Course Details

This is a seminar intended for beginning and intermediate writers who have something to say but haven't figure out how to say it. What separates a run-of-the-mill personal essay, which is nearly impossible to sell, from something that will impress everyday readers and professional editors? How do you stay true to your voice and write journalistically at the same time? How do you know what to leave in and what to leave out? And how do you know when you're finished?

• Take apart a few shining examples of the form until you understand how they work in a whole new way
• Learn the difference between your good ideas and your not-so-good ideas
• Find out what editors in the personal essay market are looking for right now
• Learn how to think about your story in a way that will appeal to the publication of your choice

Instructor Bio

Christopher Frizzelle's Courses

Christopher Frizzelle is the arts editor of The Stranger, Seattle's leading weekly newspaper. As arts editor, he oversees all film, music, visual art, theater, food, and books coverage. In addition, he edits work by a wide range of writers, including Dan Savage, Charles D'Ambrosio, Sarah Vowell, Jonathan Raban, Matthew Stadler, Dave Eggers, and Heather McHugh. He also writes a weekly column about literary culture. Before working at The Stranger, he was the book section editor at Seattle Weekly. Christopher's writing has appeared in a variety of publications.