To writers in the Chicago area: In September, I'll be teaching "Revising the Short Essay," a new class at the Writer's Studio. Description:
This workshop is for writers of personal, narrative, or literary essays working on pieces of approximately 3,000 words or fewer. Reading fellow students’ work and examples by masters of the form, we will examine the balance of scene, exposition, and rumination. In revision, we will practice structural and line editing, with a focus on beginnings and endings, voice, pacing, transitions, and the art of cutting to length. And we will discuss strategies for publishing your polished work. Students should be prepared to submit a draft to the instructor a week before the first class meeting.
If you've been toiling away at writing essays on your own, this course will be a great opportunity to get feedback and draw inspiration from a group of dedicated writers. You can sign up here.