Personal Essay III
Personal Essay III
This advanced workshop helps you polish existing essay drafts into powerful pieces suitable for publication.
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What you can learn.
About This Course
Designed for those familiar with the personal essay form and who are already convinced of its unique power to reach the masses, this advanced workshop focuses on revising existing works, analyzing current markets and trends and submitting for publication. You establish yourself as a professional by completing hands-on assignments rooted in the real world, participating in extensive peer review and receiving practical support.
WRITING X 422.2 Personal Essay II or comparable workshop experience.
Summer 2026 Schedule
Enrollment limited to 12 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. $100 non-refundable. Enrollment discounts limited to WP NOW members; no other discounts apply.
Admission to this course is by application only. The priority application deadline for applications is Monday, June 1 at 9am (PT). Applications submitted after this date are not guaranteed consideration.
Submission guidelines:
Submit one document (double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins on all sides) containing:
- a 10-page writing sample;
- a synopsis of up to one page if the writing sample is an excerpt from a longer work (i.e. novel or memoir);
- a personal statement of one paragraph outlining what the student hopes to gain from the class;
- and a list of previous courses completed in the Writers’ Program or other programs, with instructors (when known).
To apply:
Log in with your existing student account and then add to cart and follow the prompts to create a new or returning student account. Then, follow the remaining instructions below:
- Click “Start” on the first Application page.
- On the 2nd Application page, click “Start” on the bottom left side of the page.
- After that, you will be asked to upload a writing sample, per the guidelines below.
- Once you finish the steps, click "Submit Application."
Please note that there are no pre-approvals. All students must submit the above requirements in order to be eligible for an advanced creative writing course.
Note: Despite being asked to enter payment information, you will not be charged for this course unless you choose to enroll if/when you receive a notice of acceptance for the course.
Selection notices will likely be distributed via email 1-2 weeks before the class is scheduled to start.
This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.