Write into the Heart of Your Story
Registration is currently closed. Please join the mailing list to hear about upcoming classes.
Writing the stories of your life is about more than recording a series of events. It's about creating meaning and connection.
Whether you're writing blog posts, essays, a memoir, or in your journal, how do you write beyond what happened and into the heart of a story?
This online course gives you a treasure trove of proven techniques that you can use to improve your writing, deepen your stories, and connect with readers.
I took Jenna's "Write Into the Heart of Your Story" class in November, and I'm still writing months later. I know now that the story I am telling is much longer than this course can encompass, but it’s ok: I'm still using the same prompts and exercises to draw out each element of it into a cohesive whole. And just so breathtakingly astonished at how helpful it has been. (Poppy Lochridge)
Course Topics:
- Understanding the two essential building blocks of stories
- Using imagery and metaphor to create meaning
- Choosing and "slanting" details to create connection with readers
- How to use (or bend) writing "rules" to create texture, depth, and emotion
- Dealing with common writing fears and challenges that hold back your writing
- Embracing your personal quirkiness to enhance your writing
Content & Structure:
- Three posts per week sent to you by email
- A mix of instruction and inspiration
- Writing prompts to discover your stories
- Exercises to explore your personal creative process
- Techniques to dive deeper into your story's meaning
- Resources to keep the momentum going
- An optional, private community space to connect with other participants (housed on Facebook)
"Jenna, thank you for your guidance. This is a life-changing experience for me. For the first time in my life I am allowing myself time to write. I am also accountable, which makes it harder for me to find excuses not to. I just feel so blessed to have found you. (past student)
Logistics
What do I need to take the course?
You'll need an email address and an Internet connection. (You might like to have a journal or notebook that you use for the course, or you might prefer to write on your computer or typewriter.)
Do I have to have a Facebook account to participate?
No. The private community group on Facebook is totally optional. The group will be private, so only course participants will be able to see the contents and posts in the group.
"I'm learning a lot from the fantastic information. Thanks so much for this great immersion in the writing process, put in such a thoughtful and accessible way." -Lyn Hadley
About Your Facilitator
I'm Jenna McGuiggan, owner of The Word Cellar. I've worked as a professional freelance writer, editor, and creative coach since 2003. I've been teaching online writing classes since 2010. During that time, I've worked with more than 400 students, plus dozens of people in one-on-onecoaching sessions and through my editorial feedback services.
I received my MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and I hold a BA in English. In addition to teaching online, I have also taught and spoken in-person at the BlogHer Conference, the the Soul Sisters Conference, and the Be Present Retreats. (Learn more about my credentials here.)
My essays and articles have been published in a wide variety of print and online publications. (Learn more about my writing here.)
As a workshop facilitator and instructor, I think of myself less as a teacher and more as a sharer: one who shares. I've learned a lot about writing and living the writing life through my experience and education. I want to share that with you.
I believe in art for art's sake, in the necessity of beauty, in the power of words, and in the karma of kindness.
Questions? I'm happy to answer. Please contact me.
Registration:
Registration for Write into the Heart of Your Story is currently closed. Please join the mailing list to hear about future sessions.