Write a personal essay about a tiny mistake that still haunts you.

ASSIGNMENT

Write a personal essay about a mistake that still haunts you. This is a really juicy prompt. You shouldn't have any trouble getting started. We all have those moments, and there's nothing like writing a personal essay to make sense of —and share — a time that makes you cringe.

If you've never written a personal essay, spend some time writing around your idea. Freewrite. Give yourself permission to write terribly for a bit. You'll get where you need to be.

If you've written many personal essays, experiment. Play with structure and voice. Think of yourself as a character. Adapt a tactic from an essay you love.

Be honest, and have fun. I can't wait to read your essay.

DELIVERABLE

Share your 1000-1500 word essay in the online project gallery. Consider sharing your start-to-finish process and updating your project over time. You're welcome to include:

brainstorming / pre-writing
multiple drafts
specific questions for feedback

CONTEST

I'll select a winning essay to be featured on The Hairpin. Eligibility: You must submit a final essay of 1000-1500 words for consideration. Contest Deadline: 11:59 PM EST Tuesday, March 31, 2015.

RESOURCES

“The Best Time I (Maybe) Got Rabies” by Lola Pellegrino
“The Last Photograph of Cat” by Choire Sicha
“Our Graffiti” by Emily Gould

Dana Miller

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