When it comes to writing about our own lives there are few styles more powerful than a personal essay - well-written, short, anecdotal, positive and touching stories about a real live person. And they have become highly sought after by anthologies, magazines and websites too. Many publishers are willing to pay excellent money for the right to print a personal essay, regardless of whether it's been published elsewhere. Ever since 1993, when the book 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hanson, was published, editors have seen the importance of these heart-felt stories being shared.
We've all experienced events in our lives that are worthy of sharing. And I'm not just talking about stories that force us to reach for the tissues either. Ones that make us stop and think or that give us cause to chuckle are just as sought after, or moments when we felt something on a new level, when we finally understood or when the quietest of words from a tiny child hit harder than a Mac truck. I challenge anyone to say they haven't had events like this in their life. We've all been there. In my time as a writer, I am constantly surprised by how many stories each of us have within us.
So why not share them? Why not offer hope to others by telling them how you've been on the edge of the abyss too, but still came out on top? Why not delight others with the simple lessons of a day?
Even if you don't want your story published for the whole world to see, why not write it now so that you can leave it for the generations to come? Or, perhaps, just write the words for yourself. It doesn't matter what you choose to do with your writing - it's more important that you write it.
But how do we find the right stories from our own lives? How do we know what to leave in and what to leave out? What is the best way to tell the story? How do we write it so that it will touch the heart of a total stranger? And how do we find a publisher who will print our work?
In my time as a writer, I've written and had published more than 40 personal essays, all in paying markets and many more than once. People I have never met, from across the world, have emailed me to say how my stories helped them, how they could so closely associate with the story that they couldn't stop the tears rolling down their face as they read, how the story's insight made them laugh at a problem they had previously seen as insurmountable. This is the power of the personal essay.
Throughout this course, I will work directly with you. Be assured that I, and only I, will be looking at your homework. I will also be the one critiquing your work, as this is not a course where homework is farmed out to others to read. This might be an e-course, but it will be as individual as any individual coaching. The only true difference is in the cost. Since I'll have no traveling time, no room hire and all the other costs involved in face to face classes I can offer you this course at a drastically reduced price (to say nothing about being able to offer it to you regardless of where you live or what time of day you are free to study). So don't miss out. REGISTER TODAY.
Take the words from your heart and put them on the page.
This a five week e~course planned to start on 18th September 2008. Each week you will receive a lesson, complete with homework to email back. By the completion of the course, if all lessons and homework are completed, you will have your own well-crafted personal essay ready to send off to the market of your choice.
During this course you will not only discover how to write a well-rounded and touching story, but will also receive two 'line-by-line critiques' of your work, this last part alone is worth over $80.00.
So how much are these 5 week courses?
~ Only AUS$135 ~
For more information on this e-course email elizabeth@writingtoinspire.com
Quotes from last year’s ‘Writing From The Heart’ e-course
'Thanks to Elizabeth I can now source markets for personal stories, competently make my writing market-ready and sell it with confidence. Her editing skills are an asset in the writing community. I recommend this course to any writer who wants to break into this market.' JOH, Australia
'I'm delighted and proud of my first attempt. Thank you for a wonderful course. I have been enriched.' AK, Zimbabwe
'I thought the way the market information was presented was not only informative but importantly for me it was written in a friendly manner. It took away some of the awesome fear I have of confronting the real world of publishing.' KM, Australia
'Great course Elizabeth! I would not have taken the time to seriously try this genre but for your course. I made the last few changes you suggested and have the essay in to ............. After reviewing their requirements I see that my piece fits in every way possible.' SM, Canada