Creative Personal Writing: Write the Real You

That one story from childhood? That song that always takes you back? Join renowned writer, editor, and speaker Ashley C. Ford for an inspiring, half-hour class on writing from memory! Ashley takes you through one of her own essays, then shares prompts and frameworks so that you can write your own. You'll learn essential skills for writing from memory, including: reporting on yourself what to do when you don't remember something you want to write about pulling memories into the present sharing your memories with the world All students are encouraged to write and share their essays from one of her favorite prompts: Write an essay inspired by a popular song from the year you turned 13! This is a beautiful class for writers of every level, whether you're just starting out or already published. Ashley's honest, thorough approach to her own writing is reflected in every lesson, and you will leave with both inspiration for writing your own piece — and also the practical knowledge of how to do it. Instructor bio: Ashley C. Ford lives in Brooklyn by way of Indianapolis, Indiana. She is a writer, editor, and public speaker. Currently, she is writing a memoir (among other things), and co-editing the anthology Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture with Roxane Gay. Ford has written or guest-edited for The Guardian,ELLE, BuzzFeed, Slate, I-D, Lenny Letter, Matter, DesignSponge, and various other web and print publications. She's spoken at SXSW, Earlham College, Girls Write Now, and was a featured opening writer on Lena Dunham's Not That Kind of Girl book tour. Ford has been the recipient of a writing residency from Hedgebrook, and is the co-founder of The Lulu Fund. She teaches writing at The New School and Catapult.Co

• Apply memory-based writing techniques
• Use frameworks to edit and share personal essays
• Develop creative self-narrative storytelling skills

• No deep prior experience is required, but basic computer and internet skills are helpful
• Ability to read course instructions in English and complete short practice activities