Getting Started in Creative Nonfiction: A Ticket to the Truth

To write is to sell a ticket to escape, not from the truth, but into it. —Alexander Chee Do you long to write your stories down but need a kickstart? In this course, innovative and inspiring daily prompts will get you writing your own short creative nonfiction pieces, which you can optionally share with peers and (once weekly) your instructor for brief, encouraging feedback.

In this generative practice, each day will be a different creative mini-adventure where you will learn about writing great scenes, building various structures, and the art of revision.

To enhance the process, we’ll read short essays by Joan Didion, CJ Hauser, Roxane Gay, and others.

Bite-sized, easily digestible lessons and discussions on craft, along with readings of the best contemporary nonfiction being published today, will deepen your knowledge.

Throughout our journey, you will find a supportive writing community, provocative prompts, engaging example essays, and daily accountability.

This course is appropriate for both newer writers and those who want to further develop their practice.

Because of the high enrollment capacity, the majority of feedback on work will come from fellow classmates.

For students who have previously taken the course, the structure is the same but the content is new.

Past students are encouraged to join.