Class Description
In this generative workshop, you'll learn how to write short personal essays commonly found in popular, mainstream publications. These essays are straightforward, direct and to the point. They usually focus on a poignant personal transformation, have a strong “I” voice narrator from the start, and provide the reader with some universal take-away or lesson. They're also brief: between 750 and 1,500 words. Each week you’ll examine a variety of these essays from a variety of commercial, popular and niche magazines, newspapers, websites and journals, and learn the craft of how to write them. You will model your work after essays seen in the such publications as Boston Globe Magazine "Connections," The New York Times "Modern Love," Huffington Post Personal, Today.com, NBC News "Think," WBUR Cognoscenti, Boston Globe "Ideas," Washington Post and publications on specialized topics like travel (Yankee, Afar), food (Bon Appétit), parenting (Motherwell), and other niche interests, lifestyles and hobbies.
Over our 6 weeks together, you'll write at least 2 short essays (1500 words maximum), each modeled after the published examples we'll be discussing. Readings, discussion and lectures will provide insight into the craft, form, structure and other elements. You'll also complete shorter in-class and take-home exercises to immediately put into practice what you observe (and may serve as "germs" for your essays). Students and the instructor will offer oral feedback on all student essays submitted to the workshop. We’ll also cover the nuts and bolts for submitting your work to publications and students will be encouraged to submit their work. By the end of the workshop, students will understand and test the range of the voices and styles of the short, publishable personal essay, and be prepared to submit them for publication.
Note: We will not be writing experimental or literary essays–our focus will be on mastering the voice, style and form of essays destined for mainstream publications.
Writing Roadmap: We've created a simple, goal-based writing roadmap to help you find the perfect GrubStreet course for your writing needs.Class RosterTicket SKUsScholarshipsFormat/Location
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.