone and offered simple techniques that immediately enhanced the pieces each person was working on.