In this ninety-minute seminar, we’ll discuss the importance of giving your reader a strong impression and/or image of the people in your essays (including your persona, the “I”). I’ll share excerpts from essays, memoirs, and even shots from films, to help you think about various ways to create portraiture. Then I’ll offer three writing experiments for you to try. We’ll take a 15-minute break and come back to hear your amazing portraits.

In this hour-long seminar, we’ll look at the ways various writers think about the concept of persona (the “I”) in their essays and look at excerpts from their essays. Then you’ll do a persona inventory, followed by practicing with creating a persona for a few made-up essay ideas. My goal is for you to leave inspired to return to essay drafts of your own to (re)shape the persona or to start new drafts knowing which persona the essay needs.

Select the best programs for you and your writing | Create a dynamic and personable Statement of Purpose | Choose the strongest writing sample | Select references to create a comprehensive perspective of you as a student, writer, and instructor | Create a cohesive application package

My advice is based on years of successfuly mentoring students through their MFA application process, as well as reading applications from students applying to MA, MFA, and PhD programs.