Class Description
Sometimes the smallest moment — or the shortest essay — holds the greatest revelation. In this generative class, you’ll write six personal essays between 500 and 1,000 words. You’ll experiment with a variety of essay formats, play with voice and structure, and take a fresh look at your own life experience.
Each week, you’ll write a new essay in response to a prompt, and we’ll follow a rotating workshop schedule to discuss those drafts in class. You’ll receive thoughtful, targeted feedback on at least three pieces, focused on what’s working and how to strengthen and refine it. We’ll also read and discuss published essays from writers like Ira Sukrungruarg, Neema Avashia, Zadie Smith, Brian Doyle, Gwendolyn Wallace, Ryan Van Meter, Theresa Okokon, Roxane Gay, Cheryl Strayed, Annie Dillard, Virginia Woolf, Sei Shōnagon, Michel de Montaigne and others—studying how they meld their experiences and their ideas into powerful narratives.
Throughout the course, we’ll cover practical revision strategies and explore how—and where—to submit your work. By the end, you’ll leave with six new drafts, exposure to the many possibilities of the personal essay form, and fresh insights into the publication process.
Writing Roadmap: We've created a simple, goal-based writing roadmap to help you find the perfect GrubStreet course for your writing needs.
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 detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.
Covid-19 Update:
GrubStreet's space will be mask-optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in person.
Space Accessibility:
Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA-compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.