The Writers' Toolbox [Personal Essays] Self-Paced

*Although this is a self-paced series of lectures comprised of prerecorded classes, a one time short writing sample under 250 words can be sent directly to Julianne for light commentary. For further input on your work, we have editing services. Reach out to us for rates, services and payment options. As well, don’t hesitate to place your exercises and other essay efforts in the Shared Work folder where participants can see what you’re up to. May we grow encouragement and connection as our shared anthology goal unfolds.

In this first round of sessions — with personal essay in mind and deepening our understanding from the Basic Guide — we will explore:

~First-person voice & the inclusive speaker

~Ways to begin

~Time as a tool for suspense and structure

~Showing and telling (hypotactic and paratactic styles)

This craft talk format uses excerpts from published work to illustrate and illuminate tools and styles. Though we’re looking at skills with the personal essay in mind, we’ll often use work from other genres (poetry, short fiction) to home in on these topics and build skills for whatever writing we may do. May we deepen our foundation and confidence as writers, and come away inspired with new things to try.

Instructor: Julianne Cohen

Julianne fell in love with books at 4 years old when her mother left The Wizard of Oz on the night table next to a crayon…and in the dead of night, in a circle of lamplight, she colored messages to Dorothy in the margins. Editing, teaching and writing for 37 years, she graduated eons ago from UC Irvine’s MFA Programs in Writing where she taught undergraduate courses in composition, fiction writing and literature before moving to private editing. Her short fiction appeared in Alaska Quarterly, The Rattling Wall, Salmagundi and many others. She is co-editor, with Samantha Dunn, of fiction anthology Women on the Edge: Writing from Los Angeles. Her daughter Lulu started S2C last year and her greatest joy is witnessing spellers share their voices with the world. Her firm belief is that you are our teachers, here to change the world with your vision and voice.

Details:

Four, 50-minute sessions

Payment options: email evelyn@merakispellers.com to discuss alternative payment options, if needed.

Upon registration, you will receive access to a Teams folder where all sessions can be accessed at your own pace.

Cancellation Policy

Self-paced online course refunds will only be considered if the link to access the course has not been sent to the participant. After the link is sent, no refunds will be given.