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Writing in First Person Point of View

If you have always wanted to tell your own story—in a memoir, first-person essay, or any other form of autobiographical non-fiction—but felt you lacked the tools or the framework, this is the class for you. We will learn how successful first-person writing is structured to offer the reader a sense of propulsive motion, and is guided by a narrator who is deliberately crafted. We will explore the ways in which language can be used to create tone, so that the emotional freight of your words is as potent as the storytelling. And crucially, we will consider the writer's responsibility to the reader: the importance of being a guide who includes the reader in the sensory, emotional, and intellectual experience you mean to share through your writing.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Developing a Narrator in First Person Writing

The Journey

Finding Your Voice

What's Your Point?

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Is intended for learners who are interested in writing memoirs, first-person essays, or other forms of autobiographical non-fiction

Helps learners develop a strong narrative voice and structure for their writing

Provides guidance on using language to create tone and convey emotion

Covers key aspects of autobiographical writing, such as developing a narrator, finding one's voice, and determining the purpose of the writing

Is taught by an experienced instructor who has published works in the field

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Reviews summary

Engaging lectures, helpful curriculum

Students say Ariel Levy's engaging lectures, helpful materials, and challenging assignments are the highlights of this course on writing in first person point of view. Reviews indicate that the lecture and assignment structure helps learners build confidence in their writing ability. Learners appreciate Levy's expertise and her ability to make the learning process enjoyable.

Ariel Levy is an engaging instructor who delivers the material in a clear and accessible way.

"Ariel Levy is an engaging instructor with excellent examples and helpful advice."

"The instructor was amazing and I really enjoyed the course."

The assignments are challenging but helpful in improving writing skills.

"The assignments were very helpful with looking at my story in different ways."

"I thought the assignments made sense and directly related to where I'm trying to go as a writer."

Some students have experienced technical issues that have hindered their learning.

"When I am writing my submission my cursor is removed from its proper location"

"This happened constantly each time I paused in my writing, my cursor disappears."

While the peer review process is a good concept, the lack of participation can be frustrating.

"The issue was waiting two weeks for peer review on my last assignments."

"Completion of the course was linked to submitting writing assignments and doing peer reviews."

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 in First Person Point of View with these activities:

Follow a Tutorial on Writing First-Person Essays

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Supplement the course material with additional guidance on writing first-person essays. This will provide you with further insights and techniques to enhance your writing skills.

Browse courses on Memoir Writing

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Search for a tutorial on writing first-person essays.
Watch or read the tutorial.
Take notes on the key points.

Practice Identifying First-Person Narrators

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Strengthen your ability to identify first-person narrators in writing. This will help you better understand and analyze first-person narratives.

Browse courses on Point of View

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Find a short story or essay written in first person.
Identify the narrator of the story.
Explain how you know that the narrator is speaking in first person.

Read Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

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Read a classic book on writing that provides practical advice and inspiration for first-person writers.

View Somehow on Amazon

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Purchase the book.
Read the book.
Take notes on the key points.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Create a Collection of First-Person Writing Resources

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Gather a variety of resources on first-person writing, including articles, essays, and books. This will provide you with a valuable reference for your own writing.

Browse courses on Memoir Writing

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Search for resources on first-person writing.
Save the resources to a folder or bookmark them.
Organize the resources into categories, such as 'Tips for Writing First-Person Narratives' or 'Examples of Great First-Person Writing'.

Read Looking for Alaska by John Green

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Read a great example of a first-person narrative. Consider the voice and the emotional freight of the narrator, as well as how the author uses language to create tone.

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Purchase the book.
Read the book.
Take notes on the elements of first-person writing that you observe.

Join a Writing Group

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Get feedback on your first-person writing from other writers. This will help you improve your writing skills and learn from others.

Browse courses on Peer Feedback

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Find a writing group that focuses on first-person writing.
Attend a meeting and introduce yourself.
Share your writing with the group and get feedback.

Write a Personal Narrative Essay

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Put into practice the elements of first-person writing that you've learned in the course. Choose a personal experience to write about and focus on creating a strong narrative that is emotionally resonant and engaging.

Browse courses on Personal Narrative

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Brainstorm a list of personal experiences that you could write about.
Choose an experience that you feel strongly about and that you think will make for a compelling story.
Write a rough draft of your essay.
Revise and edit your essay.
Share your essay with a friend or family member for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Writing in First Person Point of View will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Author

An Author writes books, articles, and other forms of literature. They may specialize in a particular genre, such as fiction, non-fiction, or poetry. This course may be helpful for Authors who want to learn how to develop their own unique writing style and voice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Author

Screenwriter

A Screenwriter writes scripts for movies and television shows. They may specialize in a particular genre, such as comedy, drama, or action. This course may be useful for Screenwriters who want to learn how to write compelling and engaging stories that will capture the attention of audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter

Content Creator

A Content Creator develops and produces content for a variety of different platforms, such as websites, social media, and print publications. They may specialize in a particular type of content, such as written content, video content, or audio content. This course may be useful for Content Creators who want to learn how to create engaging and shareable content that will capture the attention of their audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator

Editor

An Editor reviews, edits, and proofreads written material. They may work for a variety of different organizations, such as newspapers, magazines, book publishers, and websites. This course may be useful for Editors who want to learn how to improve their editing skills and ensure that their work is error-free.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Journalist

A Journalist gathers, analyzes, and reports on news and current events. They may specialize in a particular area, such as politics, business, or sports. This course may be useful for Journalists who want to improve their storytelling skills and learn how to write in a more engaging and personal way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Professor

A Professor teaches and conducts research at a college or university. They may specialize in a particular field of study, such as history, English, or science. This course may be useful for Professors who want to learn how to develop and deliver engaging and informative lectures and lead discussions that encourage students to think critically and creatively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor

Copywriter

A Copywriter writes advertising and marketing materials. They may specialize in a particular area, such as web content, social media, or print advertising. This course may be useful for Copywriters who want to learn how to write persuasive and effective copy that will help businesses achieve their marketing goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

Communications Director

A Communications Director oversees all aspects of an organization's communication strategy. They may develop and implement communication plans, write speeches, and manage media relations. This course may be useful for Communications Directors who want to learn how to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and build positive relationships with the media.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Director

Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager plans and executes marketing campaigns to promote products or services. They may work for a variety of different organizations, such as businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. This course may be useful for Marketing Managers who want to learn how to develop effective marketing strategies and reach their target audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Analyst

An Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to provide insights and recommendations to businesses and organizations. They may specialize in a particular area, such as financial analysis, market research, or data science. This course may be useful for Analysts who want to learn how to use data to make informed decisions and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Analyst

Public Relations Specialist

A Public Relations Specialist manages the public image of an organization or individual. They may develop and implement public relations campaigns, write press releases, and manage media relations. This course may be useful for Public Relations Specialists who want to learn how to communicate effectively with the public and build positive relationships with the media.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Consultant

A Consultant provides advice and guidance to businesses and organizations on a variety of topics, such as management, marketing, and finance. They may work for a variety of different organizations, such as consulting firms, businesses, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Consultants who want to learn how to develop and deliver effective consulting services and build relationships with clients.

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Teacher

A Teacher develops and delivers lesson plans, teaches students, and assesses their progress. They may work in a variety of different settings, such as public schools, private schools, and colleges and universities. This course may be useful for Teachers who want to learn how to create engaging and effective lesson plans and teach students in a way that is both informative and enjoyable.

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Researcher

A Researcher conducts research in a particular field of study. They may work for a variety of different organizations, such as universities, government agencies, and businesses. This course may be useful for Researchers who want to learn how to develop and conduct research projects and analyze and interpret data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Social Media Manager

A Social Media Manager manages an organization's social media presence. They may develop and implement social media campaigns, create and share content, and engage with followers. This course may be useful for Social Media Managers who want to learn how to use social media effectively to reach their target audience and build relationships with customers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 in First Person Point of View.

How to Write a Book Now

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Provides a comprehensive guide to writing memoir, covering topics such as finding your voice, developing a narrative structure, and dealing with the emotional challenges of writing about your own life. It valuable resource for anyone interested in writing first-person non-fiction.

How to Write a Book Now: Craft Concepts, Mindset...

Kindle Edition

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A Mother's Tale

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Offers a series of essays on the art of writing personal narrative, exploring topics such as the use of detail, the importance of voice, and the ethical responsibilities of the writer. It thought-provoking and inspiring read for anyone interested in writing first-person non-fiction.

Writing in First Person Point of View

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Engaging lectures, helpful curriculum

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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