WRITE
ATTEND
READ
SUPPORT
Meet THe Team
The personal essay is a form driven by the question, not the answer. Even so, the wandering central to the essay isn't aimless. In this class, we'll chisel into your essay ideas and drafts to pinpoint the question at hand, then discuss techniques to clearly parse your ideas for your reader. Together, we'll disassemble essays by writers like Jesmyn Ward, T Kira Madden, Roxane Gay and use writing exercises to (re)assemble portions of your own essays. This class is ideal for writers eager for discussion and interested in generating fresh work.
• In-Class Writing Lift: Medium
• Homework: Optional
• Workshopping Drafts: Optional
Christina Berke is a writer and educator based in Los Angeles with an MFA in Nonfiction Creative Writing. Publications include Teen Vogue, Catapult, NPR, and elsewhere. Her writing has been supported by the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference, Sewanee Writers' Conference, the Kenyon Review Teachers Workshop, Vermont Studio Center, and Storyknife. Learn more at www.christinaberke.com.
"Christina is a wonderful instructor. I appreciated her intentionality in her selection of readings, and the ways that she guided us in working through examples and applying the principles to our own creative work."
"Christina made me feel so welcomed and really sparked wonderful discussions among the students. She inspired me to write more and I am really grateful she taught the class."
"Christina Berke has such a calm, encouraging approach to the virtual classroom. She helps students feel present, and helps them feel her presence, through careful planning, guidance, and sweet extras. So much care and attention goes into her classes. Highly recommend!"
