Inspired by Ghosts: Writing a Family Mystery

“Papa, come back! Please!” I was sixteen, on my way to raid the refrigerator yet again, when I heard my grandmother crying out from our living room. Hunger temporarily extinguished, I peeked around the corner to find Nana, as we called her, sitting on the edge of the sofa. “Why did you leave us, Papa?”… Read more »

After the Story Is on the Page: Writing about People We Love

After the Story Is on the Page: Writing about People We Love

“What about writing about friends and family?” Some version of this question comes toward the end of almost every personal essay class I teach. We’ve already discussed interrogation and discovery as we write. We’ve thought about beginnings and endings. We’ve considered scene, summary, and reflection. We’ve explored where to find ideas. We’ve spent time engaged… Read more »