Writing Essays That Move Conversations

Most authors write because they want to move conversations. A well-written pop culture review, a reported article, a personal essay, or a braided piece can highlight blind spots in everyday conversations or open new avenues for how we think about pressing cultural and political issues.

In this intensive for nonfiction writers of all levels, through lectures, discussion, research activities, and writing exercises, writers will the learn how to take an idea and turn it into an essay that does more than rehash tired old conversations. Whether you are writing about motherhood, feminism, pop culture, literature, or politics, this class will help writers gain a better understanding of how to move from rough idea to a well organized essay, by breaking down the process into concrete steps.

Meet the Presenter

Amanda is the author of TOUCHED OUT: Motherhood, Misogyny, Consent, & Control, as well as the memoir Two Memoirs, and a fiction chapbook, The Failure Age. Her essays, criticism, and interviews have been featured at The New York Times Magazine, The New York Times Opinion, The Guardian, ELLE, TIME, The Cut, Mother Tongue, Slate, Electric Literature, Vox, Rumpus, Salon, The Believer, Ms. Magazine, Poetry Foundation, and in numerous literary journals. She was a 2020 Best American Essays notable.

Amanda has been teaching writing for over a decade at the college level and at various arts organizations, including at Catapult, Corporeal Writing, Hugo House, Writing Workshops, and Write or Die. She has taught, lectured, and presented at Stanford University, Columbia University, New York University, University of California Berkeley, University of Chicago, St. Mary's College of California, California State University East Bay, The Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, University of Virginia, State University of New York at Buffalo, Diablo Valley College. Her work has received support from In Cahoots, Riverrun Foundation, and Juniper Writer’s Institute.

She holds an MFA in writing and a PhD in English literature. She runs the popular newsletter Mad Woman, cohosts the podcast Dire Straights, and lives in California.

A Note About Pricing

In an effort to make our events as accessible as possible, Scribente Maternum offers a tiered pricing model. This session is valued at the Partner level, and we appreciate anyone who is able to pay what this session is worth. But any amount is accepted and any additional support is appreciated. Thank you!