Instructor: Lisa Baron
Maximum Enrollment: 8
Class Term: 09/20/2023 - 10/11/2023
Tuition/Fees
SCN Member: $125
Non-Member: $165
Class synopsis
There are many reasons why we are called to write our stories. Anais Nin said, "We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect." This course will help you to visit and review your experiences, thoughts, and feelings through reflective, personal essays.Class description
Wikipedia describes reflective writing as "A practice in which the writer describes a real or imaginary scene, event, interaction, passing thought or memory and adds a personal reflection on its meaning. Many reflective writers keep in mind questions such as "What did I notice", and "How has this changed me?" This class will help you to fine-tune your personal reflections through your writing about experiences that you feel called to explore. Each week you will have a writing partner to exchange your writing with, in addition to getting feedback from me, if you would like.
Class goals
To create a supportive class atmosphere where you can explore your own stories, past and present, To expand your knowledge about reflective writing which will in turn enhance your own writing practice, To read and study inspirational essays by other authors, To exchange your writing with other women writers
Class communication method
Weekly zoom meetings for 4 class sessions, with pre-reading, emailed to you each week before class. Students will work on personal essays in between classes, with an opportunity to send their writing to a writing partner, and myself to review and give positive comments. This class will be offered on Wednesdays from 1-2:30 pm Eastern Standard time for these dates: September 20, 27, October 4, 11.Class outline
Class 1
Review Class Structure and supportive writing feedback model
Review pre-reads of reflective personal essays sent to you before Class 1
Review your personal writing goals
An in-class writing prompt on “What do I notice?”
Writing assignment for Class 2 and assignment of writing partner
Class 2
Review and discuss pre-reads of personal reflective essays
Discuss describing emotional experiences in reflective writing.
An in-class writing prompt on “How did my experiences shift my perspective?”
Sharing and feedback – personal essays
Writing assignment for Class 3 and assignment of writing partner
Class 3
Review and discuss pre-reads and reflective personal essays
Discuss enriching sensory detail in reflective writing.
In-class writing prompt (to be determined)
Sharing and feedback – personal essays
Writing assignment for Class 4 and assignment of writing partner
Class 4
Review and discuss pre-reads of personal essays
In-class writing prompts (to be determined)
Sharing and feedback- personal essays
Summary of class experience and review of your personal writing goals
Class time commitment
3-4 hours per week. 1.5 hours for weekly zoom calls. 1.5-2.0 additional hours to write personal essays (750 words or less) and to give positive critique through email to another student on their writing.Instructor bio
Lisa Baron, PhD is a writer, teacher, therapist, and mentor. Her writing appears in multiple publications including Women In Higher Education, The New Social Worker, Natural Awakenings, and Real Women Write: Beyond Covid: Leaning Into Tomorrow – published by Story Circle Network. She is also the co-author of the book Living Art- Exercises For Igniting Creativity published in 2022 by Unleash Creatives This is the sixth-class Lisa will teach for Story Circle Network.
