
When? 5 Mondays: January 29-March 5 (no
class on President’s Day) from 7-9pm
Where? EDCJCC Library and Classroom space
Class Description
Narrative non-fiction is writing based on fact but built with
the traditional elements of story. It’s a popular genre, allowing writers
to observe the world, explore what they’re curious about, and then transform it
into a compelling narrative to engage and challenge the reader.
In five two-hour sessions, participants will learn and practice
the craft of writing narrative non-fiction through forms such as personal
narrative, memoir, and persuasive essay. The class will learn and practice
interviewing techniques as well as the skills of editing and revision. In addition to producing one or more narrative pieces for
this class, students are invited to bring in one work in progress for
discussion and evaluation.
We welcome both new and returning students to this class. For
those who took the fall session, you will have an opportunity to explore a new
piece of writing, and the extended format will allow for a session on the art
and execution of the interview.
This class will be conducted as a small-group seminar and will be limited to a maximum of 12 students.
Instructor Biography
Peter Lovenheim is the author of seven books for the general
reader from publishers including Random House and Penguin Books. His most recent work of narrative
non-fiction, In the Neighborhood: The Search for Community on an American
Street, One Sleepover at a Time, was a Barnes & Noble Discover Book
Award Winner. His articles and essays have appeared in the New York Times, the
Washington Post, Parade, Moment, and other publications. He lives in Washington, DC, and also teaches
at the Writers Center in Bethesda, Maryland.