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Amy Bloom
This class is the chance to create your personal essay or extend into a full memoir -- from planning and structure to bold narrative brushstrokes to the layering of significant detail. You will develop the opportunity to find your voice and see it come alive, amplified and improved, on the page. This is the chance to tell your story in a way that invites readers in; your story, written to be read. The memoir and personal essay are two of the best-selling and most universally acclaimed genres in the world of modern creative writing. Welcome to your story.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/a3pmje/writing
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What's inside
Syllabus
How to Begin... and How to Continue
In this week, you will learn how to discover what you wish to say, and how to organize your material and your story (and what is the difference between the two).
Read more
Syllabus
How to Begin... and How to Continue
In this week, you will learn how to discover what you wish to say, and how to organize your material and your story (and what is the difference between the two).
Read more
How Not to Fail
In this week you lean how to overcome your internal critic and your fears.
The Truth of the Story Lies in the Details
In this week, you will learn how to sift through the dusty attic of all your memories, to find the ones that are narrative gold.
Writing to be Read
In this week, you will learn how to tell a good sentence from a bad one and how to absorb the lessons of great memoirists and essayist, without copying anyone.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Focuses on developing a strong voice in writing
Provides a structured approach to writing memoirs and personal essays
Helps writers overcome self-doubt and fears
Emphasizes the importance of crafting engaging and readable prose
Suitable for both beginners and experienced writers
Save this course
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Reviews summary
Personal essay writing skills
Learners largely agree that this course provides engaging assignments and helps learners improve their personal essay writing. According to students, the course offers helpful prompts, thoughtful lectures, and valuable insights into the craft of writing insightful personal essays. The high sentiment surrounding this course indicates that it is well-received by learners who appreciate the clear guidance and structured approach it provides.
The instructions provided are clear and helpful.
"The instructions made me a stronger writer."
"Her assignments are clearly explained and thoughtfully designed."
"The materials are clear and useful."
Students find the instructor to be engaging and knowledgeable.
"The course lecturer was incredible. I was so interested and engaged in the assignments."
"Amy Bloom is an awesome lecturer. She knows her craft well and cites the most awesome examples from published and known works."
"Amy Bloom is a wonderful teacher."
The course content is well-structured and provides a good foundation.
"It provides the foundation, structure and overview of writing a personal essay but also many examples of how it applies to all writing."
"I took away a lot from this course and highly recommend it to everyone who uses a pen or keyboard."
"This course taught me to be a less afraid to share about myself, and allowed me to explore that what I have to say may indeed be relatable to others."
A few learners have reported technical issues, including inaccuracies in transcripts.
"The quality of the transcripts is abysmal; every transcript is scattered with errors."
"Despite the poor quality, I was motivated to write and I learned something so all is not lost."
Some learners have found peer feedback to be difficult due to language barriers and inconsistent quality.
"Most of the people I've had to review or who have reviewed my submissions have enormous difficulty with the English language."
"I've had to wait a long time for others to catch-up so I could finish the course."
"Very frustrating."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Writing a Personal Essay with these
activities:
Compile a list of your favorite memoirs
Show steps
Encourages active reading and reflection on different memoir styles and approaches, broadening your understanding of the genre.
Browse courses on
Literary Analysis
Show steps
-
Read a variety of memoirs that interest you.
-
Take notes on what you admire or find unique about each memoir.
-
Create a list of your favorite memoirs and briefly summarize why you enjoyed each one.
Explore online tutorials on memoir writing
Show steps
Provides additional resources and guidance on specific aspects of memoir writing, such as structure, style, and voice.
Browse courses on
Memoir Writing
Show steps
-
Search for online tutorials on memoir writing using resources such as YouTube or Skillshare.
-
Choose tutorials that align with your interests and skill level.
-
Follow the tutorials, taking notes and applying the techniques to your writing.
Read 'The Art of Memoir' by Mary Karr
Show steps
Offers insights into the craft of memoir writing, providing a strong foundation for developing your memoir or personal essay.
View
Tropic of Squalor
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Purchase the book and set aside time for reading.
-
Read the book in its entirety, taking notes on key concepts, techniques, and examples.
-
Reflect on how the book's lessons resonate with your own writing practice.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a timeline of a significant event or period in your life
Show steps
Prompts you to gather and organize your memories, providing a valuable starting point for writing a memoir or personal essay.
Browse courses on
Memoir Writing
Show steps
-
Choose a significant event or period in your life that you would like to explore in your memoir.
-
Research and gather information about the event or period.
-
Create a timeline, noting key dates, people, and events.
Join a memoir writing group or workshop
Show steps
Offers a platform for sharing your work with others, receiving feedback, and learning from different perspectives on memoir writing.
Browse courses on
Memoir Writing
Show steps
-
Research and find a memoir writing group or workshop that fits your interests and schedule.
-
Join the group or workshop and actively participate in discussions and writing exercises.
-
Share your work with the group and provide feedback to others.
Write a sample memoir or personal essay
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to put into practice the principles of memoir writing and receive feedback on your work.
Browse courses on
Memoir Writing
Show steps
-
Choose a specific experience or theme to write about.
-
Brainstorm and outline your ideas.
-
Write a draft of your memoir or personal essay.
-
Share your work with a peer or instructor for feedback and critique.
Attend a memoir or creative writing workshop
Show steps
Provides an immersive opportunity to learn from experienced writers, receive feedback on your work, and connect with others in the writing community.
Browse courses on
Memoir Writing
Show steps
-
Research and find a memoir or creative writing workshop that aligns with your interests and skill level.
-
Register for the workshop and actively participate in all sessions.
-
Share your work with the group and engage in constructive discussions.
Write a personal essay based on the memoir or essay you're working on
Show steps
Encourages you to focus on a specific aspect or theme from your memoir and craft a polished, standalone piece of writing.
Show steps
-
Identify a specific experience or theme from your memoir that you want to explore in more depth.
-
Research and gather additional information if necessary.
-
Write a draft of your personal essay.
-
Revise and edit your essay, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and impact.
Compile a list of your favorite memoirs
Show steps
Encourages active reading and reflection on different memoir styles and approaches, broadening your understanding of the genre.
Browse courses on
Literary Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read a variety of memoirs that interest you.
- Take notes on what you admire or find unique about each memoir.
- Create a list of your favorite memoirs and briefly summarize why you enjoyed each one.
Explore online tutorials on memoir writing
Show steps
Provides additional resources and guidance on specific aspects of memoir writing, such as structure, style, and voice.
Browse courses on
Memoir Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for online tutorials on memoir writing using resources such as YouTube or Skillshare.
- Choose tutorials that align with your interests and skill level.
- Follow the tutorials, taking notes and applying the techniques to your writing.
Read 'The Art of Memoir' by Mary Karr
Show steps
Offers insights into the craft of memoir writing, providing a strong foundation for developing your memoir or personal essay.
View
Tropic of Squalor
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase the book and set aside time for reading.
- Read the book in its entirety, taking notes on key concepts, techniques, and examples.
- Reflect on how the book's lessons resonate with your own writing practice.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a timeline of a significant event or period in your life
Show steps
Prompts you to gather and organize your memories, providing a valuable starting point for writing a memoir or personal essay.
Browse courses on
Memoir Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a significant event or period in your life that you would like to explore in your memoir.
- Research and gather information about the event or period.
- Create a timeline, noting key dates, people, and events.
Join a memoir writing group or workshop
Show steps
Offers a platform for sharing your work with others, receiving feedback, and learning from different perspectives on memoir writing.
Browse courses on
Memoir Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and find a memoir writing group or workshop that fits your interests and schedule.
- Join the group or workshop and actively participate in discussions and writing exercises.
- Share your work with the group and provide feedback to others.
Write a sample memoir or personal essay
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to put into practice the principles of memoir writing and receive feedback on your work.
Browse courses on
Memoir Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific experience or theme to write about.
- Brainstorm and outline your ideas.
- Write a draft of your memoir or personal essay.
- Share your work with a peer or instructor for feedback and critique.
Attend a memoir or creative writing workshop
Show steps
Provides an immersive opportunity to learn from experienced writers, receive feedback on your work, and connect with others in the writing community.
Browse courses on
Memoir Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and find a memoir or creative writing workshop that aligns with your interests and skill level.
- Register for the workshop and actively participate in all sessions.
- Share your work with the group and engage in constructive discussions.
Write a personal essay based on the memoir or essay you're working on
Show steps
Encourages you to focus on a specific aspect or theme from your memoir and craft a polished, standalone piece of writing.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific experience or theme from your memoir that you want to explore in more depth.
- Research and gather additional information if necessary.
- Write a draft of your personal essay.
- Revise and edit your essay, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and impact.
Career center
Learners who complete Writing a Personal Essay will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Author
Author
As an Author, you are responsible for writing and publishing books, articles, or other forms of written content. The Writing a Personal Essay course can be a valuable resource for Authors, as it can help them develop their writing skills and learn how to craft compelling and engaging content. This course can help Authors learn how to structure their essays, develop their voice, and use language effectively.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write and edit news articles, feature stories, and other content for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. The Writing a Personal Essay course can be helpful for Journalists, as it can provide them with the skills they need to write clear and concise articles, conduct interviews, and research and verify information. This course can help Journalists learn how to develop their writing style, use grammar and punctuation correctly, and meet deadlines.
Content Writer
Content Writer
Content Writers create and edit written content for websites, blogs, social media, and other online platforms. The Writing a Personal Essay course can be helpful for Content Writers, as it can provide them with the skills they need to write clear and engaging content that is optimized for search engines. This course can help Content Writers learn how to develop their writing style, use keywords effectively, and meet deadlines.
Copywriter
Copywriter
Copywriters write advertising and marketing materials, such as website content, brochures, and commercials. The Writing a Personal Essay course can be beneficial for Copywriters, as it can help them develop their creative writing skills and learn how to write persuasive and engaging copy. This course can help Copywriters learn how to develop a strong voice, use language effectively, and meet client deadlines.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and edit technical documents, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. The Writing a Personal Essay course may be helpful for Technical Writers, as it can provide them with the skills they need to write clear and concise technical documents that are easy to understand. This course can help Technical Writers learn how to organize their thoughts, use technical language effectively, and meet deadlines.
Grant Writer
Grant Writer
Grant Writers write proposals to secure funding for organizations and projects. The Writing a Personal Essay course may be useful for Grant Writers, as it can help them develop the skills they need to write clear and persuasive grant proposals. This course can help Grant Writers learn how to research funding opportunities, develop a strong narrative, and meet deadlines.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. The Writing a Personal Essay course may be helpful for Public Relations Specialists, as it can provide them with the skills they need to write clear and concise press releases, media advisories, and other public relations materials. This course can help Public Relations Specialists learn how to develop a strong narrative, use media relations effectively, and meet deadlines.
Speechwriter
Speechwriter
Speechwriters write speeches for politicians, business leaders, and other public figures. The Writing a Personal Essay course may be helpful for Speechwriters, as it can help them develop the skills they need to write clear and engaging speeches that are tailored to the speaker's audience and purpose. This course can help Speechwriters learn how to research topics, develop a strong narrative, and meet deadlines.
Advertising Manager
Advertising Manager
Advertising Managers plan and execute advertising campaigns for products or services. The Writing a Personal Essay course may be helpful for Advertising Managers, as it can provide them with the skills they need to write clear and persuasive advertising copy. This course can help Advertising Managers learn how to develop a strong advertising message, use language effectively, and meet deadlines.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products or services. The Writing a Personal Essay course may be helpful for Marketing Managers, as it can provide them with the skills they need to write clear and persuasive marketing materials. This course can help Marketing Managers learn how to develop a strong marketing message, use language effectively, and meet deadlines.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers lead sales teams and develop sales strategies to achieve sales targets. The Writing a Personal Essay course may be helpful for Sales Managers, as it can provide them with the skills they need to write clear and persuasive sales proposals and presentations. This course can help Sales Managers learn how to develop a strong sales pitch, use language effectively, and meet deadlines.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute projects to achieve specific goals and objectives. The Writing a Personal Essay course may be helpful for Project Managers, as it can provide them with the skills they need to write clear and concise project plans and status reports. This course can help Project Managers learn how to develop a strong project plan, use language effectively, and meet deadlines.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. The Writing a Personal Essay course may be helpful for Business Analysts, as it can provide them with the skills they need to write clear and concise business analysis reports. This course can help Business Analysts learn how to research business processes, develop a strong narrative, and meet deadlines.
Consultant
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses and organizations on a variety of topics. The Writing a Personal Essay course may be helpful for Consultants, as it can provide them with the skills they need to write clear and concise consulting reports and presentations. This course can help Consultants learn how to research business issues, develop a strong narrative, and meet deadlines.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects. The Writing a Personal Essay course may be helpful for Teachers, as it can provide them with the skills they need to write clear and engaging lesson plans. This course can help Teachers learn how to develop a strong lesson plan, use language effectively, and meet deadlines.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/a3pmje/writing
Reading list
We've selected 23 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Writing a Personal Essay.
An in-depth look at the personal essay from an academic perspective, the book contains essays written by the author as well as essays and articles from a variety of sources and differing perspectives on the personal essay.
This popular annual anthology contains a wide array of essays from fiction and nonfiction writers, whose works originally appeared in magazines, journals, and online publications, all of whom are writing at the top of their form.
Save
This guide to writing memoir that covers everything from finding your story to writing the first draft. Karr shares her insights on the writing process and the importance of truth and authenticity.
A large collection of essays both classic and contemporary from authors such as James Baldwin, Annie Dillard, and David Sedaris, as well as essays from lesser known and up-and-coming essayists.
Save
This collection of essays that offer advice on the writing life, including the importance of persistence, patience, and finding your own voice.
Provides a comprehensive guide to writing a memoir, covering topics such as finding your voice, structuring your story, and crafting compelling prose. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to write a personal essay or memoir.
Save
Offers practical advice on how to write personal essays, including how to choose a topic, develop a structure, and write with clarity and precision. It useful reference for anyone who wants to improve their essay writing skills.
Guide of sorts, as the author presents a series of writing exercises that will help personal essayists and memoirists of all levels to find their unique voice and tell their stories in a way that only they can.
Save
This is an academic examination of the personal essay, discussing its history, critical analysis, and major themes and developments, presenting cutting-edge essays from some of the world's leading scholars in this field.
This classic guide to writing provides clear and concise advice on grammar, punctuation, and style. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills.
Save
This masterclass on writing from one of the most successful writers of our time. King shares his insights on the writing process, from getting started to finishing the first draft and beyond.
Save
This memoir by Stephen King offers insights into the writing process, from finding inspiration to overcoming writer's block. It motivating and inspiring read for anyone who wants to pursue a writing career.
Save
This witty and encouraging book offers practical advice and inspiration for writers of all levels. It great read for anyone who wants to overcome their fear of writing and start writing with confidence.
This reference book for creative writers of all levels, that provides guidance and clear instruction on strong writing mechanics, showing writers how to write clear, precise, and elegant prose.
This collection of essays that explore the creative process and the importance of finding your own unique voice. Bradbury offers advice on writing, creativity, and living a life of passion.
This style guide that looks at the history of English usage and provides instruction on grammar and usage in a fun and accessible way.
Provides a framework for understanding the structure and development of stories. It useful resource for anyone who wants to learn how to write more effective and engaging stories.
Save
Offers advice on how to overcome creative blocks and develop a regular writing practice. It motivational and inspiring read for anyone who wants to pursue a creative career.
Save
Offers a motivational and inspiring look at the challenges and rewards of being a creative artist. It great read for anyone who wants to overcome their fear of failure and pursue their creative dreams.
This comprehensive guide to poetry, providing writers of all levels with the necessary tools and techniques to write sophisticated poetry that soars.
Save
Offers a whimsical and inspiring look at the creative process. It great read for anyone who wants to overcome their fear of the unknown and embrace their creativity.
Offers a practical and spiritual approach to creativity. It great read for anyone who wants to learn how to tap into their creativity and live a more fulfilling life.
Save
Offers a comprehensive guide to the business of being an artist. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to market their work and build a successful career as a creative artist.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/a3pmje/writing
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Via
Coursera
Institution
Wesleyan University
Instructor
Amy Bloom
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself. It's comprised of four courses:
- Writing a Personal Essay (viewing)
- Writing Stories About Ourselves
- Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader
- Writing in First Person Point of View
Good to know
Focuses on developing a strong voice in writing
Provides a structured approach to writing memoirs and personal essays
Helps writers overcome self-doubt and fears
Emphasizes the importance of crafting engaging and readable prose
Suitable for both beginners and experienced writers
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