A strong essay can not only open readers’ eyes to the power of the writer’s voice; it also has the power to direct a story, to build a compelling argument, to effectively combine personal experiences with the political, and to shine a light on unique experiences and perspectives.
In this practical workshop with Nesrine Malik, Orwell Prize-longlisted Guardian columnist and author of We Need New Stories, you will learn about the foundations of essay-writing, and how to build on those foundations to identify and strengthen your own narrative voice.
You will also discover how and where to look for essay ideas, how to weave in your own perspectives without drawing away from your subject matter, how to balance your research with analysis and personal stories, the nuts and bolts of structuring your essay, and much more.
Suitable for anyone with a desire to communicate their interesting take on cultural, political or social issues, this masterclass will equip you with the tools and the confidence to carry your voice into the public eye.
Course Content
- Looking for ideas and finding your own perspective
- How to develop your unique writing voice
- Balancing research, analysis and personal stories to build a compelling argument
- The nuts and bolts of structuring an impactful, persuasive essay
- Light-touch practical exercises in essay-writing techniques
- Where to go next: pitching opinion pieces and building single pieces into a larger writing project
This course is for...
- Early career journalists who want to develop their essay writing skills and learn more about research as well as the writing craft
- Anyone interested in building confidence in their own voice as a writer in the essay format
You will be sent a link to the webinar 2hrs before the start time of 6pm (GMT).
Tutor Profile
Nesrine Malik is a Guardian columnist and the author of We Need New Stories: Challenging the Toxic Myths Behind our Age of Discontent. View her Guardian profile here.
Course Details
- Date: Wednesday 19 January 2022
- Time: 6pm-8.30pm (GMT)
6pm GMT | 7pm CEST | 10am PDT | 1pm EDT
This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.
You will be sent a link to the webinar two hrs before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you have not received the access link within one hour of the scheduled start time.
All Guardian Masterclasses are fully accessible but please contact us at masterclasses@theguardian.com if you have any queries or concerns.
Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website
