Writers of nonfiction are often called to the page in order to excavate our own experiences; it is also the writer’s job to attempt to make sense of the world around us, and of the larger human condition. Strong nonfiction—be it memoir, personal essay, or reported work—is at once deeply particular, and taps into the universal. As writers, how do we ensure that our stories are bigger than just us, and that they resonate with others? 

In this class, we’ll use generative exercises, workshop-style feedback sessions, and discussions on published works to expand our skills as nonfiction storytellers, focusing on both style and substance. We’ll look at how scene, exposition, sentence-level craft, and larger structural choices work together to create a narrative whole, and we’ll practice making this happen on the page.

Whether you’re new to writing or are a veteran storyteller wanting support with a current memoir or essay project, this class will provide the opportunity to go deep into your work, probe the purpose and craft of the personal narrative, and hone your skills as a writer.