Posing Naked on the Page

The courage, craft, & power of the personal essay

If you're ready to sculpt your life’s stories into powerful art, but you can’t seem to find the courage or your voice, you're in the right place.

In this weekly three-month class, we’ll learn, work, and listen together in an intimate group to master not only the words on the page, but the inner work that the personal essay requires.

You’ll learn from expert guest speakers, with writers and editors for publications such as HuffPo Personal, The Rumpus, and Electric Lit.

You’ll leave with a polished essay ready to submit, lots of notes from freewriting sessions, and a newfound courage to tell your story.

Let's dive in together, with all our hearts.

What Makes Posing Naked on the Page A Game-Changer?

  • ✺

    A Guide Who’s Been There

    Dive into the world of the personal essays with a writer who has experience from two million-reader viral essays to top-tier publications such as Elle, Yoga Journal, and Marie Claire.

  • ✺

    Star Guests

    Hear from fantastically talented essay writers, including Geraldine DeRuiter and Edgar Gomez, and editors such as HuffPo Personal’s Noah Michelson and The Rumpus’ Taylor Byas.

  • ✺

    Personalized Feedback

    Hone your work with edits from your peers as well as the class leader. Improve your editing skills by workshopping the writing of your peers.

  • ✺

    Intimate Class Size

    Only 20 seats available. This means more attention, more feedback, and deeper connections. Everyone in the class will come to know your work, and you will know theirs.

  • ✺

    Community & Connection

    Join a community of writers eager to support, challenge, and inspire each other, with relationships that will last far beyond the classroom.

  • ✺

    Inner Work

    Tackle the courage to be seen, the fear of writing about others, and the shame that keeps you from embracing visibility. This is where your voice will find its power.

Topics Covered:

  • Understanding the essence of vulnerability in storytelling.

  • The craft of personal essays

  • Voice and perspective

  • Structure and arc

  • The power of specificity

  • Vulnerability

  • What do you owe others?

  • Getting your work out in the world

Your Guide

Paulette Perhach

2x million-reader viral essay author

  • BlogHer Voices of the Year award winner

  • Anthologized along with work by Roxane Gay, Ashley C. Ford, Mindy Kaling, and Audre Lorde.

  • Nominated for Best of the Net.

  • Included in round-ups from Memoir Monday.

  • Contributor to a 2021 Washington State Book Award-winning anthology.

Paulette’s essays have appeared in:

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Guest Speakers

Book your spot now!

Posing Naked on the Page
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Posing Naked on the Page
$975.00
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Class details

Starts: May 30

Ends: Sept. 5

Meets: Thursdays, from 5-7 p.m. EST
Except for the week of July 4th, when we’ll meet on Tuesday, July 2)

Skip weeks: July 2, August 8 (You’ll instead have peer co-working time to keep up your momentum)

12 sessions total with Paulette over 15 weeks

Class Outline

Subject to change

  • Week 1: The Gift of the Personal Essay

  • Week 2: Voice and Perspective

  • Week 3: Crafting the Narrative

  • Week 4: The Power of Specificity

  • Week 5: The Alchemy of Vulnerability

  • Week 6: Writing About Other People (featuring Paulette’s mom!)

  • Week 7: Workshop

  • Week 8: Workshop

  • Week 9: Workshop

  • Week 10: Workshop

  • Week 11: Workshop

  • Week 12: How and Where to Get Your Work Out in the World

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • Anyone ready to dive deep into the art of personal essay writing. Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your craft, if you're eager to explore your experiences and emotions through writing, this class is for you.

  • Three things: our intimate class size ensures personalized attention; the blend of expert guidance and guest speaker insights offers unparalleled learning; and our focus on the inner work necessary for authentic storytelling sets us apart.

  • To ensure everyone gets the attention and space they need, we limit each class to just 20 students. This fosters a closer, more supportive learning environment.

  • No problem! "Posing Naked on the Page" is designed to guide writers at various stages. The only requirement is a willingness to explore your story and the courage to share it.

  • You'll leave with a fully fleshed out and edited personal essay, ready for submission. Plus, you'll gain a solid foundation in the craft of writing and a community of fellow writers.

  • If you're drawn to the idea of telling your story, willing to face yourself on the page, and curious about the craft of writing, you're ready. This class is about growth, courage, and finding your voice.

  • Nope, just a passion for writing and an open heart. Whether you're polishing your skills or uncovering your voice, you'll find your place here.

  • Absolutely. Feedback is a cornerstone of this class. You'll receive personalized critiques to help refine your writing, and workshop sessions will offer constructive feedback from peers and instructors alike.

  • We understand life happens. While attendance is important for the full experience, sessions will be recorded for you to catch up on what you missed.

  • Visit our website and click on "Enroll Now." Secure your spot with a deposit, and we'll guide you through the next steps to get you ready for an incredible writing journey.