Trust the Details: Finding the A-Ha in Your Essay [Christine Hemp]

Like poetry, literary non-fiction opens the reader to an ‘aha’ experience. Whether you are writing about art, fly-fishing, scientific theory, a trip to Tibet, or family history, what distinguishes the literary essay or memoir from run-of-the-mill journalism is its music, its disparate connecting chords. The best literary nonfiction writers learn to trust the details, weave them in concert, and discover a larger meaning – surprising themselves as well as their readers. This class will help you cultivate voice, tune in to the “ear” of language, and find a shape for your unique story.