with Suzanne Farrell Smith
 
The personal essay examines one piece of a life — an oddity or observation, a habit or hatred, a relationship or loss — through the author’s unique point of view. Great essayists situate personal topics within a broader context; they expose their humanness and, in doing so, connect to the humanness of us all. In this course, participants practice the personal essay writing process, from mining the raw material of their lives to completing and submitting pieces. Characteristics and craft techniques of the personal essay form are discussed and applied. Each week, participants share new or revised work in an intimate, supportive setting.
 
In this class you can expect:
·      A warm, supportive environment
·      Positive feedback that highlights moments of power, resonance,
       and strong craft
·      Suggestions for next steps as you work on your draft
·      Follow up emails loaded with resources, including mentor texts,
        craft essays, prompts, thoughts on the writing life, and
        information about publication
 
This class is open for registration by permission of the instructor only (for new students only). A short manuscript submission is required.  Please click this form.

WHERE:
Online via ZOOM
(link will be sent the week of first class)
DATES:
7 Tuesdays
Sept, 10, 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8, off, 22, 29
TIME:
10am to 12:30pm EST
--------------------------------------
LIMITED TO 7 STUDENTS
For more info, call 203.227.3250 or email info@WestportWriters.org
 
 
About the Instructor...
Suzanne Farrell Smith is the author of three books: Small Off Things: Meditations from an Anxious Mind, an essay collection; The Memory Sessions, a memoir about searching for lost childhood memory; and The Writing Shop, a teaching guidebook. She is widely published, has been Notable in Best American, and won a Pushcart. Suzanne is the recipient of an Artist Fellowship from the state of Connecticut, where she lives with her husband and three sons.