The blank page can be the most daunting obstacle in writing. In this course, aspiring writers will assemble a “starter kit” for approaching the blank page by developing constructive ways to think about the writing process as a whole. While subsequent courses in this series will focus on the mechanics of good writing, this course offers ways to think about the writer’s relationship to her material, and ultimately develop a writing style that is uniquely her own.

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Course 1 of 4 in the Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1

The Art of the Frame: Giving Context to Memories

This week you will learn to identify aspects of the writing process that experienced writers can afford to take for granted. We will address questions of structure, strategy, and methods—the necessary elements for any good blueprint for writing.

WEEK 2

Avatar: The Messenger is the Message

WEEK 3

Diegesis and the Extradiagetic Frame: Two Trains Running

WEEK 4

Profiling: Our Relationship to the People in Our Work

Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself Specialization