Exploring Creative Nonfiction

This course is designed for students who want to learn more about the genre of creative nonfiction, and who are interested in putting their personal stories out into the world through memoir and/or personal essays. We'll discuss key aspects of powerful personal writing–a sense of conflict, action, emotional stakes, time, place/setting and scene, and the ""movement toward wisdom"" of the protagonist. We'll also look at various sub-genres, including flash memoir pieces and short essays, as well as book-length memoir and essay collections.

In addition to these craft topics, students will have opportunities to try out various aspects of craft through in-class writing exercises, and will have opportunities to share short excerpts of their work in class. By the end of the course, students will have numerous short drafts in progress, a better understanding of creative nonfiction, and possible ideas for a memoir, essay or other work.

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.