EXPRESS YOURSELF THROUGH THE PERSONAL ESSAY
The best personal essays reach out to the reader and connect. They make you laugh, cry, teach you something new, and let you live someone else's experience. For the writer, the personal essay can be a powerful tool, allowing you to transform the worst experiences into meaningful, cathartic substance -- or to share the best experiences and live them again and again.
But personal essay writing is also a craft. What separates a compelling personal essay from mere recounting a story?
This class will explore the basics of writing and will include exercises such as keeping a writer's notebook, and turning experience into narrative.
In this class, you will learn:
- What makes a powerful personal essay
- How to find a narrative voice to weave throughout your work
- How to know what to leave in and what to leave out
- How to edit your own work
ACCOLADES FOR SIOBHAN'S WRITING WORKSHOP:
"Siobhan, Thank you for providing an atmosphere of safety and
camaraderie for a beginning writer. I appreciate the instant
feedback, helpful critiques, and editing you provided. Your
discernment about what works and what does not work in a piece of
writing was really helpful. One of my favorite parts of class was
sharing our stories; it was the perfect experience to build my
confidence and jumpstart my writing. I am so glad I took this class.
I looked forward to it every week. I will miss everyone."
-Margaret Thomas
“I enjoyed the class
and learned/relearned things I've forgotten or never paid attention
to. I liked the writing exercises whether in or out of class. I
certainly learned about ideas on linking the first and last
paragraphs; presenting a hook; remembering not to mention a character
without letting the reader know more about them; and being too close
to the subject I'm writing about without taking into account the
reader not having all the background information to understand it.
In addition the use of a quote only if it adds to the story/essay
resonated with me as I like quotes and I know now to focus on
descriptive words that paint a picture." Annie Rodgers
“I truly learned many, many helpful ideas in your classes...let me know if you will have any further writing classes.” -Cindy Schwartz
For Siobhan Fitzpatrick's background, please visit her "Biography."
For editorial services that Siobhan offers, please visit "Services."
