In this lecture, we'll explore: -how to avoid personal essay cliches -how to weave larger themes into your real-life story -how to craft your unique voice -how to submit your work to editors We'll write a short rough draft in class based on prompts that I'll give you, and we'll discuss how you can make your essay even better. We'll look at great examples from The New York Times and more and discover personal essay writing best practices. Most importantly, you'll get firsthand insights from me, someone who writes for a living and knows how to navigate the media terrain.