In this series of five lessons, we’ll first reflect on the origins of the personal essay as a form while exploring different approaches and techniques for generating essay ideas, drafting, writing and revising. We’ll also use a memory-based exercise to get ideas flowing and words down on the page. We’ll exchange our writing with a partner to read out loud, learning how the art of listening can help you to hear your work anew and serve as an exercise in both empathy and editing.