Best Personal Essay Writing Classes, Books
8-Week Personal Essay & Memoir Writing (Sackett Street Writers)
For writers with some experience or an essay ready to be workshopped, writing workshops like Sackett Street‘s are an excellent option. This particular class is taught by published author Anna Qu, exploring the responsibility of nonfiction writing while learning literary techniques to create a compelling story. On top of Qu’s guidance, the comradery with fellow students, even online, can lead to new perspectives and creative inspiration through in-class writing prompts.
“Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life” by Anne Lamott
Few books reign supreme when it comes to authors’ favorites “books on books” like “Bird by Bird.” Lamott’s down-to-earth, homespun advice on life and writing has sold over a million copies. Simultaneously practical and profound, the book leans on the basic tenet that the most important practice is sitting down every day and simply writing. As Lamott writes: “One of the gifts of being a writer is that it gives you an excuse to do things, to go places and explore. Another is that writing motivates you to look closely at life, at life as it lurches by and tramps around.”
Every Monday, a collection of the best essays published the previous week on sites like Granta, Longreads, and Literary Hub are mailed directly to your inbox. A monthly reading series, plus interviews with notable authors provide a dose of inspiration and a curated look at up and coming work.
WMFA Podcast hosted by Courtney Balestier
“Writing can be lonely work,” and this podcast sees conversation as a combatant to that problem. Writers across all genres and walks of life are interviewed by writer Courtney Balestier, and talks range from craft practices to book recommendations. There’s also a minisode (around five minutes) on a single topic, like paying attention or restraint, released every other week. The conversation continues in a monthly newsletter featuring links, news, and recommendations.
