We will explore five unique styles of personal essay: narrative, braided, flash, segmented and hermit crab. Each week, we will read a craft lecture on that week’s form, and explore some successful essays that use it. You’ll receive a suggested creative exercise to help prompt your writing for the week. I’ll also provide optional readings if you want to explore further. 

You’ll come away with five new essays, along with feedback on each one from me for further revision. Through these new techniques and exciting nonfiction forms, you will bring the stories of your life alive on the page.

This course is for:

Writers of all levels who are looking to learn classic and experimental forms of the personal essay. You do not need prior experience writing personal essays to join us! 

Learning and Writing Goals

Learning Goals

In this course, you will:

• Learn and evaluate the defining characteristics of five personal essay styles.
• Discern which style of essay best suits various subject matters.
• Analyze provided example essays in each style.

Writing Goals

Each week, we will focus on a different style of personal essay, and you will have the opportunity to write an essay in that style. By the end of class, you will have drafts of five new essays, along with feedback and revision suggestions from me.

Zoom Schedule

The Class will be presented via Zoom on Thursdays from 4:00 – 5:00 P.M. Pacific Time.

Weekly Syllabus

Why Take a Personal Essay Writing Course with Writers.com?

• We welcome writers of all backgrounds, and we are here for one reason: to support you on your writing journey.
• Small groups keep our online writing courses lively and intimate.
• Work through your weekly lectures, course materials, and writing assignments at your own pace.
• Share and discuss your work with fellow writers in a supportive course environment.
• Award-winning instructor Susan Pohlman will offer you direct, personal feedback and suggestions on every assignment you submit.

Click the Enroll Now button below, enter your details on the Checkout page,
and reserve your spot in the course.

$445.00 Original price was: $445.00.$380.00Current price is: $380.00.Enroll Now

The post Shape Your Stories: Write Five Styles of the Personal Essay appeared first on Writers.com.

Fabulous!  Let’s get to work on that screenplay.

Screenwriting is its own art form. Unlike narrative writing, a screenwriter creates a living document that serves as a blueprint for collaborative storytelling. The screenwriter is the one who breathes initial life into the characters, worlds, and dramas unfolding on screen, but he/she/they must also take into account the needs of director, producer and crew who will be shooting the script.

Learning and Writing Goals

This online workshop explores the key concepts and basic elements involved in the process of screenwriting. We will take a look at the three-act structure, discuss character motivation, and become familiar with screenwriting software. We will establish a common vocabulary for approaching the screenplay. (Previous writing experience is not necessary!)

Measurable Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this workshop, you will:

1. Have an understanding of the key concepts of a screenplay.
2. Understand how to a properly format a scene.
3. Become familiar with the seven basic steps to writing a screenplay.
4. Establish a common vocabulary for discussing a screenplay.
5. Write a logline and a treatment for a film idea.

Workshop Schedule

This workshop will be presented via Zoom from 7:00-9:00 P.M. U.S. Eastern Time.

• 30 Min: Introduction
• 15 Min: Taking a look at the three-act structure
• 15 Min: Introducing the seven basic steps for writing a screenplay
• 30 Min: Student writing time (logline and treatment)
• 15 Min: Sharing story ideas
• 15 Min: Questions

The post (Live Workshop) Intro to Screenwriting appeared first on Writers.com.

Scene is the element of craft that captures the heart of the reader. This online class will clarify the difference between narrative summary and scene and present the fundamentals of how to create effective scenes. It will consist of a combination of lecture, close study of classic short stories, and class discussion.

Learning and Writing Goals

Upon successful completion of this workshop, you will:

1. Understand the difference between narrative summary and scene.
2. Study and critique three famous short stories to see scene development on the page.
3. Complete one writing assignment per week to hand in to the instructor.
4. Know how to write a compelling scene.
5. Have a scene evaluation checklist to use for reference in your writing.

Each week, you will write a scene and receive feedback on it. Students will end this course with multiple scenes, which may contribute to a longer story.

Zoom Schedule

The Class will be presented via Zoom on Wednesdays from 4:00 – 5:00 P.M. Pacific Time.

Class Overview

Why Take a Scene Writing Course with Writers.com?

• We welcome writers of all backgrounds and experience levels, and we are here for one reason: to support you on your writing journey.
• Small groups keep our online writing courses lively and intimate.
• Work through your weekly lectures, course materials, and writing assignments at your own pace.
• Share and discuss your work with fellow writers in a supportive course environment.
• Award-winning instructor Susan Pohlman will offer you direct, personal feedback and suggestions on every assignment you submit.

The post Scene Study: Strengthen Your Writing with Compelling Scenes appeared first on Writers.com.