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Writing Stories About Ourselves

In this course, creative nonfiction writers will explore traditional storytelling methods, especially those which overlap between fiction and memoir. By looking at examples from a wide range of genres, including film, song, painting—even the theme music for Jaws!—we’ll practice exercising the creative muscle that sees ourselves as characters and the experiences we’ve had as tales. We’ll focus on critical elements, like how to begin a story, what makes for worthy content, the essential use of detail, the strengths and limits of dialogue, the power of the white space. The ultimate goal is for us to become aware of an “audience” when we write, so that the documentation of our lives will begin to resemble a “performance” crafted onto paper rather than a private entry in a journal.

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What's inside

Syllabus

What Can We Learn From Fiction?

In this week, we’ll learn what sorts of techniques we can borrow from fiction and how to overlay them onto our personal stories.

Train Your Eye Like a Filmmaker

In this week, we’ll learn how to create powerful scenes and vivid details by seeing precisely what we’ve put on the page—and what we haven't.

Opening the Story

In this week, we’ll learn how to open and frame a story by examining the efficacy of various first lines.

The Joys and Pitfalls of Dialogue

In this week, we’ll learn when and where to use dialogue, and what makes for the best soundbites.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops creative storytelling abilities by examining narrative structures and techniques

Teaches how to craft compelling stories by using literary devices and elements from various artistic mediums

Provides insights into the art of storytelling by analyzing works from a range of genres

Suitable for creative nonfiction writers who want to enhance their craft

Prerequisites may be required, as the course assumes a level of writing experience

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Reviews summary

Learn the art of writing about yourself

Students say that this course inspires creative writing by providing engaging assignments to help learners brainstorm and write personal essays. The instructor, Said Sayrafiezadeh, is praised for his insightful and passionate teaching style. However, some learners found peer feedback to be difficult due to inconsistent quality and delays.

Instructor Said Sayrafiezadeh shares insightful tools and perspectives on writing.

"Accurate, resourceful, I learned great tools that I will apply for sure. "

"The insights gave by Mr Said Sayrafiezadeh helps a lot in my writings. Thanks a lot."

Students find the course's creative and encouraging approach to writing inspiring.

"The course requires no pre-requisite. Even if your English is not that good, don't worry the course doesn't judge you on that basis."

"Wonderful AssignmentsCreative and enriching. I now think I can learn how to write. Before the class I felt I would never be a writer."

The quality and timeliness of peer reviews can be inconsistent.

"The course is really nice. The instructor explains by taking examples and uses creative things to explain. The course requires no pre-requisite. Even if your English is not that good, don't worry the course doesn't judge you on that basis."

"Unfortunately these flaws detract from the quality of the course experience, even tho the instructors, content, and some reviewers are excellent."

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 Stories About Ourselves with these activities:

Review Basic Grammar and Punctuation

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Strengthen your foundational writing skills by reviewing key grammar and punctuation rules.

Browse courses on Grammar

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Go over grammar and punctuation lessons from previous courses or materials.
Complete practice exercises to test your understanding.

Write Daily Journal Entries

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Cultivate your observational skills and generate raw material for your creative writing.

Browse courses on Journaling

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Set aside 15-20 minutes each day for freewriting.
Write without judgment, capturing your thoughts, experiences, and observations.

Explore Online Resources on Creative Nonfiction

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Supplement your learning by exploring reputable online resources dedicated to creative nonfiction.

Browse courses on Online Learning

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Search for online courses, workshops, or articles on creative nonfiction.
Identify credible sources and allocate time for reviewing their content.
Take notes and apply the insights gained to your own writing.

Five other activities

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Study a Classic Novel's Narrative Structure

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Analyze a classic novel's narrative structure to gain insights applicable to creative nonfiction.

View The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel on Amazon

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Choose a well-respected novel known for its narrative excellence.
Read the novel attentively, paying attention to the plot, characters, and setting.
Identify and analyze the narrative techniques employed by the author.

Read a Landmark Book on Creative Nonfiction

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Familiarize yourself with the nuances of fiction writing for creative nonfiction.

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Select a well-regarded text on creative nonfiction.
Allocate 3 hours per week for the next 2 months to attentively read the book.
Take notes, underline, and reflect on the strategies employed by the author.

Write a Personal Memoir Essay

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Apply your understanding of narrative structure to craft a compelling personal memoir.

Browse courses on Personal Narrative

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Identify a compelling personal event or experience.
Outline the narrative arc using the techniques discussed in the course.
Write the first draft, paying attention to vivid imagery and sensory details.
Revise and edit your work, seeking feedback if possible.

Join a Writing Critique Group

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Enhance your writing skills by receiving constructive feedback from peers.

Browse courses on Peer Feedback

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Identify a writing group that aligns with your interests.
Attend regular meetings and participate actively.
Provide thoughtful feedback to other members.

Offer Feedback to Aspiring Creative Nonfiction Writers

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Enhance your writing skills by providing valuable feedback to other aspiring writers.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Join online or offline writing communities.
Offer to read and provide constructive feedback on the work of others.
Be specific and provide actionable suggestions to help writers improve their craft.

Career center

Learners who complete Writing Stories About Ourselves will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Memoirist

Memoirists write about their own lives and experiences. This course can equip you with the skills necessary to craft compelling personal narratives that resonate with readers by teaching you to see yourself as a character and your experiences as tales. You will learn to develop captivating stories, effectively communicate your ideas, and engage your audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Memoirist

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. This course may prove useful in the pursuit of this career by honing your ability to develop captivating narratives and effectively communicate your ideas. By teaching you to see yourself as a character and your experiences as tales, this course can help you create compelling personal narratives that resonate with audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. This course may prove useful in the pursuit of this career by honing your ability to develop captivating narratives and effectively communicate your ideas. By teaching you to see yourself as a character and your experiences as tales, this course can help you create compelling personal narratives that resonate with audiences.

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Grant Writer

Grant writers create written proposals to secure funding for various projects and organizations. This course may prove useful in the pursuit of this career by honing your ability to develop captivating narratives and effectively communicate your ideas. By teaching you to see yourself as a character and your experiences as tales, this course can help you create compelling personal narratives that resonate with audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Technical Writer

Technical writers create written content that explains complex technical information. This course may prove useful in the pursuit of this career by honing your ability to develop captivating narratives and effectively communicate your ideas. By teaching you to see yourself as a character and your experiences as tales, this course can help you create compelling personal narratives that resonate with audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Teacher

Teachers educate students in various academic subjects. This course may prove useful in the pursuit of this career by honing your ability to develop captivating narratives and effectively communicate your ideas. By teaching you to see yourself as a character and your experiences as tales, this course can help you create compelling personal narratives that resonate with audiences.

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Therapist

Therapists help people with mental health issues. This course may prove useful in the pursuit of this career by honing your ability to develop captivating narratives and effectively communicate your ideas. By teaching you to see yourself as a character and your experiences as tales, this course can help you create compelling personal narratives that resonate with audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Therapist

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This course may prove useful in the pursuit of this career by honing your ability to develop captivating narratives and effectively communicate your ideas. By teaching you to see yourself as a character and your experiences as tales, this course can help you create compelling personal narratives that resonate with audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Speechwriter

Speechwriters create written speeches for public figures. This course may prove useful in the pursuit of this career by honing your ability to develop captivating narratives and effectively communicate your ideas. By teaching you to see yourself as a character and your experiences as tales, this course can help you create compelling personal narratives that resonate with audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speechwriter

Screenwriter

Screenwriters are responsible for creating the stories and dialogue for films and television shows. This course may prove useful in the pursuit of this career by honing your ability to develop captivating narratives and effectively communicate your ideas. By teaching you to see yourself as a character and your experiences as tales, this course can help you develop the skills needed to create compelling stories that resonate with audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter

Copywriter

Copywriters create written content for marketing and advertising purposes. This course may prove useful in the pursuit of this career by honing your ability to develop captivating narratives and effectively communicate your ideas. By teaching you to see yourself as a character and your experiences as tales, this course can help you create compelling personal narratives that resonate with audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

Content Writer

Content writers create written content for websites, blogs, articles, and other forms of media. This course may prove useful in the pursuit of this career by honing your ability to develop captivating narratives and effectively communicate your ideas. By teaching you to see yourself as a character and your experiences as tales, this course can help you create compelling personal narratives that resonate with audiences.

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Novelist

Novelists create fictional stories that entertain and engage readers. This course may prove useful in the pursuit of this career by honing your ability to develop captivating narratives and effectively communicate your ideas. By teaching you to see yourself as a character and your experiences as tales, this course can help you develop the skills needed to create compelling stories that resonate with audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Novelist

Freelance Writer

Freelance writers craft compelling narratives that captivate readers. This course may prove useful in the pursuit of this career by honing your ability to develop captivating stories and effectively communicate your ideas. By teaching you to see yourself as a character and your experiences as tales, this course can help you create compelling personal narratives that resonate with audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Writer

Journalist

Journalists are responsible for gathering, analyzing, and reporting information to the public. This course may prove useful in the pursuit of this career by honing your ability to craft compelling narratives and effectively communicate your ideas. By teaching you to see yourself as a character and your experiences as tales, this course can help you develop the skills needed to captivate audiences and deliver impactful stories.

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Reading list

We've selected 17 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 Stories About Ourselves.

Creative Nonfiction

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Covers the basics of writing creative nonfiction, including finding your voice, telling your story, and using language effectively. It great starting point for writers who are new to the genre.

Writing Stories About Ourselves

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Learn the art of writing about yourself

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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