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⇱ Creative Personal Writing: Write the Real You | Coursera


Creative Personal Writing: Write the Real You

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Creative Personal Writing: Write the Real You

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.1

12 reviews

Beginner level
No prior experience required
4 hours to complete

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.1

12 reviews

Beginner level
No prior experience required
4 hours to complete

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

3 assignments

Taught in English
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Creative Essay Writing: Explore the Personal & Powerful Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 3 modules in this course

That one story from childhood? That song that always takes you back?

Join renowned writer, editor, and speaker Ashley C. Ford for an inspiring, half-hour class on writing from memory! Ashley takes you through one of her own essays, then shares prompts and frameworks so that you can write your own. You'll learn essential skills for writing from memory, including: * reporting on yourself * what to do when you don't remember something you want to write about * pulling memories into the present * sharing your memories with the world All students are encouraged to write and share their essays from one of her favorite prompts: Write an essay inspired by a popular song from the year you turned 13! This is a beautiful class for writers of every level, whether you're just starting out or already published. Ashley's honest, thorough approach to her own writing is reflected in every lesson, and you will leave with both inspiration for writing your own piece β€” and also the practical knowledge of how to do it. Instructor bio: Ashley C. Ford lives in Brooklyn by way of Indianapolis, Indiana. She is a writer, editor, and public speaker. Currently, she is writing a memoir (among other things), and co-editing the anthology Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture with Roxane Gay. Ford has written or guest-edited for The Guardian,ELLE, BuzzFeed, Slate, I-D, Lenny Letter, Matter, Design*Sponge, and various other web and print publications. She's spoken at SXSW, Earlham College, Girls Write Now, and was a featured opening writer on Lena Dunham's Not That Kind of Girl book tour. Ford has been the recipient of a writing residency from Hedgebrook, and is the co-founder of The Lulu Fund. She teaches writing at The New School and Catapult.Co.

In this module, learners are introduced to the practice of writing from personal memory. You’ll explore how authentic experiences fuel creativity and begin capturing moments from your life that can serve as the backbone of your writing.

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt

2 videosβ€’Total 8 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’3 minutes
  • Writing From Memoryβ€’5 minutes
1 readingβ€’Total 30 minutes
  • Project Instructionsβ€’30 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 30 minutes
  • Module 1 Quizβ€’30 minutes
1 discussion promptβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • New Discussion Promptβ€’10 minutes

This module helps you deepen your personal storytelling by moving beyond simple recollection. Through techniques of self-reporting and connecting memory to the present moment, you’ll discover how to transform remembered details into powerful, relatable narratives.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt

2 videosβ€’Total 15 minutes
  • Reporting on Yourselfβ€’10 minutes
  • Pulling Memory into the Presentβ€’6 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 30 minutes
  • Module 2 Quizβ€’30 minutes
1 discussion promptβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • New Discussion Promptβ€’10 minutes

In this final module, learners move from idea to execution by creating and shaping new memories on the page. You’ll explore how sharing your writing strengthens your skills and conclude by drafting your own personal essay that reflects your unique voice.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

2 videosβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • Creating Memoryβ€’7 minutes
  • Sharing Your Workβ€’2 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 30 minutes
  • Module 3 Quizβ€’30 minutes
1 peer reviewβ€’Total 60 minutes
  • Course Projectβ€’60 minutes
1 discussion promptβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • New Discussion Promptβ€’10 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Skillshare
210 Coursesβ€’122,660 learners

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Learner reviews

  • 5 stars

    58.33%

  • 4 stars

    16.66%

  • 3 stars

    8.33%

  • 2 stars

    8.33%

  • 1 star

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Showing 3 of 12

JT
Β·

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

It's a nice introduction to a field. I'm going to explore some more books in this topic and use ChatGPT to produce more writing assignments like it

NS
Β·

Reviewed on Jan 14, 2026

I learned so much with this course and it gave me the perspective and motivation to write even with my imperfections.

N
Β·

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

It is a good introductory course for the specialization, but I expected more practical suggestions.

Frequently asked questions

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Financial aid available,