Write a 600-word essay on a topic that you have direct, personal experience with, and explain what most people don't understand about this issue. What do most people fail to understand about the life of a single mother, emergency-room nurse, restaurant owner, etc.? What do you know from your experience as a tax attorney/concert pianist/grandmother of 10 that most people simply don't get? How can your insight and knowledge help others?

Write Your Rant. Think of a difficult challenge you've faced and what you learned from it. Then start with the prompt "Most people don’t understand" and write about that for 10 to 20 minutes. (Or longer if there is a lot they don’t understand!) If you lose steam, try starting a new sentence with "Here's what people don’t get" or "I know I’m not the only person who feels this way because…."
Write a Rough Sketch. Write one sentence that describes the argument you intend to make. Then write out about 4 to 6 supporting points. These can be based on anecdotes from your life, statistical facts, quotes or comments from experts, or just your thoughts. Don't worry right now about making it perfect. Just quickly write down the basic points you want to make; you can refine it later.
Brainstorm Ledes. Make a list of different personal experiences you've had that illustrate the issue you’re discussing. Describe a moment when you realized this issue was important, or a moment when your own ideas about it changed.
Write the Nut Graf. Take the main idea from your rough sketch, and write one or two sentences that clearly explain what you intend to argue and why it's important. How does your personal story in the lede translate to the larger issue you want to discuss? Write a transition sentence.
Write a Rough Draft. Refer back to your rough sketch and write out your supporting points using personal anecdotes and factual data from reliable sources like universities and government agencies. But don't feel like you have to stick to those points; allow yourself to have fun, be messy and go in unexpected directions.
The Kicker. Write the final paragraph of your piece. This could be a call to action, a callback to an earlier reference in the piece, or a moment that offers a new but related twist on the ideas you've presented. If you get stuck, don't worry. The best kickers often come during the editing and revising process.
Edit and Revise. Print out your piece and read it over. Does everything relate back to the main point you're trying to make? If not, then you'll want to either cut the parts that go too far afield, or else consider whether you need to refine your main idea—maybe you've discovered a more interesting and more nuanced story during the writing process. (This can be frustrating, but ultimately makes for a better piece!) Read your piece aloud and rework any awkward phrases that your ears hate. Strike out meaningless "clutter" phrases. Put sentences in the active voice, and favor nouns and verbs over adjectives.
Share and Pitch. When you've finished your piece, please share it on the Skillshare site. You can also consider pitching it to a newspaper, trade journal, blog or other outlet. Be sure to read the publication's submission guidelines before you pitch.

Class Reading List

Smart, Educated and Skilled—But Stuck at Home. By Kavita Krishnan

Why I Love Political Canvassing. By Sara Eckel

Here is a good submissions guidelines page.

Additional Reading

Sometimes, It's Not You, Or the Math. By Sara Eckel

Can't Pay for Your Meal? Then It's Free at My Restaurant. By Omer Yousafzai

Many of the Soldiers Securing Our Border Are Immigrants Who Are Proud to Defend the U.S. By Adebayo Adeleke

You can learn more about Sara at saraeckel.com, or follow her on Twitter @saraeckel.

Felicity Navarro

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