writing class radio
Writing Class Radio is for people who love true, personal stories and want to learn how to write their own stories. There's no better way to understand ourselves and each other than by writing and telling our stories. Everyone has a story. What's yours?
Wed, April 02, 2025
I Wish I Had Been Nicer to You Before You Died
On this episode, we’re going to talk about using the letter form (epistolary) and specifically not telegraphing. If you don’t know what telegraphing is, don’t worry. You will after you hear our discussion at the end. The story in this episode is written by one of our favorite students, Danielle Huggins. This is the 4th time Danielle’s been featured on the podcast but the first time she’s joined us in the virtual studio. We are recording for the podcast as usual and you can also watch us on YouTube . Danielle’s essay is titled A Letter to My Sister: I’m Sorry. Danielle Huggins is a writer from Northern New Jersey. She has been published in the Washington Post, Mutha Magazine, and GoMAG.com . She is a frequent contributor to Writing Class Radio. Danielle has taken First Draft, Second Draft, Final Draft, and Memoir. She is currently working on a memoir and attends First Draft Class as often as she can. She is on TikTok under @bipolardanielle and lives with her husband, daughter, mother, a wire fox terrier, and Sadie Cat. If you loved this story and want more, you can listen to Episode 105: Teach us Something We Don’t Know . Episode 139: This is What Mania Looks Like. And Episode 152: How Music Inspires Storytelling . If you're looking for a writing coach to help your student with college application essays, contact Allison Langer . Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/writingclassradio" rel
Wed, March 05, 2025
I Lied About My Birth Experience. Writing Helped Me Work Out My Sh*t and Get to the Truth.
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Rachel Perse, who had severe anxiety after giving birth to her first child, but pretended she was having the time of her life. She tells her important story and then talks to us about how she used writing to get to the truth. And to work out her shit around becoming a new mother. Rachel is here in the studio with us, so we are recording for the podcast as usual but now, you can also watch us on YouTube . Rachel Perse will be reading her story called The Lies I Told About Motherhood. Rachel Perse is a stay-at-home mom to her 8-month-old son and two dogs. She is a proud older sister, alumna of Emory University, former assistant dean of students at the University of Miami, public health educator, and now, writer. A Transcription of this episode is available on our network website. We also made available our raw recording process on YouTube. If you're looking for a writing coach to help your student with college application essays, contact Allison Langer . Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aidan Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Mondays with Eduardo Winck 8-9 pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur, or scientist and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our <a href="https://www.writingclassradio.com/" rel="noopener n
Wed, February 05, 2025
When Anxiety is a Superpower
Today we bring you another story told live on stage at the Flagstaff Festival of Science in September 2024. This story is by Emma Lathrop and is about her anxiety. This quality she thought was hindering her turned out to be something she now values. Two years ago, we were hired by Dr. Jane Marks and Dr. Bruce Hungate , two famous ecologists from ECOSS at Northern Arizona University. They heard our podcast and then started taking our classes which led to the idea that their students would benefit from taking our classes. So we’ve been doing online workshops and in-person workshops to help these scientists personalize their stories. The stories are amazing. I have learned so much about science through their stories in a way that brings me in. This is our second year collaborating with the Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (ECOSS) at Northern Arizona University . The scientists are so smart and they are trying to save our planet and we get to help them reach more people by personalizing their message. Today’s storyteller, Emma Lathrop , is a PhD candidate in ECOSS at Northern Arizona University. A transcript of this episode is available on our network site. If you're looking for a writing coach to help your student with college application essays, contact Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing c
Wed, January 08, 2025
What Can You Learn by Watching How Trees Recover from Fire?
Today we bring you a story told live at the Flagstaff Festival of Science in September 2024 . We’re talking about making a connection from your personal life to what we study. We’re also talking about being vulnerable. Because everyone will love you more. We promise. This is our second year collaborating with the Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (ECOSS) at Northern Arizona University. Two years ago, we were hired by Dr. Jane Marks and Dr. Bruce Hungate , two famous ecologists from ECOSS at Northern Arizona University. They heard our podcast and then started taking our classes which led to the idea that their students would benefit from taking our classes. So we’ve been doing online workshops and in-person workshops to help these scientists personalize their stories. The stories are amazing. I have learned so much about science through their stories in a way that brings me in. Well, you’ll see. Today’s story is by Megan Quinn, a master’s degree student in the biology department at NAU. Megan’s essay reveals her eating disorder and how she’s been healing from that…much like burned trees heal from high intensity wild fires. A Transcription of this episode can be found on our network page here. If you're looking for a writing coach to help your student with college application essays, contact Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, yo
Wed, December 25, 2024
When is a Gift More than a Gift?
Today on our show, we are re-running a story by Emily Henderson titled After Our Son Died, My Husband Gave Me The Most Meaningful Christmas Gift Of My Life . Emily workshopped this essay in our Final Draft class and then the Huffington Post published it on December 25, 2021 . This story is an excellent example of using an object to convey emotion, details, and telling in addition to showing. Emily tells us how she’s feeling the entire story which intensifies vulnerability. To hear another of Emily’s stories, listen to Episode 103: Writing the Same Story Over and Over and Episode 160: Cliches Saved My Life Emily Henderson is a runner and writer living in Santa Barbara, California. Her essays have appeared in Scary Mommy, the Santa Barbara Independent, Huffington Post, and Writing Class Radio. Emily is currently writing a memoir about processing the loss of her son while running every street in her city. You can follow her on Instagram at @emilykathleenwrites or visit https://substack.com/@emilyhenderson A Transcript of this episode can be found on our network page. If you're looking for a writing coach to help your student with college application essays, contact Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aidan Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our websit
Wed, December 11, 2024
The Passing of Sorrow
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Dana Shavin , who submitted her essay to the podcast. When it came in, we were blown away. The writing is so smart and well-crafted. In this episode, we talk about the difference between situation and story and we also discuss why callbacks are effective. Dana Shavin is an award-winning humor columnist for the Chattanooga Times Free Press , and the author of a memoir, The Body Tourist and the collection of essays, Finding the World: Thoughts on Life, Love, Home and Dogs . Dana’s essays and articles have appeared in The Sun, Oxford American, Garden and Gun, Travel + Leisure, Alaska Quarterly Review, Fourth Genre, Today.com , Appalachian Review, Psychology Today, Bark, The Writer, and others. You can find more at Danashavin.com , and follow her on Facebook at Dana Shavin Writes . A Transcript of this episode can be found on our network page. If you're looking for a writing coach to help your student with college application essays, contact Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Mondays with Eduar
Wed, November 27, 2024
Why Do We Love Stories That Remind Us of Ourselves?
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Rachel Kramer Bussel . Her story was so relatable, that we realized sometimes we choose stories so we can just talk about ourselves. And that’s just what we do in this episode. We also talk about the narrator’s brilliance in drawing us in with just the right details. Rachel’s story is titled, The Craving That Killed My Veganism Rachel Kramer Bussel ( rachelkramerbussel.com ) is an essayist and freelance writer specializing in books, culture, relationships, mental health, and feminism. She is the editor of Open Secrets Magazine ( opensecretsmag.substack.com ) and over 70 anthologies, and is the author of How to Write Erotica and Lap Dance Lust. Rachel's writing has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Salon, The Village Voice, and other publications. She teaches essay writing classes online and is currently editing an anthology about our attachments to your belongings. If you're looking for a writing coach to help your student with college application essays, contact Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Mondays with Eduardo Winck 8-9 pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur, or scientist and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our <a href="https:
Wed, November 13, 2024
Shut the F*ck up, Please
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Sarena Neyman. Sarena is in Allison’s 2nd Draft class, which contains writers who come together to share a draft of their essay and receive feedback from the group. Sarena was previously published on Writing Class Radio. Episode 187: The Bigger Table: How I Lost My Husband But Gained a Bigger Family. In that episode, we discussed Sarena’s brilliant landings. In this episode we will discuss landings again, because like last time, they are perfect. We will also talk about humor and details. This narrator is hilarious and so good at the highlighting little things. Sarena Neyman has been writing for numerous human rights groups for more than 20 years, working on causes from digital privacy to affordable housing to marriage equality. She writes for cabinlife.com and PeaceVoice.com . Sarena lives in Western Massachusetts. If you're looking for a writing coach to help your student with college application essays, contact Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Mondays with Eduardo Winck 8-9 pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur, or scientist and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our <a href="https://www.writi
Wed, October 30, 2024
My Abortion at 11 Wasn’t a Choice. It Was My Life
This is the final story in a 7-part series in support of reproductive rights. On election day, Floridians will have the opportunity to vote Yes on 4 to get rid of a near-total abortion ban and reinstate the liberties under Roe v. Wade. The stories in the series were told live on stage in front of 400 people at Temple Beth Am in Miami, Florida on September 5th 2024. As the country gears up for the election on November 5, 2024, we will be sharing all seven stories one week at a time. These stories highlight what the current ban limits and excludes, and how this ban negatively impacts all women and families. We hope these stories will help you understand why keeping abortion legal (which means voting yes on amendment 4) is not only important but will also save lives. We know this sounds counter intuitive, but abortion saves lives. Click here to support Yes on 4 and please stay tuned. Today’s story is by Nicole Walker whose story tells us everything we need to know about why she writes and why she wrote this story. When she wrote about her abortion at 11 in the New York Times, all the shame she carried for more than forty years melted away. This is why we write. A Transcription of this episode can be found on the Sound Off Podcast Network Site. Nicole Walker is an English professor at Northern Arizona University and the author of 8 books. You can find Nicole on Facebook , Twitter @nikwalkotter , Instagram @nikwalker28 , and her website nikwalk.com . This event was produced and created by Writing Class Radio, Rabbi Greengrass at Temple Beth Am, and 19 collaborative partners: The Women’s Fund, Equal Justice Society, Cuban American Women Supporting Democracy, Men for Choice, Books and Books, Planned Parenthood, Temple Judea
Wed, October 23, 2024
Florida’s Abortion Law Almost Killed My Wife
This is the sixth story in a 7-part series in support of reproductive rights. On election day, Floridians will have the opportunity to vote Yes on 4 to get rid of a near-total abortion ban and reinstate the liberties under Roe v. Wade. The stories in the series were told live on stage in front of 400 people at Temple Beth Am in Miami, Florida on September 5th 2024. As the country gears up for the election on November 5, 2024, we will be sharing all seven stories one week at a time. These stories highlight what the current ban limits and excludes, and how this ban negatively impacts all women and families. We hope these stories will help you understand why keeping abortion legal (which means voting yes on amendment 4) is not only important but will also save lives. We know this sounds counter intuitive, but abortion saves lives. Click here to support Yes on 4 and please stay tuned. Today’s story is by Derick Cook who describes his wife’s near-death experience when doctors sent her home after her water broke at 16 weeks. Derick’s wife should have gotten an abortion right away, but because her fetus still had cardiac activity and she wasn’t yet on the verge of death, her doctor was afraid to offer common-sense care. This story is tragic, but it has a happy ending. Derick Cook is a high school football champ, drummer, and guitar player. Because of what Derick’s wife went through, Derick has become an activist. He told us he wants to write a book. I hope he does. Find Derick on Facebook. This event was produced and created by Writing Class Radio, Rabbi Greengrass at Temple Beth Am, and 19 collaborative partners: The Women’s Fund, Equal Justice Society, Cuban American Women Supporting Democracy, Men for Choice, Books and Books, Planned Parenthood, Temple Judea, Coral Gables United Church of Christ, Tikkun Olam at Temple Beth Am, Florida Women’s Freedom Coalition, Women’s Emergency Network, Sisterhood of Temple Beth Am, Catholics for Choice, Temple Israel, Women of Reform Judaism, RAC Florida, National Council of Jewish Women, The Workers Circle, and All Angels Episcopal Church. Writin
Wed, October 16, 2024
A Physician's Duty
This is the fifth story in a 7-part series in support of reproductive rights. On election day, Floridians will have the opportunity to vote Yes on 4 to get rid of a near-total abortion ban and reinstate the liberties under Roe v. Wade. The stories in the series were told live on stage in front of 400 people at Temple Beth Am in Miami, Florida on September 5th 2024. As the country gears up for the election on November 5, 2024, we will be sharing all seven stories one week at a time. These stories highlight how Florida's current 6-week abortion ban negatively impacts all women and families. We hope these stories will help you understand why keeping abortion legal (which means voting yes on Amendment 4) is not only important but will also save lives. We know this sounds counter intuitive, but abortion saves lives. Click here to support Yes on 4 and please stay tuned. Today’s story is by Dr. Cecilia Grande, an OB-GYN in Miami, Florida. Her story is about how the current abortion laws are prohibiting her and her colleagues from giving standard care to her patients and tragically, women are dying. Dr. Grande lists the exceptions provided by the law, but walks us through why these exceptions are grossly inadequate and why even the exception for rape and incest does not protect rape victims unless they report their rape and can provide a court order. The exceptions, in short, are cruel. Dr. Cecilia Grande has been a practicing physician in Miami for 30 years. The Yes on 4 campaign is taking the full live show, Our Abortion Stories , on the road. Join us in a city near you: Tour Dates: Tallahassee, Oct. 24 Jacksonville, Oct. 25 Orlando, Oct. 26 <a href="https://secure.everyaction.com/t1fnhzPkEEOK31sNXMlBdg2?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email" rel="no
Wed, October 09, 2024
Another Try at a Better Life
This is the fourth story in a 7-part series in support of reproductive rights. On election day, Floridians will have the opportunity to vote Yes on 4 to get rid of a near-total abortion ban and reinstate the liberties under Roe v. Wade. The stories in the series were told live on stage in front of 400 people at Temple Beth Am in Miami, Florida on September 5th 2024. As the country gears up for the election on November 5, 2024, we will be sharing all seven stories one week at a time. These stories highlight what the current ban limits and excludes, and how this ban negatively impacts all women and families. We hope these stories will help you understand why keeping abortion legal (which means voting yes on amendment 4) is not only important but will also save lives. We know this sounds counter intuitive, but abortion saves lives. Click here to support Yes on 4 and please stay tuned. Today’s story is by Nilsa Ada Rivera . Nilsa’s story shows what someone living on the street goes through when she learns she’s pregnant and wants to have a baby. In Nilsa’s case, the fetus had severe health problems and Nilsa had to make the hard decision to terminate the pregnancy. Nilsa is Catholic and until recently struggled with her decision. Ultimately she believes God is the only entity that can judge her. She’s been on the podcast before when she wrote about hearing loss. For more Nilsa, here’s Episode 29 and Episode 107 . Nilsa Ada Rivera is a housing analyst and writer. Nilsa and I have been in writing groups together for about 15 years. She is coming out with her first book in 2025 about affordable housing. You can find Nilsa Rivera on Instagram @nilsawrites and Facebook . This event was produced and created by Writing
Wed, October 02, 2024
A Letter to My Son About His Abortion
This is the third story in a 7-part series in support of reproductive rights. On election day, Floridians will have the opportunity to vote Yes on 4 to get rid of a near-total abortion ban and reinstate the liberties under Roe v. Wade. The stories in the series were told live on stage in front of 400 people at Temple Beth Am in Miami, Florida on September 5th 2024. As the country gears up for the election on November 5, 2024, we will be sharing all seven stories one week at a time. These stories highlight what the current ban limits and excludes, and how this ban negatively impacts all women and families. We hope these stories will help you understand why keeping abortion legal (which means voting yes on amendment 4) is not only important but will also save lives. We know this sounds counter intuitive, but abortion saves lives. Click here to support Yes on 4 and please stay tuned. Today’s story is by Matt Tente . Matt’s story is in the epistolary form, which means it was told in the form of a letter. Matt comes with a perspective about how healthcare could be handled if we in Florida work hard enough to win Yes on 4. We found Matt’s story on HuffPost , where it was published in a longer form. Matt Tente is a screenwriter and portrait photographer who came in from California where he lives with his wife and one-year-old son. You can find him on Instagram @matttenteheadshots . This event was produced and created by Writing Class Radio, Rabbi Greengrass at Temple Beth Am, and 19 collaborative partners: The Women’s Fund, Equal Justice Society, Cuban American Women Supporting Democracy, Men for Choice, Books and Books, Planned Parenthood, Temple Judea, Coral Gables United Church of Christ, Tikkun Olam at Temple Beth Am, Florida Women’s Freedom Coalition, Women’s Emergency Network, Sisterhood of Temple Beth Am, Catholics for Choice, Temple Israel, Women of Reform Judaism, RAC Florida, National Council of Jewish Women, The Workers Circle, and All Angels Episcopal Church. Writin
Wed, September 25, 2024
The Shade of Our Grandmothers’ Trees.
This is the second story in a 7-part series in support of reproductive rights. On election day, Floridians will have the opportunity to vote Yes on 4 to get rid of a near-total abortion ban and reinstate the liberties under Roe v. Wade. The stories in the series were told live on stage in front of 400 people at Temple Beth Am in Miami, Florida on September 5th 2024. As the country gears up for the election on November 5, 2024, we will be sharing all seven stories one week at a time. These stories highlight what the current ban limits and excludes, and how this ban negatively impacts all women and families. We hope these stories will help you understand why keeping abortion legal (which means voting yes on amendment 4) is not only important but will also save lives. We know this sounds counter intuitive, but abortion saves lives. Click here to support Yes on 4 and please stay tuned. Today’s story is by Nicole Crooks and is titled The Shade of Our Grandmothers’ Trees. Nicole tells the story of sexual molestation and rape. Neither the abuse nor the rape were described, but there is mention of both. If this is a difficult subject for you to hear about, please skip this episode. In Nicole’s story she grapples with reporting her rape and ultimately doesn’t, just as the women she counseled ultimately didn’t report theirs. Nicole Crooks is a coach and consultant who is committed to black women’s well-being and building community. You can find Nicole on Instagram at @Iamnicolecrooks This event was produced and created by Writing Class Radio, Rabbi Greengrass at Temple Beth Am, and 19 collaborative partners: The Women’s Fund, Equal Justice Society, Cuban American Women Supporting Democracy, Men for Choice, Books and Books, Planned Parenthood, Temple Judea, Coral Gables United Church of Christ, Tikkun Olam at Temple Beth Am, Florida Women’s Freedom Coalition, Women’s Emergency Network, Sisterhood of Temple Beth Am, Catholics for Choice, Temple Israel, Women of Reform Judaism, RAC Florida, National Council of Jewish Women, The Workers Circle, and All Angels Episcopal Church. Writing
Wed, September 18, 2024
Then and Now and Back to Then
Today, we are starting a new series in support of reproductive rights–specifically Yes on 4 here in Florida to get rid of a near-total abortion ban and reinstate the liberties under Roe v. Wade. The stories in the series were told live on stage in front of 400 people at Temple Beth Am in Miami, Florida on September 5th 2024. As the country gears up for the election on November 5, 2024, we will be sharing all seven stories one week at a time. These stories highlight what the current ban limits and excludes, and how this ban negatively impacts all women and families. We hope these stories will help you understand why keeping abortion legal (which means voting yes on amendment 4) is not only important but will also save lives. We know this sounds counter intuitive, but abortion saves lives. Click here to support Yes on 4 and please stay tuned. Our first story in the series is by Liz Chifari. We asked Liz why she wrote this story and she said, “.... because it was time.” Liz had two abortions. In 1970, before abortion was legal, Liz had to proclaim she was mentally ill to get an abortion. In 1997, when she thought she was in perimenopause and already had a family, she went to an abortion clinic. Her story is about how radically different her experiences were. This event was produced and created by Writing Class Radio, Rabbi Greengrass at Temple Beth Am, and 19 collaborative partners: The Women’s Fund, Equal Justice Society, Cuban American Women Supporting Democracy, Men for Choice, Books and Books, Planned Parenthood, Temple Judea, Coral Gables United Church of Christ, Tikkun Olam at Temple Beth Am, Florida Women’s Freedom Coalition, Women’s Emergency Network, Sisterhood of Temple Beth Am, Catholics for Choice, Temple Israel, Women of Reform Judaism, RAC Florida, National Council of Jewish Women, The Workers Circle, and All Angels Episcopal Church. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by <a href="https:
Trailer · Fri, September 13, 2024
Our Abortion Stories: Seven Storytellers on Heartbreak, Health, and Hope
On September 18, 2024, we are launching a new series in support of a family’s reproductive rights--specifically Yes on 4 here in Florida to get rid of a near abortion ban and reinstate the liberties under Roe v Wade. The stories in the series were told live on stage at Temple Beth Am in Miami, Florida on September 5th 2024. Each storyteller stood in front of an audience of 400 people and read their story. As the country gears up for the election on November 5th 2024, we will be sharing all seven stories one week at a time. These stories highlight what the current ban limits and excludes, and how this ban negatively impacts all women and families. We hope these stories will help you understand why keeping abortion legal (which means voting yes on amendment 4) is not only ultra important but will also save lives. I know that is counter intuitive, so stay tuned. This event was produced and created by Writing Class Radio , Rabbi Greengrass at Temple Beth Am, and 19 collaborative partners: The Women’s Fund, Equal Justice Society, Cuban American Women Supporting Democracy, Men for Choice, Books and Books, Planned Parenthood, Temple Judea, Coral Gables United Church of Christ, Tikkun Olam at Temple Beth Am, Florida Women’s Freedom Coalition, Women’s Emergency Network, Sisterhood of Temple Beth Am, Catholics for Choice, Temple Israel, Women of Reform Judaism, All Angels Episcopal Church, RAC Florida, National Council of Jewish Women, The Workers Circle. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Kenny Korade . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison
Wed, September 04, 2024
I Found Connection Through a Tattoo of a Bee
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Jennifer Sizeland , who lives in Manchester, England. Her story, I found connection through a tattoo of a bee is a great example of situation and story. It’s important to know the difference and we will discuss why. Jennifer Sizeland is a freelance writer and assistant producer with 14 years of experience in the media industry. She has written for many publications including the BBC, the Independent, Metro, Manchester Mill, Fodor’s Travel, Gastro Obscura, Reader’s Digest, and Stylist. For more Jennifer Sizeland, go to her website Jennifersizeland.com . She lives in Manchester, England and you can follow her on Instagram at @lifeofsize . If you're looking for a writing coach to help your student with college application essays, contact Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Mondays with Eduardo Winck 8-9 pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur, or scientist and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and the support from other writers. To learn more, go to<a href="http://www.patreon.com/writing
Wed, August 21, 2024
Making Room for Hope after My Daughter Died
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Farida Taha. Farida writes about losing her daughter to cancer and how she’s moving forward. We talk a lot about loss on our podcast, because writing is how so many people process grief. We believe writing opens the heart, clears the mind, and helps us understand and process. In this essay, Farida throws out some incredibly poignant lines that reveal intense pain and so much hope for the future. Farida Taha is a writer and mother of three. She is originally from New York City and resides in Miami, FL. She is an avid listener and former writing class radio student. You can find her on Instagram @faridae. If you're looking for a writing coach to help your student with college application essays, contact Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . A transcription of this episode is available on the network webpage. There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups . You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Mondays with Eduardo Winck 8-9 pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur, or scientist and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together fo
Wed, August 07, 2024
How I Lost My Husband But Gained a Bigger Family
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Sarena Neyman. Sarena is in Allison’s 2nd Draft class , which is made up of writers who come together to share a draft of their essay and receive feedback from the group. Sarena’s stories are funny and brimming with voice and perfect landings. Sarena Neyman has been writing for numerous human rights groups for more than 20 years, working on causes from digital privacy to affordable housing to marriage equality. She writes for cabinlife.com and PeaceVoice.com . Sarena lives in Western Massachusetts. If you're looking for a writing coach to help your student with college application essays, contact Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . A Transcription of this episode is available on our Network Website. If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Mondays with Eduardo Winck 8-9 pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur, or scientist and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and the support f
Wed, July 24, 2024
Something Beautiful Happened When I Shared My Writing with My Family
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Janet Funk. Janet writes about her experience sharing an essay she wrote with her family prior to submitting for publication to. The essay was about the horrible fourth of July when her brother Robbie drowned and was published in Business Insider on July 3, 2024. We’ll discuss the age-old-memoir questions: How do we write about and publish stories about the people in our lives? Janet’s essay was written from a prompt given in First Draft . The prompt was this: Write about Something Beautiful. Janet’s story is called Something Beautiful Happened When I Shared My Writing with My Family Janet Funk lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband Johnny, two sons and goldendoodle. In her free time she kayaks, hikes and writes. She also works at the best thrift store in town.You can find her writing on her Substack https://janetfunk.substack.com/ A transcription of this episode is available through our network website. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Mondays with Eduardo Winck 8-9 pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur, or scientist and you w
Wed, July 10, 2024
Am I Turning into My Mother
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Bonnie Shor , who we call Blee. Blee has been a student of Writing Class Radio for two years. We love the shit out of her. Listen to what she told us: I took up knitting, Zumba and writing when I turned 60. Eight years later, there's a ball of yarn in my closet, and four unused Zumba classes on my lost dance card. My writing, though, can be found in several anthologies, most recently, Hellokoo Volume 1 Letter A, Loud Coffee Press Magazine, and now Writing Class Radio. For more Blee, check out her Instagram @Bleeshor . Blee’s story is called Am I Turning Into My Mother? A question many people can totally relate to on so many levels. On this episode we talk about how Blee so elegantly described her mother and herself. We discuss what makes something universal, the details that drew us in and told us so much about the narrator, and we discuss why the structure she used is so effective. And finally, we talk about endings. This narrator nailed the ending in a huge way. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Mondays with Eduardo Winck 8-9 pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur, or scientist and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. If you're looking for a writing coach to help your student with college application essays, contact Allison Langer. Join the community that
Wed, June 26, 2024
Just Tell Us How it Went Down
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Alison Colwell. At age 8, Alison was responsible for making sure her mother’s epileptic seizure didn’t kill her. In this essay, Alison takes us to a moment in the hospital where if she’d looked away, her mom might have died. Alison’s essay is an excellent example of hot topic cold prose and is contained in a very short moment. We will go into detail about what we mean by hot topic cold prose and why the tool is so effective. Alison’s essay is called Look Away . Alison Colwell graduated from the BFA program at UVIC and is now the Executive Director of the Galiano Community Food Program, a charity focused on increasing food security on Galiano Island. She is a single working mother of two children with mental health challenges and a survivor of domestic abuse, all of which inform her creative writing. Alison was recently awarded a Canada Council for the Arts Grant to work on a series of interconnected essays that weave fairy tales with memoir. Alison has been published in Rising Tides, Folklife Magazine, The Fieldstone Review, the NonBinary Review, The Fourth River, The Humber Literary Review, The Ocotillo Review, Daily Science Fiction, Flash Fiction Magazine, Crow & Cross Keys, The Drabble, and Tangled Locks Journal and is forthcoming in Two Hawks Quarterly and Hippocampus Magazine. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . A transcription of this episode can be found of the Sound Off Media Company's Network Page. If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Mondays with Eduardo Winck 8-9 pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur, or scientist and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we o
Wed, June 12, 2024
If You Don’t Want to Know, Don’t Snoop on Your Daughter’s Instagram Account
This episode focuses on how to tell a story out loud. In May 2024, our own Andrea Askowitz made her way to a Moth storytelling competition and for the 15th time (over nine years), dropped her name in the bag. The prompt was snooping. Before she left home, her wife told her to look at this evening, if chosen, as practice instead of assuming this would be her Moth. So, when her name was chosen, Andrea had not memorized a story but instead decided to have fun telling the audience about the time she snooped on her daughter’s Insta account. Did she win at long last? Listen to find out. In this episode, you will also hear tips on how to hone your story for both the page and the stage. If you want to tell a story out loud or if you want to hone a story you're writing for the page, sign up here to workshop with Andrea. Page to Stage and Back to Page is happening June 27, 2024 7-8:30 p.m. ET on Zoom. A transcription of this episode can be found on the Network Page. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Mondays with Eduardo Winck 8-9 pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur, or scientist and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com.
Wed, May 29, 2024
A Story is Like a Thesis. You Gotta Make Your Point.
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Emma Lathrop , a PhD student at The Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (ECOSS) at Northern Arizona University (NAU) . Emma’s story is about proving your value and fighting for your position as a woman in STEM. The best part is when we get a glimpse into how the field would look if Emma were the boss. This story was originally performed on stage at the Flagstaff Festival of Science in October 2023. Like episode 174, 175, 177, 179, and 180 this was a collaboration with ECOSS, The Center for Ecosystem Science and Society, at Northern Arizona University and Story Collider, a podcast that airs true SCIENCE stories. Writing Class Radio worked with Dr. Bruce Hungate and Dr. Jane Marks , ecologists and professors at NAU. They have been taking classes with us for about three years. Last year, they were like, Hey, we gotta get our students to personalize their science stories and then they hired us to work with their students online and in person and all of it culminated in a show, which got a standing ovation. Jane and Bruce know that connecting on a personal level will help scientists convey their messages to a broader public and hopefully save the world. Emma Lathrop is a PhD student at NAU in the Center for Ecosystem Science and Society at Northern Arizona University. Her research focuses on understanding how susceptible carbon in deep soils is to decomposition and emission to the atmosphere as greenhouse gas. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . <a href="https://www.sound
Wed, May 15, 2024
What Do I Do if I Have Nothing Left to Write About?
Today on our show, we bring you a story by our own Allison Langer . Her essay is called My Mom And I Fought For 55 Years. Now Battling My Son Is Making Me Rethink Everything , which was originally published in Huffington Post, May 16, 2023. In this episode, Allison shows us that you can write about the same thing over and over and you should. It’s the only way to really work out your shit. Listen to the hosts discuss why writing and rewriting is important for your heart and your story. A Transcription of the episode can be found here. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Mondays with Eduardo Winck 8-9 pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur, or scientist and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . Or sign up HERE for First Draft for a FREE Zoom link. A new episode will drop every other WEDNESDAY. There’
Wed, May 01, 2024
The Forest Raised Me Better than My Father
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Darby Bergl , a PhD student at The Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (ECOSS) at Northern Arizona University (NAU) . Her story is about resilience and survival in the face of a volatile father. Darby has a passion for ecology and the study of carbon dynamics in temperate forests, which she interjects into her story. Darby’s story was originally performed on stage at the Flagstaff Festival of Science in October 2023. This was a Collaboration with ECOSS, Northern Arizona University, and Story Collider , a podcast that airs true science stories. Darby was totally present while telling her story on stage and her delivery was spot on. Writing Class Radio worked with Dr. Bruce Hungate and Dr. Jane Marks , ecologists and professors at NAU. They have been taking classes with us for about three years. Last year, they were like, Hey, we gotta get our students to personalize their science stories and then they hired us to work with their students online and in person and all of it culminated in a show, which got a standing ovation. Jane and Bruce know that connecting on a personal level will help scientists convey their messages to a broader public and hopefully save the world. Darby Bergl is a PhD student at NAU in the Center for Ecosystem Science and Society at Northern Arizona University. Darby’s research focuses on the interactions between climate and soil biogeochemistry in terrestrial ecosystems. She is interested in utilizing radiocarbon techniques and modeling approaches to comprehend how C cycling, turnover, and storage will change over time and how this relates to the global C cycle. She plans to use the findings to participate in discussions about the carbon budget in northern hardwood forests with stakeholders, policy advisers, and community members. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandl
Wed, April 17, 2024
How to Use Science to Create an Emotional Connection to Place.
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Keven Griffen , a PhD student at The Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (ECOSS) at Northern Arizona University (NAU) . Her story uses science to understand an emotional connection to place. She did it by having us fall in love with the place. She set the scene and raised the stakes. Keven’s story was originally performed on stage at the Flagstaff Festival of Science in October 2023. This was a Collaboration with ECOSS, Northern Arizona University, and Story Collider , a podcast that airs true science stories. Keven was dialed in while telling her story on stage and her delivery was impeccable. Writing Class Radio worked with Dr. Bruce Hungate and Dr. Jane Marks , ecologists and professors at NAU. They have been taking classes with us for about three years. Last year, they were like, Hey, we gotta get our students to personalize their science stories and then they hired us to work with their students online and in person and all of it culminated in a show, which got a standing ovation. Jane and Bruce know that connecting on a personal level will help scientists convey their messages to a broader public and hopefully save the world. Keven Griffen is a PhD student at NAU in the Center for Ecosystem Science and Society at Northern Arizona University. She is interested in how communities respond to disturbance in extreme environments, and her research is primarily focused on using biological soil crusts for restoration applications, their tolerances for extreme environments, and their responses to global change. A Transcription of the show is available here. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . <p
Wed, April 03, 2024
Is it Rape if You Were Blackout Drunk?
Today on our show we bring you a story by Morgan Sutton that embodies everything a story should embody. The story uses no extra words; the narrator looks inside herself; and the story matters to the broader world. The story is so important because it explains a very dangerous and ugly assumption that is often made about women who’ve been raped. Morgan does it by examining her own situation and her own assumptions. There’s no preaching. And there’s nothing dogmatic. This is what writing and storytelling is all about. Getting to the truth. Morgan workshopped this story at Writing Class Radio’s annual writing boot camp in Key Largo. She did the work to make the story great. Morgan Sutton is a hospice nurse who lives in Austin, Texas with her husband. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Mondays with Eduardo Winck 8-9 pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur, or scientist and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . Or sign up HERE for First Draft for a FREE Zoom link. A new episode will drop every other WEDNESDAY. There’s no better way to understand ourselves and each other, than by writing and sharing our stories. Everyone has a story. What’s yours? See Privacy Policy at <a href=
Wed, March 20, 2024
How to See Beauty in Small Things
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Jasmine Anenberg, a PhD student at The Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (ECOSS) at Northern Arizona University (NAU) . Her story is about losing a friend but gaining something he taught her, which is seeing the beauty in small things. She takes this lesson into her fieldwork as she studies mosses in dirt. Her story was originally performed on stage at the Flagstaff Festival of Science in October 2023. This was a Collaboration with ECOSS, Northern Arizona University, and Story Collider , a podcast that airs true science stories. Jasmine was totally present while telling her story on stage and her delivery was spot on. Writing Class Radio worked with Dr. Bruce Hungate and Dr. Jane Marks , ecologists and professors at NAU. They have been taking classes with us for about three years. Last year, they were like, Hey, we gotta get our students to personalize their science stories and then they hired us to work with their students online and in person and all of it culminated in a show, which got a standing ovation. Jane and Bruce know that connecting on a personal level will help scientists convey their messages to a broader public and hopefully save the world. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Mondays with Eduardo Winck 8-9 pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community a
Wed, March 13, 2024
Flying Home or Someplace Better
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Jennifer Byrne, who conjures the courage to leave her husband after she's faced with removing a bird that flew into her house. Her story is an excellent example of using a book-end structure. Jennifer has been published in the New York Times (Tiny Love Stories), The Cut, Psychology Today, Good Housekeeping, Atlas Obscura, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, The New Yorker Daily Shouts and The Guardian. She lives in New Jersey. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . A transcription of this episode can be found here. There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Mondays with Eduardo Winck 8-9 pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur, or scientist and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . Or sign up HERE for First Draft for a FREE Zoom link. A new episode will drop every other WEDNESDAY. There’s no better way to understand ourselves and each other, than by writing and sharing our stories. Everyone has a story. What’s yours? See Privacy Policy at https://art1
Wed, February 28, 2024
Fighting Fire with Aspen and Birch
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Nick Link, a PhD student in the Mack Lab and part of the Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (ECOSS) at Northern Arizona University . His story was originally performed on stage at the Flagstaff Festival of Science in October 2023. This was a Collaboration with ECOSS , Northern Arizona University, and Story Collider , a podcast that airs true science stories. We worked with Dr. Bruce Hungate and Dr. Jane Marks , ecologists and professors at NAU . They have been taking classes with us for about three years. Last year, they were like, Hey, we gotta get our students to personalize their science stories and hired us to work with their students. We did that online and in person and all of it culminated in a show, which got a standing ovation. Jane and Bruce know that connecting on a personal level will help scientists convey their messages to a broader public and hopefully save the world. Nick’s story takes a personal experience that has been burned into his memory. As an undergraduate student, he and his housemates almost burned down the neighborhood when they got rid of their Christmas trees. This experience led him to his work today, building natural fire breaks in the forest of Alaska. A Transcription of this episode can be found here. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following
Wed, February 14, 2024
For the Love of Science
Happy Valentine’s Day. Today on our show, we bring you a story that was originally performed on stage at the Flagstaff Festival of Science in October 2023. This was a Collaboration with The Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (ECOSS) at Northern Arizona University (NAU) and Story Collider , a podcast that airs true science stories. We worked with our narrator of today’s story Dr. Bruce Hungate and Dr. Jane Marks , a conservation ecologist and professor at NAU, who happens to be married to Bruce. They have been taking classes with us for about three years. Last year, they were like, Hey, we gotta get our students to personalize their science stories and hired us to work with their students. We did that online and in person and all of it culminated in a live show, which got a standing ovation. Jane and Bruce know that connecting on a personal level will help scientists convey their messages to a broader public and hopefully save the world. Bruce Hungate’s story is a love story. It’s about his love for his wife, Jane, as well as his love for science and nature. His story is a great lesson on how to sneak science into a story. Bruce Hungate is a professor and director of ECOSS at Northern Arizona University. Bruce conducts research on ecosystems and how they respond to and shape environmental change. He trains future scientists and communicates the relevance of science to people around the world. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers
Wed, February 07, 2024
Birds Will Be Birds
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Christopher Blackwell. Chris is 42 and serving a 45-year prison sentence in Washington. Chris’s story came to us through writer and Chris’s mentor, Jamie Beth Cohen. This episode is about taking a small moment and bringing big meaning. Through details and emotion, Chris tells us so much about himself and his surroundings. When birds nest on the windowsill of the prison, all the men gather round. Their usual differences melt away. When the birds fly away, our narrator understands their lust for freedom. Christopher Blackwell co-founded Look 2 Justice , an organization that provides civic education to system-impacted communities and actively works to pass sentence and policy reform legislation. He is currently writing a book about solitary confinement. His writing has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, Huffington Post , and many other outlets. He is a contributing writer at Jewish Currents , a contributing editor at The Appeal , and works closely with the prison writing program Empowerment Avenue . You can follow him on X @chriswblackwell . Chris’s story was originally published in The Appeal , which is a nonprofit news organization that envisions a world in which systems of support and care, not punishment, create public safety. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Mondays with Eduardo Winck 8-9 pm ET. Yo
Wed, January 24, 2024
How to Start a New Job
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Sumitra Mattai . Sumitra is a writer and textile designer based in New York City. She holds a BFA in Textile Design from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School. Her essays on family, food and culture have been published widely. For more information, www.sumitramattai.com , Instagram @sumitramattai , or subscribe to her newsletter, "Clothbound," highlighting textiles in art, design and everyday life. Her story is a really interesting example of how to change-up structure. It’s literally a list with soooooo many details that reveal so much about her. Through the list, we discover what the story is about, which is that despite insecurity, this narrator pushes on one day at a time. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison Langer on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Thursdays with Eduardo Winck 8-9pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . Or sign up HERE for Fi
Wed, January 10, 2024
Can You Find Humor in Addiction?
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Maxine Poupko, a semi-retired nurse, long-time student of Writing Class Radio, and hilarious person. Maxine is a master at writing humor and writing the truth. Of course someone can learn the craft of writing, but there might be some debate about whether you can learn to write the truth. Maxine shows us it's possible. She's been writing with Writing Class Radio for the last five years and we have seen her writing transform. At first her writing stayed on the surface. Today, she brings out the vulnerable, hard truth in her very first draft. You will hear her story, Whipped Cream, which will have you laughing all the way through. For more Maxine, listen to Episode 158: Our Dead Mom Brings My Sister and Me Together. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison Langer on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Thursdays with Eduardo Winck 8-9pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . Or sign up HERE for First Draft for a FREE Zoom link. A new episode will drop every other WEDNESDAY.
Wed, December 27, 2023
Here's Why I Resolve to Fail More
Today on our show we’re talking about the writing process and how getting rejected is just part of the fun. After our own Andrea Askowitz takes a class on rejection taught by Elissa Bassist , she develops a new way of thinking about failure. If you are not getting rejected, you’re not in the game. You will hear the story Andrea wrote after her 643rd rejection. Andrea’s story is called, “I’ve Been Rejected 643 Times. Here’s Why I Resolve to Fail More." Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . A transcription of this episode can be found here. If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison Langer on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Thursdays with Eduardo Winck 8-9pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . Or sign up HERE for First Draft for a FREE Zoom link. A new episode will drop every other WEDNESDAY. There’s no better way to understand ourselves and each other, than by writing and sharing our stories. Everyone has a story. What’s
Wed, December 13, 2023
My Brother's in Prison. Could I Have Done More?
Today on our show, we’re talking about structure and planting seeds. You’ll hear a story by Claire Tak called The Unopened Letter. Claire is a freelance writer and editor living in Denver. She has a column in PrisonJournalismProject.org called Outside/In , where she writes about her brother’s incarceration. Claire is currently writing a memoir. As a child of Korean-American parents, her book deals with the “immigrant guilt” she faced growing up. For more Claire, subscribe to her Substacks: Stories About My Brother , and Memoir Junkie Wannabe Author . A Transcription of the show is available here. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join me on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Thursdays with Eduardo Winck 8-9pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writing
Wed, November 29, 2023
How to Write about Life When Everyday Is a Reminder of Death?
Today on our show, we are talking about hot topic/cold prose and when and why to write in the present tense vs. past. The story we share is written in the present tense, which gives readers the feeling that they're going through the situation with the narrator, in real time. Today’s essay is by Dr. Colleen Arnold who is a physician and freelance writer in Lexington, Virginia. Dr. Arnold has written for Insider, Wall Street Journal, Chicken Soup for the Soul among others. She is a mom to three adult daughters and grandmother to a two-year-old. When she’s not with patients or family, she’s hiking with her dog, doing yoga, or camping in her minivan. You can find her on Facebook and on her Website . Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler . A transcription of this episode is available here. There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join me on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Thursdays with Eduardo Winck 8-9pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingcl
Wed, November 15, 2023
Even Though I'm Judging You, Don't Judge Me for Being a Chopper Mom
Today on our show, we’re talking about writing with personality and being vulnerable. And when we say vulnerable, we mean including the hard things, good and bad, about ourselves. You’ll hear a story by Dr. Jane Marks , who is a conservation ecologist and professor of Aquatic Ecology at Northern Arizona University (NAU). Jane has been taking classes with Writing Class Radio (WCR) for three years including hiring team WCR to help craft and produce a night of live storytelling at NAU. The show was on September 28, 2023. Those stories, told live and filled with science and vulnerability, will be aired on this podcast in 2024. Jane’s story, called Sometimes Families Need a Helicopter Mom is about regret. In her essay, Jane was able to tell us so many things about her life, very serious, high-stakes things, while guiding the reader past the bombs and back into what this story is about. For more Jane, check out Episode 149: The More Things Change, the More Brussels Sprouts Stay the Same. You will never look at Brussels sprouts the same again and you will laugh your ass off. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join me on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Thursdays with Eduardo Winck 8-9pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. You can also sign up for Second Draft, which meets Thursdays 12-1 ET. This group is for writers looking for feedback on a more polished draft for publication. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our <a href="https://www.writingclassradio.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_bl
Wed, November 01, 2023
The Most Unique Essay We've Ever Aired
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Kimberly Elkins . Kimberly is the author of the novel, WHAT IS VISIBLE , which was a New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice and named to several Best of 2014 lists. She’s written for The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Iowa Review, The Chicago Tribune, The Los Angeles Review of Books, Glamour, Slice, The Cincinnati Review, and Best New American Voices. She was a Finalist for the National Magazine Award, and has also won a New York Moth StorySlam. You can find her on X @GoodWordGirl . Kimberly’s story was originally published in The Cincinnati Review and is the most unique essay I think we’ve ever gotten. It uses second person point of view and still, it’s vulnerable. It’s short. It’s mighty. It’s amazing. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . A transcript of this episode is available here. If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join me on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Thursdays with Eduardo Winck 8-9pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. You can also sign up for Second Draft, which meets Thursdays 12-1 ET. This group is for writers looking for feedback on a more polished draft for publication. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Join the community that com
Wed, October 18, 2023
A Psychiatric Hospital Nearly Ruined My Life
This episode is about how to write a near perfect essay. The story was written by Banning Lyon who writes about a harrowing childhood experience in a psychiatric ward. His essay was previously published in The Washington Post. After we discuss Banning’s story, you’ll hear an interview with the author on what his process was like, the difficult emotions writing the memoir brought up, and the cold call he made to find his agent. Banning Lyon is the author of The Chair and The Valley, which will be available June 2024. His writing has been featured in The New York Times and The Washington Post . He currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and works as a backpacking guide in Yosemite National Park. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . A Transcription can be found here. If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join me on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Thursdays with Eduardo Winck 8-9pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. You can also sign up for Second Draft, which meets Thursdays 12-1 ET. This group is for writers looking for feedback on a more polished draft for publication. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. </
Wed, October 04, 2023
Can We Live on Through Our Writing?
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Amy Paturel , which is a great example of how to write about someone else while still including the narrator in a big way. Paturel incorporates her husband’s late wife’s writing into a story that is both emotional, tender, and beautifully composed. She answers the question: Can we live on through writing? She shows us that we can live on through the notes in the margins even if those notes are never published. This story was originally published in Lit Hub on June 28, 2023. Amy Paturel’s essays have appeared in The New York Times , The Los Angeles Times , The Washington Post , Parents, Health and Good Housekeeping, among other publications. Two of her pieces have been featured in Newsweek’s “My Turn” column, and she has won two “honorable mention” awards in ASJA’s personal essay category. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join me on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Thursdays with Eduardo Winck 8-9pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. You can also sign up for Second Draft, which meets Thursdays 12-1 ET. This group is for writers looking for feedback on a more polished draft for publication. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and th
Wed, September 20, 2023
Letters to My Son in Prison – Why Writing Matters.
On this episode, we bring you a story by Ken Guidroz . Ken’s story shows us the importance of writing and sharing stories, especially with people we either don’t understand or who don’t understand us. Ken says writing to his son in prison ignited an honest exchange he never would have had without writing. This exchange changed their relationship forever. Ken Guidroz served in the ministry, leading the Santa Clarita Church of Christ and designs specialty retirement plans for companies. He is the author of Beyond the 401(k): How Financial Advisors Can Grow Their Businesses with Cash Balance Plans And Letters to My Son in Prison: How a Father and Son Found Forgiveness for an Unforgivable Crime . Ken lives in Santa Clarita, California with his wife. You can find him on Instagram , at his website , or on Substack at Life, Faith, and the Pursuit of Happiness. A Transcription of this episode is available here. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You
Wed, September 06, 2023
Do As I Say Not As I Do
On this episode, you’ll hear a story by our own Allison Langer . You may have read her story in HuffPost , where she was published on Jan 16, 2023. The story ran with this title: People Say I'm A Grief Expert, But When My Friend's Husband Died, I Did Something I Deeply Regret. If you are wondering how to help a friend who is grieving or have ever felt like you don't know what to say or do when someone dies, this episode will help. After you hear the story, we’ll discuss one of our biggest writing tips: be the biggest asshole in a story (but not with your editor). Allison’s essay is a great example of writing to the WHY. Why do we do what we do? Allison Langer is a Miami native with a University of Miami MBA, as well as a writer and single mom to three children, ages 13, 16 and 18. She is a private writing coach, taught memoir writing in prison and has been published in The Washington Post , Mutha Magazine , Scary Mommy , Ravishly , Modern Loss , NextTribe , and HuffPost. Allison’s stories and voice can be heard on Writing Class Radio , a podcast she co-produces and co-hosts that has been downloaded more than 750,000 times. Allison is currently working on a memoir. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison La
Wed, August 23, 2023
You Look Great BECAUSE You’ve Aged
On this episode, we bring you a story by our own Andrea Askowitz . A version of this essay was published April 2023 on CNN and titled What Justine Bateman Gets Exactly Right About Beauty. You’ll hear tips on how to bring in outside evidence for a more effective opinion piece and how to use the news stories, popular in the media, to create a personal essay. Andrea Askowitz has been published in The New York Times , Salon , The Rumpus , Huffington Post , Glamour , AEON , The Writer , Manifest-Station , Mutha, Washington Post, CNN, NPR, PBS, and the anthologies, Looking Queer , All that Glitters, and forthcoming, Stained: An Anthology of Writing About Menstruation . She is the author of the memoir My Miserable, Lonely, Lesbian Pregnancy and the Editor of Badass: True Stories, The Double Album . Andrea is the Executive Producer and Host of Writing Class Radio , a podcast that airs true, personal stories and gives tips on how to write stories. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler A transcription of this episode is available here. There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly
S16 E160 · Wed, August 09, 2023
Cliches Saved My Life
Today on our show, we bring you a story by student Emily Henderson. The story is called Cliches Saved My Life. The whole story is 354 words. It’s a lesson in going huge by going small. It’s also inspires a discussion about when and when not to use cliches in your writing. Emily Henderson has been featured before on Writing Class Radio: Ep 144: When Is a Gift More than a Gift? That story is about living through Xmas after the death of a child. It’s a beautiful and sad story and one of our best stories ever. Emily can write! Emily Henderson is a runner and writer living in Santa Barbara CA. She’s written for Scary Mommy, HuffPost , The Santa Barbara Independent, and Writing Class Radio . She is currently writing a memoir about processing the loss of her son while running every street in her city. For more from Emily, you can read her Substack, I'm Really Very Literary . You can follow her on Instagram @emilykathleenwrites or visit emilykathleenwrites.com . Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . A transcript of the show is available here. If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join me on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Thursdays with Eduardo Winck 8-9pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better,
S16 E159 · Wed, July 26, 2023
Rash Decisions
Today on our show, we bring you a story by student Kim Costigan. Kim wrote this story while on our December 2022 writing retreat in Key Largo. This story crushed us and made us love Kim even more. What I want you to listen for is the anecdote at the end. This is one of our favorite ways to end a story. It shows how the narrator has been impacted by the situation in real time. Kim has been writing with us for a few years now, and Kim is the perfect example of someone who started green and practiced her way to perfection. Her writing and her vulnerability has come further than almost any student we’ve had. Some people think you can’t teach vulnerability, what we call heart, but we know you can. Kim Costigan is a writer in Winthrop, pursuing a master’s degree in creative writing at Emerson College. She’s also a star at Karaoke. This story may not be appropriate for children or those sensitive to child abuse. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justine Shandler. There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join me on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Thursdays with Eduardo Winck 8-9pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . Or sign up HERE for First Draft for a FREE Zoom link. A new episode will drop every other WEDNESDAY. There’s no b
S16 E158 · Wed, July 12, 2023
My Dead Mother Brings My Sister and Me Together Once a Year
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Maxine Poupko. Maxine’s story is a great example of character development, showing the tiny details in a complex relationship, and bringing the reader into a different world. Maxine wrote this story for the Writing Class Radio retreat in February 2023. The story was workshopped and refined with feedback and encouragement from the group. If you have a strained relationship with a member of your family, this episode is for you! Maxine Poupko is a writer, a registered nurse, and a health advocate. She teaches writing workshops at the International Women’s Writing Guild summer conferences. Her stories have been published in The Sun and the book, A Waist is a Terrible Thing to Mind , by Jan Phillips. Maxine is a student of Writing Class Radio, which she says is her favorite thing to do. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Marnino Toussaint . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join me on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Thursdays with Eduardo Winck 8-9pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . Or sign up HERE for First Draft and receive a FREE Zoom link. A new episode will drop every other WEDNESDAY. <a href="https:/
S16 E157 · Wed, June 28, 2023
I’m the Black Crayon Nobody Wants
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Corey Devon Arthur . Corey has served 25 years on a life sentence for robbery and murder and is currently housed at Otisville Correctional Institution in New York. Corey is an artist and writer who has been published on Writing Class Radio and The Marshall Project , among others. Corey’s stories have aired on Episode 120: My Pen Uncovers the Real Me , Episode 128: My New Manifesto , and Episode 143: Cutting Needless Words. This story is a great example of metaphor , which is not easy to pull off. Andrea and Allison will talk metaphor and about everything Corey nailed in this story. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Marnino Toussaint . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join me on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Thursdays with Eduardo Winck 8-9pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our <a href="https://www.writingc
S16 E156 · Wed, June 14, 2023
Outsourcing My Orgasm
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Jenny Powers . Jenny is a New York-based freelance reporter. She writes for HuffPost, The Cut, Business Insider, Fortune, and more. She is working on a memoir called, "Smooth Operator: Confessions of an Accidental Phone Sex Vixen." You can see more of her work at https://www.clippings.me/jpowers . Jenny’s essay originally appeared in The Cut and is titled “Outsourcing My Orgasm.” We trimmed just slightly for the podcast. We love so many things about Jenny’s essay, and we talk about that in detail on this episode. She is vulnerable, honest, and expertly turns a unique situation into a universal story about weight, sex, and marriage. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Marnino Toussaint . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join me on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Thursdays with Eduardo Winck 8-9pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . Or sign up HERE for First Draft for a FREE Zoom link. <a href="https://otter.ai/u/Q9qk0vlM4C2rbj2Qgze0LSvYq58" re
S16 E155 · Wed, May 31, 2023
Every Word Matters
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Laurie Eynon. This story is a behind-the-scenes Jeopardy! audition revealed and a good lesson in how every word matters. And the voice of the narrator is amazing. So good!!! Laurie takes us through her one chance at becoming a Jeopardy! champion and what happened. Laurie Eynon is a hospital and hospice chaplain in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was a regular contributor to the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Sunday section, wrote a play that was produced off-off Broadway, and has been published in the HuffPost and Christian Science Monitor . Laurie Eynon watches Jeopardy! every night. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Marnino Toussaint . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Thursdays with Eduardo Winck 8-9pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . Or sign up HERE for First Draft for a FREE Zoom link. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. A transcript of the episode is available here. A new episode will drop every other WEDNESDAY. </
S16 E154 · Wed, May 17, 2023
Are Thin People Allowed To Write About Weight?
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Sari Botton . Sari’s story is a great example of how to tell a story that encompasses your whole life. It is also a great example of how to end a story while you are still living with a situation. Sari has been featured before on WCR. Check out Episode 80: You Have Permission to Write or Not Write. Sari Botton (sounds like Larry Cotton) is the author of the memoir in essays, And You May Find Yourself…Confessions of a Late-Blooming Gen-X Weirdo . A different version of the story you’re about to hear appears in that book. Sari publishes Oldster Magazine , Memoir Monday (now Memoir Land), and Adventures in Journalism . Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Marnino Toussaint . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join me on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Thursdays with Eduardo Winck 8-9pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. A Transcript of the episode is available here. Join the community that comes together f
S16 E153 · Wed, May 03, 2023
Want To Get Published in HuffPost? Editor Noah Michelson Tells You How
Today’s episode features a story by one of our favorite students, Margery Berger . She has been taking classes with us since way before the pandemic. Margery has told stories on our podcast twice before. Episode 46: An Object Is not Just an Object aired in 2018 features a really compelling story about Margery’s obsession with her scale. On Episode 95: What Did It Take to Finally Get Published? Margery told a story about the time her boyfriend said she has ugly hands. That episode is great because we talked to Margery about what holds her back. Margery submitted this story to the Huffington Post and editor Noah Michelson (@NoahMichelson on Twitter) picked it up. Her story is called, I Hated My Breasts and Was Afraid to Show Them to Dates. Here’s What Happened When I Did. We also bring you an interview with Noah Michelson who is the head of HuffPost personal and the host of "D Is For Desire," HuffPost's love and sex podcast. Noah gave Margery this note: “What would someone who didn’t have your experience learn from reading your story?” Because of Noah Michelson, we’re thinking about stories in a new way. Maybe you will too. Margery Berger is the mother of two grown children. She lives in Miami with her two poorly behaved dogs and David. She has written for Home Miami Magazine, Lip Service, Next Tribe and for the Writing Class Radio podcast. Find her on I G: @wherestulipnow Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Marnino Toussaint . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on <a href="https://www.patr
S16 E153 · Wed, April 19, 2023
Trichotillomania Became My Constant Companion
This is the first essay in our college essay series. Last August 2022, Andrea and Allison hosted a teen writing and service retreat in Guatemala. We took eight rising seniors and two rising juniors a gazillion miles away from their homes and busted their hearts wide open. Each student left the United States with ZERO words and returned with a perfect 650-word common app essay. Before we left, each student recorded their final draft. On this episode, Emily Olster shares her college essay called Letting My Hair Fly. On day one of the essay boot camp, Andrea and Allison gave the prompt, Write about your biggest secret. Everyone, including Allison and Andrea wrote to the prompt then everyone shared what they wrote. Emily didn’t think she’d have to read, so she revealed something she’d been hiding for years. Emily reveals her secret along with the college she is off to in the fall. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, Chloe Emond-Lane, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Marnino Toussaint . For a Transcript of this episode - click here. There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats , and live online classes. We still have a few spaces left in our Teen writing boot camp this JULY 9-15, 2023 in Key Largo. Students will Spend 6 days writing and receiving feedback with Andrea and Allison in one of the most gorgeous spots in the world. All students leave with a completed common app essay and a lifetime of excellent writing skills. If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison Langer on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Zorina Frey Wednesdays 7-8pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re looking to take your writing to the next level, or if you are a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com. Or sign up <a href="https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/197
S15 E152 · Wed, April 05, 2023
How Music Inspires Storytelling
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Danielle Huggins . Danielle has been featured twice before on WCR. In Episode 105: Teach Us Something We Don’t Know where she shared her experience with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Danielle was also featured in Episode 139: This Is What Mania Looks Like where she takes us through a manic episode. If you haven’t listened to those episodes, definitely check them out. Today’s story was written for our December 2022 writing retreat in Key Largo, edited by Andrea and Allison, revised by Danielle, then brought to the retreat for edits from the group. Today, we will bring you Danielle’s final version. This story is a great example of writing in the moment (without distance and perspective) and how to end a story. Danielle also uses song lyrics to reveal emotion and mood. Danielle Huggins is a former middle school math teacher. Now she’s a writer, and student of Writing Class Radio. She has written for the Washington Post and Gomag.com and has been featured on the writing class radio podcast twice. She lives with her husband, daughter and mom in northern New Jersey. She can be found on social media @bipolardanielle on TikTok, My Life as a Bipolar Mom on Facebook, and @DanHuggins123 on Twitter. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundilll , Aidan Glassey, Chloe Emond Lane and Evan Surminski at the Sound Off Media Company Theme music is by Emia . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week,
S15 E151 · Wed, March 22, 2023
Follow the Story Spine to Get Published
This episode showcases the effectiveness of using the story spine structure. The story spine is a story structure as old as time. It’s the model every fairytale follows. It works really well for all stories because it’s intuitive. It’s in our collective unconscious. You will hear three prompt responses from Writing Class Radio’s First Annual Key Largo Writing Retreat. We told our students to think about a time everything changed and then we walked them through the story spine. Kim Costigan, Pamela Lear , and Dr. Jane Marks brought the bag! You will also hear about the other stories at the retreat that were published after hard core edits. Start planning to attend our next Key Largo Writer’s Retreat in Dec 2023 . Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Guest host Zorina Frey . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Emia . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . If you want to write with us every week, you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison Langer on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Zorina Frey Wednesdays 7-8pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re looking to take your writing to the next level, or if you are a business owner, community activist, group that needs healing, entrepreneur and you want to help your team write better, check out all the classes we offer on our website: writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to<a href="http://www
S15 E150 · Wed, March 08, 2023
In Transition: How to Write a Story About an Ongoing Situation
Today on our show, we’re talking about how to write about a situation that is ongoing. Typically, at the end of an essay, the narrator writes about what they learned or how they changed. But what if transition IS the change? What happens if there is no happy (or sad) ending…yet? On this episode, Ariane Malfait writes about her transition–-one that is still in progress and may always be. Ariane tells the story of shedding the masculine body she felt never fit. At 19, after bottom surgery, she expects to finally feel like herself, but when she wakes up from surgery, she is plunged into darkness. Her story is called The Creation of Flesh . Ariane Malfait is a Belgian journalism student with a passion for writing. She writes mainly nonfiction and poetry but loves to experiment with other genres. You can find Ariane on Instagram and Medium . Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music is by Emia . For a transcription of today’s episode click here. There’s more writing class on our website , including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. For $35/month you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Zorina Frey Wednesdays 7-8pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re looking to take your writing to the next level, check out all the classes we offer on our website, writingclassradio.com . Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.
S15 E149 · Wed, February 22, 2023
How to Make Your Writing More Personal (in any Field)
On this episode, we bring you a story written by Dr. Jane Marks , a conservation ecologist and professor of Aquatic Ecology at Northern Arizona University (NAU). Jane came to Writing Class Radio with the goal of making her academic writing more personal. What she didn’t realize is that writing class, specifically writing personal essays, forces the narrator to go deep and ask the question WHY? Why am I writing this? Why does anyone care? Why is this important to me? Why do I care so much about what people think? Jane’s story is called, Hating Brussel Sprouts Is Not My Biggest Problem . It could have been called The More Things Change, the More Brussels Sprouts Stay the Same. She wrote this essay in First Draft, worked on it in Second Draft, and when Jane felt she had answered the whys, she submitted it to the podcast. Jane has been taking classes with Writing Class Radio for almost two years. Until we read her bio, we had no idea what a badass she is. Jane TOTALLY downplays her brilliance! Jane Marks was featured as the lead scientist in the PBS documentary, A River Reborn: The Restoration of Fossil Creek , narrated by actor Ted Danson and she co-produced the video documentary Parched: The Art of Water in the Southwest . For more Dr. Jane Marks, go to https://ecoss.nau.edu/team/jane-marks/ Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Emia . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . For $35/month you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison, Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Zorina Frey Wednesdays 7-8pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. Join the community that comes together for instruction, a
S15 E148 · Wed, February 08, 2023
How to Plan a Threesome
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Pamela Druckerman that has voice, laugh out loud humor, and self knowing, which makes for a reliable narrator. The best part is the narrator doesn’t wait until the end to give a status report. We feel like we are on the adventure with her. There are so many things the narrator does well in this essay including normalizing a threesome. She does this by using language and humor to bring the listener into her adventure with her husband. You do not want to miss this episode. Pamela Druckerman is a journalist, an Emmy-winning documentary producer, and the author of five books including Bringing Up Bébé , which has been translated into 31 languages. This essay is adapted from her book There Are No Grown-Ups: A midlife coming-of-age story . Get it here from our favorite Indie, Books & Books . Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Emia . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . For $35/month you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison, Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Zorina Frey Wednesdays 7-8pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . Or sign up HERE f
S15 E147 · Wed, January 25, 2023
How to Write a Story about Abuse Without Using the Word
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Sally Quon called Finding Home. Sally’s story is an exercise in restraint. Andrea tried a little experiment with Sally’s submission in order to make the story more powerful. She asked Sally to cut all seven mentions of the word, a buse . Andrea learned of this technique while taking a course with Dan Wakefield who assigned the book Name All the Animals by Alison Smith. The book is about grief and yet, the word grief is mentioned only once. Listen and learn why this method is so effective. Sally Quon lives in the Okanagan. She has been shortlisted for Vallum Magazine’s Chapbook Prize and is an associate member of the League of Canadian Poets. Her personal blog, https://featherstone-creative.com is where she posts her back-country adventures and photos. She has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Big-Stories About Life in a Plus Size Body, and Writing For Life. Her first collection of poetry, Beauty Born of Pain, is due to be released in 2023. You can find her at the following places: FaceBook: Sally Quon , Instagram: @sallyquon , Twitter: @QuonSally Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Emia . There’s more writing class on our website including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . For $35/month you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison, Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Zorina Frey Wednesdays 7-8pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. First session is free. Click<a href="https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1979290
S15 E146 · Wed, January 11, 2023
How to Write a Winning Pitch
Today, we bring you a story by Terry Barr with a secret he’s kept most of his life. This story highlights the importance of telling the truth and letting go of shame, in this case, about sexual assault. You’ll also hear Terry’s pitch when he submitted his essay to the podcast. AND, we discuss structure. Terry’s structure is exactly what Allison loves. If you want to hear your own stories on Writing Class Radio, this is a great episode to hear. This episode will help you understand what we look for and how to land a story on our show. Terry Barr writes about music and culture at medium.com/@terrybarr . His most recent essay collection, The American Crisis Playlist was nominated for a 2022 Pushcart Prize. His work can also be found at Tell Your Story, storySouth, and Under the Sun. He lives in Greenville, SC, with his family. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz. Audio production by Matt Cundill, Evan Surminski and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Emia . There’s more writing class on our website, writing class radio dot com including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . For $35/month you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison, Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Zorina Frey Wednesdays 7-8pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re looking to take your writing to the next level, for $145/mth you’ll get First Draft and Second Draft. In Second Draft, each week, three people bring a second draft for feedback. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.patreon.com/writingclassradio . A new episode will drop every other WEDNESDAY. There’s no better way to understand ourselves and each other, than by writing and sharing our stories. Everyone has a story. What’s yours? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
S14 E145 · Wed, December 28, 2022
A New Year's Nightmare
On today’s episode, we’re bringing you an old episode that’s still relevant and awesome, in case you missed it back in season one. You’ll meet a bunch of students from season 1: Frenchie, Tobi Ash, Cynthia Castillo, Bo, and Nicki Post. You’ll also hear a brief interview with each and the epic talent of Patricia Carlin, aka Frenchie, singing, playing piano, and whistling the tune of Auld Lang Syne. For the in-class prompt, Andrea played Auld Lang Syne. Listen to this episode to see what our students came up with and how important writing and sharing is to the psyche. This is also a fascinating look at the development of our podcast. We’ve been at this seven years and 145 episodes. We’re about to hit 1 million downloads! Stay tuned to find out what Auld Lang Syne actually means and to get a list of the best of Writing Class Radio 2022. Happy New Year! Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz. Audio production by Matt Cundill, Evan Surminski and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. There’s more writing class on our website, writing class radio dot com including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . For $35/month you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison, Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Zorina Frey Wednesdays 7-8pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re looking to take your writing to the next level, for $145/mth you’ll get First Draft and Second Draft. In Second Draft, each week, three people bring a second draft for feedback. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.patreon.com/writingclassradio . A new episode will drop every other WEDNESDAY. There’s no better way to understand ourselves and each other, than by writing and sharing our stories. Everyone has a story. What’s yours? Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://
S14 E144 · Wed, December 14, 2022
When Is a Gift More than a Gift?
Today on our show, we bring you a story by Emily Henderson titled After Our Son Died, My Husband Gave Me The Most Meaningful Christmas Gift Of My Life . Emily workshopped this essay in our Final Draft class and then the Huffington Post published it on December 25, 2021 . This story is an excellent example of using an object to convey emotion, details, and telling in addition to showing. Emily tells us how she’s feeling the entire story which intensifies her vulnerability. To hear another of Emily’s stories, listen to Episode 103: Writing the Same Story Over and Over. Emily Henderson is a runner and writer living in Santa Barbara, California. Her essays have appeared in Scary Mommy, the Santa Barbara Independent, Huffington Post, and Writing Class Radio. Emily is currently writing a memoir about processing the loss of her son while running every street in her city. You can follow her on Instagram at @emilykathleenwrites or visit emilykathleenwrites.com . Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill, Evan Surminski and Aiden Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. There’s more writing class on our website, writing class radio dot com including stories we study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . For $35/month you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. You have the option to join Allison on Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Zorina Frey Wednesdays 7-8pm ET. You’ll write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re looking to take your writing to the next level, for $145/mth you’ll get First Draft and Second Draft. In Second Draft, each week, three people bring a second draft for feedback. To try First Draft for free, email Andrea@writingclassradio.com. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.patreon.com/writingclassradio . <
S14 E143 · Wed, November 30, 2022
Cutting Needless Words
Today on our show, we’re sharing another story by Corey Devon Arthur. Corey’s stories have been aired on Episode 120: My Pen Uncovers the Real Me and Episode 128: My New Manifesto. Corey Devon Arthur has served 25 years on a life sentence for robbery and murder and is currently housed at Otisville Correctional Institution in New York. Corey is an artist and writer who has been published on Writing Class Radio and The Marshall Project . The story Corey wrote for this episode was in response to our callout for men’s abortion stories and it came in at 3,000 words. Allison loved the entire story, because she pretty much loves everything Corey writes. She made a few edits, asked Corey a bunch of questions, and the story got longer. She sent it to Andrea, sure she would love it. Only, Andrea was like, What is all this? Andrea whittled it down to 1,113 words. So today we’re talking about omitting needless words and why that is important. We have a guest host. Xaire Vii co-hosted the prison series to help us get things right. Xaire is a poet, singer-songwriter, actor, and educator who teaches writing and poetry to kids in the foster care system and kids caught up in a detention center. This episode of Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz and Xaire Vii . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aidan Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website <a href="ht
S14 E142 · Wed, November 16, 2022
Beginnings and Endings
Today on our show, we’re talking about beginnings and endings. What is an effective way to begin a story and a satisfying way to end? The story we bring you on this episode is an amazing example of how to start with appropriate grounding and how to land/end the essay like a gymnast. The narrator isn’t just a beginning and ending genius, she also uses lingo associated with her theme. This style is effective, because the reader feels more drawn in. Another example of that same type of inclusive linguistic style was discussed on Episode 110: How to Write About Death: Use an Obsession. Jackie Ashton told the story of her best friend’s cancer by using the situation of a Golden State Warriors obsession and basketball lingo throughout. Shawna Kenney submitted the essay you will hear today and we were blown away. Her story is called Words with Mom. Shawna Kenney is the author of four books, the latest being Live at the Safari Club: A History of HarDCore Punk in the Nation’s Capital 1988-1998 . Kenney is a Contributing Editor with Narratively and her work has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, Creative Nonfiction, Vice, Bust, Rock the Bells and more. She teaches memoir writing with the UCLA Extension Writers Program. Writing Class Radio is hosted and produced by Allison Langer , and Andrea Askowitz . With frequent guest host, Zorina Frey . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aidan Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website www.writingclassradio.com including essays to study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community.
S14 E141 · Wed, November 02, 2022
Where Does Your Mind Go When You're Given a Writing Prompt?
Today on our show, we bring you a story by one of Allison’s 7th grade students. She spent two months teaching English to 7th and 8th graders at a private school in Miami, and because she’s her, she assigned personal essay after personal essay. She learned about their parents, what they eat for dinner, their nannies, grandparents, and favorite sport. They resisted getting personal, the same way Allison did when she started writing. Most people seem to struggle with writing about themselves, getting vulnerable, telling a story that might get them made fun of. But, not Webber. Webber is a kid who draws in class to stay focused. He pays attention and asks questions. When he speaks, his words matter. By the end of the first week of school, Allison had an inkling Webber was brilliant and unique. The Hispanic Heritage Month’s Essay Contest was optional for the school but a graded class assignment for Allison’s class. The students worked on the 500-word essay in class and those who weren’t Hispanic were stumped. Allison told them to write about being stumped. On the day the essay was due, Webber handed in an incredibly mature and well-written essay. A week later, at the culmination of the week’s Hispanic heritage celebration, Webber won the competition. Today, we bring you Webber’s essay, completely written on his own. Allison did no editing. What’s cool about this essay and many essays that are created from a writing prompt, is that Webber played the piano and let his mind wander. On this episode we talk about ways to relax our minds so we can write--either through being quiet, playing a sport, or using another art form. Webber is a 12-year-old student at Ransom Everglades Middle School in Coconut Grove, Florida. His story is called The Bossa Nova. Writing Class Radio is hosted and produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz , and Zorina Frey . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aidan Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website www.writingclassradio.com including essays to study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live o
S14 E140 · Wed, October 19, 2022
One Man's Abortion Story
Today on our show, we bring you the story we’ve been searching for since June 24, 2022 when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade. We put a call out for men’s abortion stories and waited months. In Episode 138: There’s Always More to the Story , we talked about why only three men submitted stories, none of which fit our guidelines. We called men cowards. Matt Cundill, our audio producer, was in the greenroom listening. If you missed Episode 138 , check it out. You can hear the lashing we gave all the men out there who have a story they refuse to share. After the recording, Matt expressed his anger. Andrea said, “Let’s hear your story.” Today, he is sharing his story One Man’s Abortion Story with you. Sharing his story brought up some issues for the narrator and for many writers of memoir. How do you tell your story when the story involves others who may not want their story shared? On this episode, the hosts discuss how they handle this issue. Matt Cundill has been voicing radio ads and voice-overs for film and television since the 90s. Matt is now president of The Sound Off Media Company which offers audio solutions and podcast creation. He made mention of an episode from Degrassi High in his story. You can see the episode as it appeared in Canada for free here. (The episode ran edited on PBS in the USA) Writing Class Radio is hosted and produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz , and Zorina Frey . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aidan Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website <a href="http://www.writingclassradio.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"
S14 E139 · Wed, October 05, 2022
This Is What Mania Looks Like
Today’s episode showcases a story by student Danielle Huggins . Danielle’s story shows what happened when she got off her medication for bipolar disorder. This story is the best example of show and tell EVER! We ask you, why do you read and listen to stories: to be taken into another world or to find yourself in the story? Danielle told a story on Episode 105: Teach Us Something We Don’t Know . That episode was about her experience with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). If you haven’t listened to that episode, definitely check it out. Danielle Huggins is a former middle school math teacher with a masters degree in literacy. She is currently a stay-at-home mom, a student of Writing Class Radio, and an avid kickboxer. Danielle has a Facebook page called My Life As a Bipolar Mom. You can also find her on Instagram @bipolardanielle. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children. Writing Class Radio is hosted and produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz , and Zorina Frey . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski, and Aidan Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website www.writingclassradio.com including essays to study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community. For $25/month you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. (Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Wednesdays 6-7pm ET). Write to a prompt and share what you wrote. For $125/mth, you’ll get 1st draft and 2nd Draft. Each week three people bring a second draft for feedback. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to<a href="http://www.patreon.com/writingclassradio" rel="noopener norefer
S14 E138 · Wed, September 21, 2022
There Is Always More to the Story
Today’s episode revisits the subject of abortion but is about much more. We put a call-out for men’s abortion stories and received several abortion stories by women and very few (only three) by men. We are grateful to the men who submitted, but none was quite right for Writing Class Radio. We will continue to bring you abortion stories as they come in. So men, please weigh in. We want to hear from you. Submission guidelines are on our website. We selected this essay by past student Melanie Merriman because it is brilliantly written and deeply vulnerable. Melanie’s story shows how even someone who is a badass scientist can be manipulated and emotionally coerced into having sex when she doesn’t want to. Melanie's story also shows how there is so much more to every abortion story--every story. Dr. Melanie P. Merriman, PhD was a research scientist. Now she’s a non-profit grant evaluator. She’s the author of Holding the Net: Caring For My Mother on the Tightrope of Aging . She’s written for The Washington Post, ThirdAge.com , Guideposts, and NextAvenue.org . She is also the co-author of Merriman’s Hawaii: The Chef, The Farmers, The Food, The Islands . You can find Melanie at www.melaniemerriman.com or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/authormerriman In the wake of the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, please support The National Network of Abortion Funds . These funds, provide practical, logistical, and financial support for anyone who needs help obtaining an abortion. Writing Class Radio is hosted and produced by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Zorina Frey was absent for this recording. Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski and Aidan Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by<a href="https://www.amadi
S14 E137 · Wed, September 07, 2022
How to Fight with Your Co-Host and Win a Writing Contest
Today on our show we share a story by our own Allison Langer . Her essay is called Writing Class Helped Me Break Down My Facade. You will hear about the fight hosts Allison and Andrea had that prompted this episode. We’ll talk about trying to make money as a writer, revisiting the same theme, and how to win a writing contest. If you think you are the only one writing about the same thing over and over, this episode is for you. See how themes can change over time and how you can win a contest when you least expect it. Writing class is more than just writing and trying to get published. It is about growth, connection, healing and everything in between. Allison Langer is a Miami native, University of Miami MBA, writer, and single mom to three children, ages 12, 15 and 17. She is a podcast producer and host, a private writing coach, taught memoir writing in prison and has been published in The Washington Post , Mutha Magazine, Scary Mommy, Modern Loss, and NextTribe . Allison wrote a novel about wrongful conviction and is actively looking for an agent. Currently, she is teaching middle school English and working on a memoir with her friend and inside student Clifton Jones (2-Tall). Writing Class Radio is hosted and produced by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski and Aidan Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including essays to study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . For $25/month you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. (Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Wednesdays 6-7pm ET). Write to a prompt and share what you wrote. For $125/mth, you’ll get 1st draft and 2nd Draft. Each week three people bring a second draft for feedback and brainstorming. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Pa
S14 E136 · Wed, August 24, 2022
What Makes You Weird in the World?
Today on our show, author and overall cool woman, Allison Landa reads an excerpt from her new memoir coming out October 4, 2022 called Bearded Lady (Woodhall Press). Pre-order today from our favorite Indie, Books & Books , or wherever you get books. Andrea read an advance copy and this story–this book–is one of Andrea’s all time favorites. This essay, the whole memoir, is a lesson in guts out vulnerability. Andrea believes Allison Landa is the next Joan Didion. The part we bring you is a perfect example of the use of a container and it’s also an elegant lesson in the importance of being vulnerable. Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild, said, “Don’t lift your skirt just to lift your skirt.” Allison Landa lifts her skirt for all the right reasons. We also talk about how to pull an excerpt from a memoir and make it work as a stand-alone piece. Allison Landa is a Berkeley, CA-based writer who’s written for Parents Magazine, Business Insider, The Guardian, The Washington Post, and HuffPost Personal. She teaches at The Writing Salon in San Francisco and earned an MFA in fiction from St. Mary's College of California. She is represented by Marisa Zeppieri of Strachan Literary Agency. You can find Allison Landa at the following places: www.facebook.com/matzohbrei , Twitter: @allisonlanda, Instagram: @adlanda or www.allisonlanda.com . Cover photo by Maya Blum Photography . Writing Class Radio is hosted and produced by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Guest host is Zorina Frey . Audio production by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski and Aidan Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including essays to study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and li
S14 E135 · Wed, August 10, 2022
In Praise of Complaining
Today on our show we share a story by Cheryl E. Klein , author of the soon to be released memoir Crybaby. Cheryl takes an unusual subject, complaining, and makes a case for it. She even goes so far as to say complaining is noble. Her wit and humor make this episode another must listen!! We discuss her voice and commitment to what some people, most people, probably think is an obnoxious quality. Cheryl also uses dialogue really well. You can find Cheryl on Twitter @CherylEKleinLA and Instagram @CherylEKleinStories. Her story, In Praise of Complaining, was previously published in Mutha Magazine. If you like this episode, please share it with one person. That’s how love is shared. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz and by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski and Aidan Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website including essays to study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . For $25/month you can join our First Draft weekly writers group. (Tuesdays 12-1 ET and/or Wednesdays 6-7pm ET) Write to a prompt and share what you wrote. For $125/mth, you’ll get 1st draft and 2nd Draft. Each week three people bring a second draft for feedback and brainstorming. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . A new episode will drop every other Wednesday. There’s no better way to understand ourselves and each other, than by writing and sharing our stories. Everyone has a story. What’s yours? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
S13 E134 · Wed, July 27, 2022
#MedicalGaslighting: Writing as a Service
Today on our show we share a story by Pamela McBride , a student in our First Draft and Second Draft writing group about her near fatal experience being dismissed by her doctor. This story is far too common for Black women and Pamela wants to re-write that story. She is tired of worrying about being the “angry Black woman” and gives women a prescription for how to take care of themselves. We talk about writing as activism and writing as service. This story does both. Pamela McBride is an Atlanta-based senior advisor to the director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in a federal agency and a 31-year military spouse. She is the co-author of two books. Pamela can be reached at www.PamelaMcBrideOnline.com or @PamelaMMcBride on Twitter. You can find Pamela's stories here: https://www.sistersletter.com/health/medicalgaslighting-the-health-threat-black-women-cant-ignore?login=true and here: https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/press-releases/new-ama-policy-recognizes-racism-public-health-threat ? Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz and by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski and Aidan Glassey at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Courtney Fox . There’s more writing class on our website including essays to study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . For $25/month you can join our First Draft weekly writers groups. (Tuesdays 12-1 ET and Wednesdays 6-7pm ET). Write to a prompt and share what you wrote. For $125/month, you’ll get 1st Draft and 2nd Draft. Each week three people brin
S13 E133 · Wed, July 13, 2022
Nobody Dreams of Getting Divorced
Today on our show we share a story by Sally Schwartz called Divorce Shiva. Sally’s story reveals the importance of ritual in helping us go through love and loss. On the day of her divorce, instead of crying at home alone, her friends gathered around and built a giant bonfire. Sally was reluctant to “celebrate” at first, but as she threw her monogrammed stationery into the flames, she realized she needed the ritual. This story is a perfect example of equal parts heart and art. Sally tells the full truth about divorce. She also artfully weaves her theme throughout, teaches us a lesson in structure, showing and telling, and the importance of specific details. For more than nine years, Sally Schwartz has worked as a syndicated columnist for The Chicago Tribune , where, until her divorce, she published under the name Sally Schwartz Higginson. Her work has also been published in The Sun, Herstry, The Sunlight Press , Brevity Blog, and Read650. We want to thank Nadine Kenney Johnstone for telling her students about Writing Class Radio. Nadine has a podcast called Heart of the Story. For more Sally Schwartz to sallyschwartz.com and on twitter: @heygalsal . Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz and by Matt Cundill and Evan Surminski at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Courtney Fox . Additional music by Jamie Lee Wilson and sourced through Megatrax . There’s more writing class on our website including essays to study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer all y
S13 E132 · Wed, June 29, 2022
Here’s My Abortion Story. Men, Tell Us Yours.
On June 24, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Today we bring you a personal essay that includes an abortion story, in hopes that it will prompt men to tell their abortion stories. The story was co-written by Andrea Askowitz and Ida Dupont. Ida and Andrea have been in the abortion fight for thirty years. They realize reproductive justice advocates (them included) made a mistake in couching abortion as solely a women’s issue. Men benefit from abortions just as much as women. Men need to tell their stories because stories change minds and laws. Writing Class Radio wants #mensabortionstories. If you agree, please share this episode with #mensabortionstories. Also on this episode co-hosts Allison Langer, Zorina Frey, and Andrea Askowitz talk about how writing about an experience and a unique take on a subject at the top of the news, is a way to get published. Ida Dupont is an Associate Professor at Pace University in the Sociology Department. She researches and teaches about sexuality, social movements, criminology, and reproductive justice. The original story appeared in NBCNews under Andrea’s byline with Ida Dupont contributing. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz and by Matt Cundill and Evan Surminski at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Courtney Fox . There’s more writing class on our website including essays to study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer all your publishing questions. For $25/month you can join our First Draft weekly writers group. (Tuesdays 12-1 ET or Wednesdays 6-7pm ET) Write to a prompt and share what you wrote. For $125/mth, you’ll get 1st draft and 2nd Draft. Each week three people bring a second draft for feedback and brainstorming. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio
S13 E131 · Wed, June 15, 2022
How to Write About Something You Can’t Remember
Today on our show we share a story by Andrea Askowitz . Andrea’s story was written as speculative memoir during our writing retreat in Guatemala. And if you are like most people, you have never heard of speculative memoir. After you hear this episode, you will be dying to give it a try. But why did she use speculative memoir? According to author Laraine Herring, who wrote in the Rumpus, speculative memoir explores the truth through the figurative over the literal. She questions why we say “just” before imagination, because isn’t imagination the foundation of everything? Go to the Rumpus to learn more. On this episode, we have a special guest host: Zorina Frey . Zorina has been taking our classes for years and now she teaches one of our first draft classes on Wednesday night from 6-7pm ET. Click to sign up . Andrea got the idea for this writing prompt from Beth Kephart , professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of 30 books. If you’d like to write your own speculative memoir (essay), follow the steps Andrea did below: Think of a scene you’ve tried to write, but couldn’t because of lack of information. You can go back to the day of your birth or even conception. Write for 3 minutes to each of the following prompts (in order): 1. Where was this place? 2. Who was there? 3. When did this occur? 4. Who said what? 5. What happened in the end? 6. Why did this happen? Zorina mentions Andrea’s use of anaphora, which is a rhetorical device in which a word or expression is repeated. An example of anaphora is Lincoln's "We cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground." You can find Andrea on Twitter @andreaaskowitz, FB @andreaaskowitz, and Instagram @andreaaskowitzandreaaskowitz. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz and by Matt Cundill and Evan Surminski at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Courtney Fox . There’s more writing class on our<a href="https://www.writingclassra
S13 E130 · Wed, June 01, 2022
I’m Not Scared of Death, But I Can’t Stop Asking This One Question
Today on our show we share a story by Kelly Eden who lives in New Zealand. Kelly brought this essay to 2nd Draft, a class we offer on Zoom. (To sign up click here.) Kelly took the feedback she received from the class then posted on Medium and got lots of traction. Her story shows her struggle with Crohn’s disease while asking herself a question very familiar to our hosts, “Am I doing enough?” Kelly's essays and short fiction have won several awards. She has been writing for magazines and online for over 13 years and now coaches other writers to do the same. When she's not writing, she loves to watch musicals with her kids and spend time with her sexy-musician husband. You can find Kelly on twitter @eden_writer . Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz and by Matt Cundill and Evan Surminski at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Courtney Fox . There’s more writing class on our website including essays to study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer all your publishing questions. For $25/month you can join our First Draft weekly writers group. (Tuesdays 12-1 ET or Wednesdays 6-7pm ET) Write to a prompt and share what you wrote. For $125/mth, you’ll get 1st draft and 2nd Draft. Each week three people bring a second draft for feedback and brainstorming. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . A new episode will drop every other Wednesday. There’s no better way to understand ourselves and each other, than by writing and sharing our stories. Everyone has a story. What’s yours? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy
S13 E129 · Wed, May 18, 2022
Maybe We’re All Just Homing Pigeons. Are You Home Yet?
Today on our show we share a story by Heidi Walker called Coming Home. The essay is under 800 words and finely detailed to emphasize only what the narrator would like us to focus on. We love this essay not only for its sentiment but also because the tightness of the essay proves that keeping it simple can often make the story stronger. We wanted this story on our show for the heart it expresses. The essay is also artfully crafted. But, the heart hit us hard. The story is about coming home. Which both Allison and Andrea did. Heidi Walker was born in Seattle, raised in the farmlands close to the city, and still lives in Seattle today. She is a photographer and writer and says her world was filled with reading and writing. Books were gifts for birthdays and holidays. One year, she received three books titled Heidi. She still has a copy on her bookshelf. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz and by Matt Cundill and Evan Surminski at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Courtney Fox . Additional music by Jamie Lee Wilson and sourced through Megatrax . There’s more writing class on our website including essays to study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer all your publishing questions. For $25/month you can join our First Draft weekly writers group. (Tuesdays 12-1 ET or Wednesdays 6-7pm ET) Write to a prompt and share what you wrote. For $125/mth, you’ll get 1st draft and 2nd Draft. Each week three people bring a second draft for feedback and brainstorming. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio .
S13 E128 · Wed, May 04, 2022
My New Manifesto: A Man Serving a Life Sentence for Murder Changes His Ways.
Today on our show we bring you another story by Corey Devon Arthur , an inmate at Otisville Correctional Facility in New York. This story is about the demon he battles in his head, which is literally a voice that tries to talk him into continuing the violence he learned on the street, and his attempt to become a better man. We also have a special guest host. Sarah Holtz is a reporter and audio producer based in Oakland. Her work has aired on Houston Public Media, New Orleans Public Radio, and Northern California Public Media. She received training in audio and writing at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University. Sarah Holtz volunteers with Empowerment Ave , an organization created by Emily Nonko and Rahsaan “New York” Thomas . Their mission is to normalize the inclusion of incarcerated artists and writers in mainstream venues. They assist incarcerated writers in getting their work published and compensated for, and contribute creatively to the abolition movement and liberation of incarcerated people. Sarah is the person who sent us the story written by Corey Devon Arthur which we aired on Episode 120 and was titled, My Pen Uncovers the Real Me. Corey has served 25 years on a life sentence for robbery and murder. Corey is an artist and writer who has been published on Writing Class Radio and The Marshall Project . Writing Class Radio shares stories by men and women on the inside because it is important to give everyone a voice. We all make mistakes, some worse than others, but we feel that everyone can change. And there’s no better way to initiate change than through writing and sharing stories. If you’d like to hear more stories from the inside, please listen to the prison series . During the 10-part series, we aired stories written and read (almost all) by the men and women incarcerated or formerly incarcerated. Andrea, Allison, and guest host, Xaire Vii, spoke about
S13 E127 · Wed, April 20, 2022
Parenting Alone: How Will My Autistic Son Manage Without Me?
This episode is about landing an ending. It’s also about raising the bar on what we write about. In this case, storyteller Jennifer Landau writes something new and important about being a mom. She is afraid for what will happen to her son after she dies. This is especially important because like Allison and Andrea, Jennifer chose to have children on her own using anonymous sperm donation. So, Jennifer does not have a co-parent. The story is beautiful and so honest. This essay was previously published in Literary Mama. Jennifer Landau lives in Westchester County, NY with her son, who does spot-on impressions of both Johnny Cash and Kermit the frog. She’s a children’s book editor, special education teacher and grant writer, and has published more than a dozen books. Her writing has appeared in Autism Parenting Magazine and Literary Mama. She owns three coffee makers, which is as close to a hobby as she gets. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz and by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski and Clare Mansell at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Courtney Fox . Additional music by TJ North and Marnino Toussaint. Sound effects by Jacob Thiessan. There’s more writing class on our website , writingclassradio.com: including essays to study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer all your publishing questions. For $25/month you can join our First Draft weekly writers group. You have the option to join Tuesdays 12-1 ET or Wednesdays 6-7pm ET. Write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re looking to take your writing to the next level, for $125/mth you’ll get 1st draft and 2nd Draft. Each week three people bring a second draft for feedback and brainstorming. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to <a href="http://www.patreon.com/writingclassradio" rel="noopener noreferr
S13 E126 · Wed, April 06, 2022
Will We Ever Understand Each Other if We Don’t Speak the Same Language?
Today on our show we’re talking about language. Listener Jamshid Samareh came to the United States from Tehran in 1978. He shares his story, which is about how learning the English language has helped him connect with Americans. Jamshid quotes Nelson Mandela who said, "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart." Jamshid lives in Norfolk, VA holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics and is a senior research engineer at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Hosts Andrea and Allison discuss details in Jamshid’s story that could have been slightly embellished to improve the story. We’d love to hear what you think (listener). If you have a strong opinion about rounding up on the truth in personal essays, please send us an email at info@writingclassradio.com. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz and by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski and Courtney Fox at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Courtney Fox of Amadians. There’s more writing class on our website , writing class radio dot com: including essays to study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer all your publishing questions. For $25/month you can join our First Draft weekly writers group. You have the option to join Tuesdays 12-1 ET or Wednesdays 6-7pm ET. Write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re looking to take your writing to the next level, for $125/mth you’ll get 1st draft and 2nd Draft. Each week three people bring a second draft for feedback and brainstorming. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . A new episode will drop every other WEDNESDAY. So look for us. There’s no better way to understand ourselves and each other, than by writing and sharing our stories. Everyone has a story. What’s yours? See Privacy Policy at htt
S13 E125 · Wed, March 23, 2022
Tossing the Shells but Not the Memories.
Welcome to Season 13. On today’s episode, you’ll hear a story which is less than 600 words and perfectly told. So much so, that we have chosen to use this story to show how to structure an essay. We’ll go over the 5Cs of a well-structured essay and why details are important. Anthony Askowitz is not a writer. He is a realtor , and he is also Andrea’s older brother. Anthony read this essay during a family dinner after his daughters left for college. Do not miss the bloopers at the end, where Andrea helps Tony record his essay. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz and by Matt Cundill , Evan Surminski and Courtney Fox at the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Amadians. There’s more writing class on our website , writing class radio dot com: including essays to study, editing resources, video classes, writing retreats, and live online classes. Join our writing community by following us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer all your publishing questions. For $25/month you can join our First Draft weekly writers group. You have the option to join Tuesdays 12-1 ET or Wednesdays 6-7pm ET. Write to a prompt and share what you wrote. If you’re looking to take your writing to the next level, for $125/mth you’ll get 1st draft and 2nd Draft. Each week three people bring a second draft for feedback and brainstorming. Join the community that comes together for instruction, an excuse to write, and most importantly, the support from other writers. To learn more, go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . A new episode will drop every other WEDNESDAY. So look for us. There’s no better way to understand ourselves and each other, than by writing and sharing our stories. Everyone has a story. What’s yours? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_bl
S12 E124 · Wed, March 09, 2022
The Hate Hate Creates
This is the final episode in a 10-part series inspired by the men Allison Langer taught memoir writing, in a men’s prison. This series shared stories written by Allison’s former memoir students as well as formerly incarcerated and currently incarcerated people from around the United States. Their experiences and voices, like those of many incarcerated people, are often marginalized and unheard. On today’s episode, you will hear a story by Richardson Francois aka Swa, who Allison confesses was one of her favorite students. Swa will read his story, The Hate Hate Creates. Hate, Swa argues, is a sickness. Xaire agrees with Swa who says the easiest and hardest way to eradicate hate is to eradicate hate from the self. Hosts will also discuss the impact of this series on them. We hope our listeners have taken away at least a part of what we’ve learned. Mainly, that sharing our stories is the best way to understand ourselves and each other and ultimately change the world for the better. Please join our GoFundMe campaign to raise money for 2-Tall (Clifton Jones), whose story and voice you heard on episode 116. He needs our help to hire an appellate lawyer to get the justice he was promised and deserves. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz , Xaire , and by Matt Cundill, Evan Surminski and Courtney Fox at the Sound Off Media Company. Music by Xaire , Marnino Toussaint and Amadians . There’s more writing class on our website, writingclassradio.com including video classes, essays to study, and editing resources. If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, follow us
S12 E123 · Wed, February 23, 2022
The Words He Left Behind
This is the ninth episode in a 10-part series inspired by the people Allison Langer taught memoir writing, in a men’s prison. You will hear new stories her former students wrote after taking her class and stories from other incarcerated or formerly incarcerated people around the world. On today’s episode, you will hear a story by someone who is still incarcerated. For security reasons, he calls himself NameLess. You will understand why he has chosen to remain NameLess once you hear his story called Observation. Please join our GoFundMe campaign to raise money for 2-Tall (Clifton Jones), whose story and voice you heard on episode 116. He needs our help to hire an appellate lawyer to get the justice he was promised and deserves. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz , Xaire , and by Matt Cundill, Evan Surminski and Courtney Fox at the Sound Off Media Company. Music by Xaire , Marnino Toussaint , and Amadians . There’s more writing class on our website, writingclassradio.com : including video classes, essays to study, and editing resources. If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, follow us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer all your publishing questions. For $25/month you can join Allison’s First Draft weekly writers group, where you can write and share your work every Tuesday 12-1 (ET). For $100/month, you can join 2nd Draft. Check out dates and times on our website or go to
S12 E122 · Wed, February 09, 2022
What Does 44 Years in Prison Look Like?
This is the eighth episode in a 10-part series inspired by the people Allison Langer taught memoir writing, in a men’s prison. You will hear new stories her former students wrote after taking her class and stories from other incarcerated or formerly incarcerated people around the world. In this episode, you will hear a story written by Robert Fell, who was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife. Robert has been in prison for 44 years. Robert Fell earned a Bachelors of Agricultural Science from Cornell. He’s certified as a specialist vegetable grower in intensive growing methods and has over 5000 hours in facilitating other inmates and DOC staff in intensive farming methods. Xaire will read Robert’s story Damaged Goods. Please join our GoFundMe campaign to raise money for 2-Tall (Clifton Jones), whose story and voice you heard on episode 116. He needs our help to hire an appellate lawyer to get the justice he was promised and deserves. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz , Xaire , and by Matt Cundill, Evan Surminski and Courtney Fox at the Sound Off Media Company. Music by Xaire , Marnino Toussaint , and Amadians There’s more writing class on our website, writingclassradio.com : including video classes, essays to study, and editing resources. If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, follow us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer all your publishing questions. For $25/month you can join Allison’s First Draft weekly writers group, wh
S12 E121 · Wed, January 26, 2022
When a Big Mistake Becomes Catastrophic
This is the seventh episode in a 10-part series inspired by the people Allison Langer taught memoir writing, in a men’s prison. You will hear new stories her former students wrote after taking her class and stories from other incarcerated or formerly incarcerated people around the world. Today on the show, we have Dewain Williams . Dewain responded to our call for stories. His story reveals something really ugly at the top. We think he reveals this deliberately to show how much he's changed. We want to hear from you. Should he have have left out this detail? You'll know it when you hear it. Please weigh in on our FB page by clicking Writing Class Radio FB . Dewain was born in Flint, Michigan and raised in Marietta, Georgia. He started writing in 2015 and self published his first eBook in May 2020. Dewain wants to see the world in a better place and he believes through writing it can be done. In 1997, Dewain made a terrible mistake but he knows that mistake doesn't define him. The hosts refer to an October 23, 2021 article in the Opinion section of the New York Times about aging out of crime and about the ridiculously long sentences Americans are given when they break the law. Please join our GoFundMe campaign to raise money for 2-Tall (Clifton Jones), whose story and voice you heard on episode 116. He needs our help to hire an appellate lawyer to get the justice he was promised and deserves. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz , Xaire , and by Matt Cundill, Evan Surminski and Courtney Fox at the Sound Off Media Company. Music by Xaire and Marnino Toussaint . There’s more writing class on our website, <a href="https://www.writingclassradio.com/" rel="noop
S12 E120 · Wed, January 12, 2022
My Pen Uncovers the Real Me
This is the sixth episode in a 10-part series inspired by the memoir students Allison Langer taught in a men’s prison. You will hear new stories her former students wrote after taking her class and stories from other incarcerated or formerly incarcerated people around the world. On this episode, Corey Devon Arthur, a journalist inside Fishkill Correctional Facility in New York State, tells his story about wishing he could always be the person he is in writing. Corey submitted his essay through an angel named Sarah Holtz from Empowerment Avenue, a collective of writers on the inside. Corey Devon Arthur was born in Brooklyn in 1977 and has been incarcerated since 1997. He has earned a legal research certification and studied through Rising Hope and Nyack College. Arthur is a former chairman of the Inmate Liaison Committee at Fishkill Correctional Facility. He's a member of Empowerment Avenue, a collective of incarcerated writers. Arthur is also passionate about drawing and is currently working on a trilogy of short stories. To read more stories by Corey Devon Arthur, visit The Marshall Project. The Marshall Project is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization that seeks to create and sustain a sense of national urgency about the U.S. criminal justice system. Through journalism, The Marshall Project seeks to render the criminal justice system more fair, effective, transparent, and humane. Please join our GoFundMe campaign to raise money for 2-Tall (Clifton Jones), whose story and voice you heard on episode 116. He needs our help to hire an appellate lawyer to get the justice he was promised and deserves. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz , Xaire , and by Matt Cundill, Evan Surminski and Courtney Fox at the Sound Off Media Company. Music by Xaire and Marnino Toussaint . There’s more writing class on our website, writingclassradio.com : including video classes, essays to study, and edit
S12 E119 · Wed, December 29, 2021
When Is it Safe to Ignore the Law?
This is the fifth episode in a 10-part series inspired by the people Allison Langer taught memoir writing, in a men’s prison. You will hear new stories by her former students wrote and stories from other incarcerated or formerly incarcerated people around the world. On this episode, we feature an essay by Rashmi Airan , who reads her story and answers questions on the show. Rashmi is an internationally recognized corporate and motivational speaker and entrepreneur. As a leader in her community and beyond, Rashmi empowers others to overcome adversity and challenges. She is currently working on a memoir. Rashmi’s essay was originally published in The Washington Post on Feb 20, 2020. Her essay reveals her inaction and culpability in her job as a lawyer when she sensed that her clients were not following the law. Rashmi was operating under some psychological phenomenon she came to discover and explains, called moral humility and overconfidence bias, which enabled her to stay silent. Like so many incarcerated people, she didn't think she'd get caught. Rashmi candidly answers questions about prison life, working garbage detail, her mindset going in, what she learned, and what life has been like since she was released. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz , Xaire , and by Matt Cundill, Evan Surminski and Courtney Fox at the Sound Off Media Company. Music by Xaire , Koi , Marnino Toussaint , Amadians . There’s more writing class on our website, writingclassradio.com : including video classes, essays to study, and editing resources. If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50.
S12 E118 · Wed, December 15, 2021
Standing at the Prison Gate, I Was Icarus Plummeting to Earth.
This is the fourth episode in a 10-part series inspired by the people Allison Langer taught memoir writing, in a men’s prison. You will hear new stories her former students wrote after taking her class and stories from other incarcerated or formerly incarcerated people around the world. Today’s show shares two stories by Dutch Simmons , who served two years in a federal prison. Dutch reveals the horrors of saying goodbye to his family as he walks into prison. Dutch also takes us through 11 (of 30) days in solitary confinement. Dutch says he’s been both a hero and a villain: The same week his search and rescue gear went on display at the 9/11 Memorial Museum as a first responder, he was sentenced to a federal correctional institution for a white collar crime. While incarcerated, he established and taught a creative writing program for his fellow inmates. Dutch lives deep in the woods of Connecticut, where he remains a dedicated father, former felon, and a Phoenix rising. For more Dutch Simmons, follow him on twitter @thedutchsimmons or go to his website https://vocal.media/authors/dutch-simmons. We also speak with Joshua Moreno , a former Florida Department of Corrections officer who clears up questions we had last episode and tells us another side of the story from the inside. Josh Moreno is the executive director of a Miami real estate team at Re/Max Advanced Realty. Josh was born and raised in Miami. When not in a suit, Josh can be found in horse country, swimming, or practicing yoga. He loves the arts, architecture, and sports cars. You can find Josh on Instagram @JoshuaEMoreno.homes and on Facebook & LinkedIn at Joshuaemoreno. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz , Xaire , and by Matt Cundill, Evan Surminski and Courtney Fox at the Sound Off Media Company. Music by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6DfdfTs0dvCGwDh9fkNYcU?si=qH7zH5NsQau-L9t4YJBfIw&dl_branch=1&nd=1" rel
S12 E117 · Wed, December 01, 2021
A Day in the Life of a Prisoner
This is the third episode in a 10-part series inspired by the people Allison Langer taught memoir writing, in a men’s prison. You will hear new stories by her former students and stories from other incarcerated or formerly incarcerated people around the world. Today’s show shares a story by Roderick Richardson, an inmate in a Florida prison. Rod is a master storyteller who grew up in Liberty City, which is a very rough area in Miami. Rod took care of his six brothers and sisters when his mom was incarcerated. At 12 years old, Rod sold drugs to keep food on the table. His story is not unique, unfortunately. Rod is serving a life sentence for robbery. We also share an interview with former prison doctor, Karen Gedney . Dr. Gedney is an internal medicine specialist who spent almost 30 years as a prison physician. She was designated as one of the best in the business by the American Correctional Association and won a Heroes for Humanity Award for her work in HIV in the correctional system. Dr. Gedney ran the only regional prison medical facility in the state of Nevada. She was a naive young physician who survived a world she was ill-prepared for and turned it into a calling. You can read Dr. Gedney’s story in her book, 30 Years Behind Bars. Trials of a Prison Doctor. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz , Xaire , and by Matt Cundill, Evan Surminski and Courtney Fox at the Sound Off Media Company. Music by Xaire , Koi , Marnino Toussaint , Amadians . There’s more writing class on our website, writingclassradio.com , including video classes, essays to study, and editing resources. If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50
S12 E116 · Wed, November 17, 2021
How Do You Fulfill a Promise When You’re Stuck in Prison?
This is the second episode in a 10-part series inspired by the people Allison Langer taught memoir writing, in a men’s prison. You will hear stories her former students wrote after taking her class and stories from other incarcerated or formerly incarcerated people around the world. To help us get this right, Xaire has agreed to co-host the series with us. Xaire is a poet, singer-songwriter, actor, and teacher who teaches writing and poetry to kids in the foster care system and kids caught up in a detention center. THIS MUST BE SAID : We don’t mean to sensationalize crime or someone who breaks the law. Airing these stories is in no way meant to take anything away from the victims of violent crime. Instead, we want to share stories, because we believe that stories lead to understanding. And if there’s something we need more of these days, it’s understanding. On this episode, you will hear one of our favorite stories by one of Allison’s favorite people: Clifton Jones AKA 2-Tall. 2-Tall’s story is about legacy and more specifically, about the promise he made to his mom and to himself. (If you’d like to follow along, see entire story at the bottom of the show notes.) You will also meet Chris Wilson who spent 16 years in prison. Chris is an entrepreneur, activist, and author of The Master Plan . Allison sent 2-Tall The Master Plan, so he could read his powerful words. For more Chris, listen to his Stoop Story . Chris talks about how his traumatic childhood and a life sentence led him to turn his life around and ultimately, help others. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz , Xaire , and by Matt Cundill and Evan Surminski of the Sound Off Media Company. Music by Xaire , Koi , Marnino Toussaint , Am
S12 E115 · Wed, November 03, 2021
What I Learned from Men in Prison
Welcome to Season 12. Today, we’re starting a 10-part series inspired by the people Allison Langer taught memoir writing, in a men’s prison. We put a call out for stories, so you will hear stories her students have written recently and stories from other incarcerated or formerly incarcerated people around the world. To help us get this right, we asked Xaire, who is a poet, singer-songwriter, actor, and teacher to co-host with us. Xaire teaches writing and poetry to kids in the foster care system. THIS MUST BE SAID : We don’t mean to sensationalize crime or someone who breaks the law. Airing these stories is in no way meant to take anything away from the victims of violent crime. Instead, we want to share stories, because we believe that stories lead to understanding. And if there’s something we need more of these days, it’s understanding. The first story in our series was written by our own Allison Langer. It’s a story about change. A change in the way Allison sees the justice system and the way she sees the people caught up in the justice system. Our hope (after hearing all the stories in the series) is that you will see in the men and women, what we have come to see: intelligent, motivated, kind human beings who made a mistake--sometimes, very big, huge, awful mistakes. Most of the people who are incarcerated are suffering from trauma, had to make very difficult choices at a young age, and got tangled up in a flawed system. Some have been misjudged and wrongfully convicted. But those men and women are NOT their crimes. They have paid their debts, matured, and are ready to move on with their lives. Maybe you will fear the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated less or not at all. Maybe you will support laws that provide equal justice and job opportunities to the formerly incarcerated. Maybe you’ll give your family members a break when they disappoint you. Maybe you will have more patience with young people who have messed up. Our hope extends to those who are victims of violent crimes. These stories are for you too. We hope hearing some of these stories will bring some relief. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz , Xaire , and by Matt Cundill, Evan Surminski and Courtney Fox at the Sound Off Media Company. Music by Xaire and <a href="https://www.marnino.com/" rel="noopener noreferr
S11 E114 · Wed, October 20, 2021
Sometimes It's Better Said in a Song
Today on our show, we’re talking about structure, voice, commitment, and especially happy endings. The story you’ll hear was written, read, and sung by Amber Petty. What makes this story so much fun? You know it when you hear it. Amber Petty used to be an actor but now she writes and helps other writers get into freelance writing. In her acting days, she performed at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater and did over 500 shows of the Off-Broadway 50 Shades! The Musical . She's written for The New York Times, Thrillist, Greatist, Bustle, MTV, IFC, and Snooki's blog. Now, she teaches Freelance Writing for Creatives and works on very important projects like her book of short stories inspired by the musical Cats. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. WCR is produced by Allison Langer, Andrea Askowitz, and by Matt Cundill, Evan Surminski and Courtney Fox at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music by Justina Shandler . There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guide
S11 E113 · Wed, October 06, 2021
I Was the Real Life's Queen's Gambit
Today on our show, we’re talking about how to frame a story. Not all publications are looking for the same thing. Actually, all pubs are different. On Writing Class Radio, we look for a change in the narrator or a discovery by the narrator. We want the narrator to reveal something big and vulnerable and important. We want something dramatic to happen. And then we want the narrator to make meaning of what happened. The story we bring you today doesn’t exactly fit into what we call a story, but it is so compelling and beautifully written. AND it was published despite it not fitting into our usual box. On today's show we talk about writing stories meant for different publications and why we think this one was published elsewhere. You’ll hear Sari Caine read her story, I Was the Real Life Queen’s Gambit Beth. Sari Caine is a native New Yorker who has been living a nomadic lifestyle since the start of the pandemic. Her story was originally published in The Independent and is an excerpt from her memoir in progress called Check Mates. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. This episode of WCR is produced by Allison Langer, Andrea Askowitz, and by Matt Cundill, Evan Surminski and Courtney Fox at the Sound Off Media Company. Theme music by Justina Shandler . Additional music by Amadians . There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), <a href="https://www.instagram.com/writingclassradio/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"
S11 E112 · Wed, September 22, 2021
Voice Isn't Everything, Is It?
Today on our show, we’re talking about voice in a new way. We always say, write like you speak. That’s one of the most important writing tenets, because if you write like you speak, you’re writing in the most truthful way. If you curse, curse. If you don’t speak in fancy prose, don’t write fancy prose. To hear more about voice, listen to Episode 43: Voices in Your Head , and Episode 44: Voices Carry . On today's episode, we ask the question, What if your physical voice says something about you you don’t want it to say? Also, does your physical voice translate onto the page? You'll hear an essay by Mark Jason Williams , an award-winning playwright, essayist, and traveloguer who writes for The Washington Post, HuffPost, Thrillist, and more. He is currently working on an essay collection. His story is called You’d Be Cuter with a Deeper Voice. A version of this story was previously published in Out Magazine. You can also find Mark on Twitter and Facebook . Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer, Andrea Askowitz, and Courtney Devon of Sound Off Media. Courtney is also the lead singer for Amadians, one of our contributing musicans. Theme music by Justina Shandler. Additional music by Amadians. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), <a href="https://www.instagram.com/writingclassradio/" rel="noopener noreferrer"
S11 E111 · Wed, September 08, 2021
It’s a Matter of Time
Today on our show, we are featuring an essay by former student Sharon Rothberg. Sharon uses a philosophical concept to work out her feelings about the death of her daughter-in-law. Sharon's use of time and all lingo related to time is masterful. The story structure is also exceptional as is the balanced use of humor and vulnerability. This story really shows how writing helps people figure out things we can’t really understand. Sharon Rothberg lives in Miami, Florida with her husband of 57 years. She was an English major at Tulane University and taught seventh grade English. She loves to read novels, memoirs, and biographies. Sharon came to class on a whim (and because Andrea convinced her), having nothing in particular she wanted to write about. The class pulled up the grief and trauma she’d been holding inside. Writing the story of her daughter-in-law helped Sharon release her feelings and clarify her understanding of time (that we have) on this planet. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). This episode was produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Theme music by Justina Shandler . Additional music by Kevin Myles Wilson and Poddington Bear . There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and <a href="https://twitter.com/wrtgclassradio" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_bla
S11 E110 · Wed, August 25, 2021
How to Write About Death: Use an Obsession.
For the month of August, 2021, we’re bringing back four of our listeners’ favorite episodes. Writing Class Radio brings you personal stories and tips on how to write your own stories. This episode originally aired March 3, 2020 on episode 79. Today on our show, we take a look at bringing an obsession into a story. It’s possible to go deep into an obsession that has almost nothing to do with the story you are trying to tell without being distracting. That obsession can deepen the meaning of the story by giving us a peek into you, the narrator. Editors get a lot of stories about cancer, dead dogs, aging parents, etc. We’re not saying, stay away from these topics. We’re saying, writing about an obsession is a way to write about death (or any of these topics) in a new and interesting way. The story you’ll hear is from listener Jackie Ashton . This story was previously published in the March 2019 issue of Real Simple . We also talk about why it’s important to write and read stories about death, because hiding from feelings is never good. This story illustrates what someone who is going through a difficult time might need the most: friends who remind them of joy by experiencing it with them. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). The original episode 79 was produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Theme music is by Christine Corey . Additional music is by EMIA, Blue Jay , and Podington Bear. Episode
S11 E109 · Wed, August 18, 2021
Show and Tell.
For the month of August, 2021, we’re bringing back four of our listeners’ favorite episodes. Writing Class Radio brings you personal stories and tips on how to write your own stories. This episode originally aired July 31, 2018 on episode 47. In this episode, we examine the popular writing tenet, show DON’T tell. We believe just showing is not only impossible, but detrimental to your story. Telling gives insight into what the narrator is thinking and feeling. To test this theory, we asked our students to just SHOW. We gave the prompt: A fight and instructed them to go directly to scene without explaining. We wanted to see if show without tell would work. After ten minutes, the students were asked to continue where they left off but to move from the scene into exposition, to just TELL. They were instructed to explain what was going on in the story, give background, and tell what the narrator was thinking and feeling. What we found: It’s impossible to show without telling. You will hear short prompt responses from student Misha Mehrel , who has read many stories on this podcast, Allison Langer , and Andrea Askowitz . Andrea’s piece called Spoiled Mom was developed out of this exercise and published in June 2018 in Mutha Magazine . Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories from the students in our class and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class. And we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer ( www.allisonlanger.com ) and Andrea Askowitz ( www.andreaaskowitz.com ). The original episode 47 was produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and <a href="http://www.allisonlanger.com/" rel="noopener nor
S11 E108 · Wed, August 11, 2021
How to Write Your Story with Joyce Maynard.
For the month of August, 2021, we’re bringing back four of our listeners’ favorite episodes. Writing Class Radio brings you personal stories and tips on how to write your own stories. This episode originally aired May 18, 2017 on episode 30. The format for this episode is a little different. Today we’re bringing you a guest teacher, because we think it’s smart to get different perspectives. Joyce Maynard is one of Andrea’s favorite teachers in the world. Joyce has 17 books and has been writing for 50 years. She started when since she was 13. Andrea asked Joyce to read and deconstruct her essay, Letting it Fly which was originally published in 1997 in the New York Times Lives Column . In the interview, Joyce explains what goes into writing a great story and tells us her secrets to making a good essay great. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. The original episode 30 was produced by Virginia lora , Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . Theme music by Daniel Correa . Additional music by Andy G. Cohen and Podington Bear. Episode 108 was put together by Matt Cundill and Evan Surminski of the Sound Off Media Company . Click to order Joyce’s book, The Best of Us . And register for Joyce Maynard’s Guatemala workshop . There’s more writing class on our <a href="http://www.writingclassradio.
S11 E107 · Wed, August 04, 2021
Can You Hear Me if I Can’t Hear You?
For the month of August, 2021, we’re bringing back four of our listeners’ favorite episodes. Writing Class Radio brings you personal stories and tips on how to write your own stories. This episode originally aired April 20, 2017 on episode 29. Allison Langer loves the process of working out her shit and reading it out loud. In class, she can’t hide behind a facade. Andrea Askowitz loves thinking about writing and ways to make stories stronger. She breaks down every sentence and takes out needless words. Andrea loves the craft. Cheryl Strayed , Author of Wild and Tiny Beautiful Things, says writing is equal parts heart and art. Andrea loves the art. Allison loves the heart. That’s what you get on this podcast. Equal parts heart and art. This episode is about connecting through writing. It’s also about the job of storytellers to bring us into their world. Student Nilsa Rivera tells a story about her fear of isolation because she’s hard of hearing. This is especially true and important today, during covid, when people are wearing masks and reading lips is impossible. Andrea relates to Nilsa in a very small way and emails her after class, which she immediately regrets doing. In class, students (and teacher) are only allowed to give feedback on the writing, not someone’s life because whether or not a reader or listener has had the exact same experience is irrelevant. When a story is well-told, anyone can relate to it. You will hear how Nilsa felt about Andrea’s email and more about what it sounds like to be hard of hearing. Nilsa Rivera writes about gender and diversity issues. She’s the Non-Fiction Editor of Doubleback Review . Her work appears in Huffington Post, 50 GS Magazine, Six Hens Literary Journal, Assay: A Journal of Nonfiction Studies, Selkie Literary Magazine, and Writing Class Radio . Her work has appeared in Turning Dark into Light: A Mental Health Anthology and Home in Florida: Latinx Writers and The Literature of Uprootedness . She's currently an MFA Nonfiction candidate at Vermont College of Fine Art and lives in Riverview, Florida. She can
S11 E106 · Wed, July 28, 2021
How Do You Know if Your Story Sucks?
On episode 106, host Allison Langer tells a story about her post cancer hair. Allison’s story was rejected by The Washington Post. Should Allison give up and write something new? Or should she continue to send her story to other publications? Most often, even expertly-written stories get rejected because they’re just not a perfect fit for a particular publication at a particular time. But, how do you know if your story just sucks? Had Allison listened to Andrea’s edits, would she have gotten published? Or is it the topic of cancer that did her in? You’ll hear why a new twist on an overly-written-about subject (like cancer) may help you get published. You’ll also hear one of author Sue Shapiro’s secrets to getting published. This episode of Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz , and Virgina Lora . Theme music by Justina Shandler . Additional music by The Amadians and Podington Bear. There’s more writing class on our website , Facebook , Instagram and Twitter . If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, follow us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer all your publishing questions. For $25/month you can join Allison’s First Draft weekly writers group , where you can write and share your work Tuesdays 12-1 (ET). www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sel
S11 E105 · Wed, July 14, 2021
Teach Us Something We Don't Know
This episode is about teaching the reader/listener something they don’t know anything about. Teaching can be done in two ways. One, by taking the reader into a world foreign to most people and two, by relaying information that’s rarely discussed and possibly unknown to the average person. In the story we bring you today, listener and student Danielle Huggins does both. Danielle has Bipolar Disorder and takes us inside her mind while she’s depressed. She also teaches us about Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT). She gives us history and explains the medical process and implications. This is not a reported essay, instead, Danielle relays what she learns from her doctor and her experience. Danielle Huggins is a former middle school math teacher with a Masters Degree in Literacy. She is currently a stay-at-home mom, a student of Writing Class Radio and an avid kickboxer. Danielle has a Facebook page called My Life As a Bipolar Mom. She lives in New Jersey with her husband of 15 years, 14 year old daughter and 20 year old stepson. This essay will also be published in the Washington Post, July 20, 2021. Congratulations, Danielle! This episode of Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz , Matt Cundill and Evan Surminski from the Sound Off Media Company . Theme music by Justina Shandler . Additional music by Megatrax.com . There’s more writing class on our website , Facebook , Instagram and Twitter . If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, follow us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer all your publishing questions. For $25/month you can join Allison’s First Draft weekly writers group, where you can write and share your work Tuesdays 12-1 (ET). <a href="http://www.p
S11 E104 · Wed, June 30, 2021
Sleep Left Me for a Younger Woman
This episode is about commitment. Not commitment to love, exactly, but commitment to a concept. Listener Lucie Frost writes a satirical essay where sleep is her lover. She never slips from the concept. Humor writing requires committing to an idea and pushing that idea as far as you can go. Lucie Frost is a humor and satire writer in San Antonio, Texas. She recently retired from a lifetime as a human resources/employment lawyer. This story was originally published in Slackjaw. Her work has also been published in Next Tribe, Little Old Lady Comedy, The Haven, Lady Pieces, Points in Case, The Belladonna, and Robot Butt. You can find her on all social media platforms @lucieHfrost This episode of Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz and Virginia Lora Theme music by Justina Shandler . Additional music by Amadians, TJ North, Justina Shandler, and Podington Bear . There’s more writing class on our website , Facebook , Instagram and Twitter . If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, follow us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer all your publishing questions. For $25/month you can join Allison’s First Draft weekly writers group, where you can write and share your work Tuesdays 12-1 (ET). www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
S11 E103 · Wed, June 16, 2021
Is it Ok to Write the Same Story Over and Over?
On this episode, we bring you a story that the narrator has returned to and will probably return to all her life. Everyone has their themes and it’s okay to return to them at different points in our lives. Trigger warning… The story you will hear on this episode documents the loss of a child. If this is a sensitive issue for you, please listen to another episode. Our student and listener Emily Henderson writes a beautiful story about the loss of her son to brain cancer. In this essay, she uses her husband to tell her story from a different angle. Her husband has big enough shoulders to carry the weight of their grief. This story is in honor of all the fathers out there. Emily Henderson is a stay-at-home mom, volunteer, freelance writer, and student at Writing Class Radio. Her essays have appeared in Scary Mommy , The Santa Barbara Independent , and Love What Matters . She is currently attempting to run every single street in Santa Barbara, CA. She writes a blog called www.myjustrightlife.com You can find her on Instagram @myjustrightlife This episode of Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz and Virginia Lora Theme music by Justina Shandler . Additional music by Podington Bear and Ari Herstand . There’s more writing class on our website , Facebook , Instagram and Twi
S11 E102 · Wed, June 02, 2021
A Boyhood Brush With Breast Cancer
On this episode, we bring you a story that is not one you hear too often but addresses a very serious situation: breast cancer in men. Kevin Wood shares his essay, A Boyhood Brush with Breast Cancer. This essay was previously published on The Good Men Project. We sat on this story for a few years not because it wasn’t expertly written, but because it lacked an important detail we felt was left out. You'll hear us discuss what happens when a key element seems to be left out of a story. Kevin Wood ( kevinewood.me ) is a freelance editor, writer and writing coach based in Barcelona. He serves as a contributing editor for The Good Men Project , with a focus on social justice and queer issues. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Witness Magazine, Fast Company, Huffington Post, Litro Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and Thought Catalog , among others. Twitter (@simplifythenow) + Instagram (@simplify.the.now) This episode of Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz and Matt Cundill and Evan Surminski of SoundOff Media . Theme music by Justina Shandler . Additional music by Podington Bear . There’s more writing class on our website , Facebook , Instagram and Twitter . If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, follow us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/writingclassradio" rel="n
S11 E101 · Wed, May 19, 2021
I Own Seven Vibrators and I Still Worry About What to Say at a Cocktail Party
This episode is about writing like you speak, which is the best way to tell a true, authentic story. Andrea and Allison discuss why bringing your voice into a written essay makes the story so much better. You will hear an essay by Anthea Rowan , a writer and listener from Tanzania, Africa. Anthea’s story is about social anxiety. She uses her brilliant British vernacular and charms the listener. Allison and Andrea discuss the writing after the story, why writing class has fucked them up for cocktail talk, and their own experiences with social anxiety. Anthea Rowan grew up in Tanzania, Africa. She has three kids and says her writing was born by accident. Crap at most things and feeling empty nestish, a friend suggested she write for a local travel mag. A year later she was published in The Times of London. Rowan says writing saved her life after years of isolation in the African bush. She is working on her first creative non-fiction book. For more Anthea, go to @anthea_rowan on Instagram, visit her website or read her blog . This episode of Writing Class Radio is produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz and Matt Cundill of SoundOff Media . Theme music by Justina Shandler . Additional music by Podington Bear . There’s more writing class on our website , Facebook , Instagram and Twitter . If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, follow us on <a href="https://ww
Wed, May 05, 2021
Happy F*ing Mother's Day
This episode features an extreme mother story by Diana Kupershmit who is honest and vulnerable. Diana tells the truth about a very tough decision she and her husband made when their daughter Emma was born with a severe disability. Diana reads her story and then Andrea and Allison discuss the brilliant writing and why is it important to be gut wrenchingly honest. Diana’s essay was previously published in Still Standing Magazine, June 9, 2020 . On this episode, we mention Krista Tippett’s On Being podcast episode with Bryan Doerries. Specifically his public health project, Theater of War, and how it relates to all storytelling. Doerries says, “Ancient stories, and texts that have stood the test of time, can be portals to honest and dignified grappling with present wounds and longings and callings that we aren’t able to muster in our official places now. It’s an embodiment of the good Greek word catharsis — releasing both insight and emotions that have had no place to go, and creating an energizing relief. Diana Kupershmit holds a Master of Social Work degree and works for the Department of Health in the Early Intervention Program, a federal entitlement program servicing children from birth to three years with developmental delays and disabilities. She has published online in the Manifest Station, Power of Moms, Motherwell Magazine, Her View from Home, Still Standing Magazine and Huffington Post. On the weekends, she indulges her creative passion working as a photographer specializing in newborn, family, maternity, and event photography. Diana’s book Emma's Laugh : The Gift of Second Chances is being released June 15, 2021. It is available for pre-order on Amazon and wherever books are sold. Please follow her on Instagram at @picsbydk https://www.instagram.com/picsbydk or visit her <a
Wed, April 14, 2021
Why Did the Prison Series Get Canceled?
Welcome to Season 11. If you’re new to Writing Class Radio, season 11 was going to be a little different. We started a 10-part series inspired by the people Allison met teaching memoir writing in prison. But last week, Allison was fired by the organization she volunteered for and we were asked to take down the episodes. On this episode, we tell you why. Listen to see how we plan to move forward from here. Just a hint...there is no way we are giving up on our mission to get marginalized and typically unheard voices into the world. We’re re-working our prison series. We won’t be airing the stories written by Allison’s students in class, but that doesn’t mean we can’t reach out to other incarcerated people and give them the opportunity to tell their stories. If you are incarcerated, have been incarcerated, or have a loved one who is/was incarcerated, we want to hear your story. If you work with incarcerated people, please pass this along. View Submission guidelines here . This episode of Writing Class Radio is hosted and produced by Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz . The episode is also produced by Matt Cundill of SoundOff Media . Zorina Frey and Ariel Henley are our media specialists. Theme music is by Marnino Toussaint . There’s more writing class on our website , Facebook , Instagram and Twitter . If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, follow us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer al
Wed, March 17, 2021
What I Learned from Men in Prison
This episode is the first in a 10-part series where we will bring you stories from men in prison. Host Allison Langer facilitates memoir writing classes through Exchange for Change , a group that brings writing classes into prison. The experiences and voices of Allison’s students at Dade Correctional Institution, like those of many incarcerated people, are often marginalized and unheard . Our goal is to bring these voices to light. To help get this right, we have poet, musician, and activist Marnino Toussaint , who also facilitates classes with Exchange for Change. Marnino will be reading the stories, since the prison does not allow recorders inside. He will be contributing his feedback and commentary throughout the series as co-host. Marnino also created the theme music for this series. You’ll hear from Kathie Klarreich , founder of Exchange for Change. And you’ll hear an essay by Allison about how she went from thinking teaching in prison would be fun and maybe a little dangerous, to developing a deep connection to the men she teaches. Teaching in prison has taught Allison so much more than she thought she would learn, including glaring inequities in the criminal justice system and that a woman from the suburbs and a man in prison are a lot more alike than different. This series of Writing Class Radio is hosted and produced by Allison Langer , Andrea Askowitz , and Marnino Toussaint . The series is also produced by Virginia Lora . Zorina Frey is our media specialist. Theme music is by Marnino Toussaint. Additional music is by Podington Bear and Koi . There’s more writing class on our website , Facebook , Instagram and Twitter . If you love the lessons you get on each e
S10 E96 · Wed, March 03, 2021
How to Hit Your Editors in the Heart
This episode is about secrets, a mom/daughter relationship, and donor-conception, a subject that hit both Andrea and Allison in the heart. When Amanda Serenyi’s friend gets pregnant using donor sperm, Amanda freaks out because she herself was donor-conceived and her mother kept this a secret until she was 33. When Amanda first submitted this essay, Allison loved it and Andrea was reluctant to publish it. You will hear why despite great writing and an interesting story, this story was almost rejected. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). This episode of Writing Class Radio is produced by Matt Cundil l of Sound Off Media , Andrea Askowitz, and Allison Langer. Mia Pennekamp is our media specialist. Theme music is by Amadians . Additional music is by Podington Bear. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, follow us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer all your publishing questions. For $25/month you can join Allison’s First Draft weekly writers group, where you can write and share your work. Go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art1
S10 E95 · Wed, February 17, 2021
What Did it Take to Finally Get Published?
Are you writing like crazy but just can’t seem to push the send button on your submissions? Today on our show, Writing Class Radio student Margery Berger tells us what’s been holding her back. Margery Berger has told a story on this podcast before. On Episode 46: An Object is Not Just an Object she told a stunner about her obsession with her scale. Margery has been in class with us for 3, maybe 4, years. She has every ingredient to be a published writer, except one. She is perfectly self-conscious. She knows herself. She’s willing to get vulnerable. She does the work. She gives great feedback. She has endlessly interesting ideas, and a stockpile of really good stories. And she’s frickin’ talented. But, what she doesn’t have is the guts to send her stories out for publication. Today she did, not just here on Writing Class Radio, but she submitted the story heard on this episode to Next Tribe and got published the same day. You’ll hear her story: My Boyfriend Said My Hands Are Ugly and I Can’t Get Over It. You’ll also hear a conversation with Margery about what’s holding her back. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). This episode of Writing Class Radio is produced by Matt Cundil l of Sound Off Media , Andrea Askowitz, and Allison Langer. Mia Pennekamp is our media specialist. Theme music is by Amadians . There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click <a href="http://www.writingclassr
S10 E94 · Wed, February 03, 2021
Crafting a Story is Like Solving a Puzzle
Today’s episode is about two things. 1. A great way to tell a relationship story is to choose a subject or activity that’s dear to the person you’re writing about. Then, describe that activity. 2. Stories are puzzles. There’s a false binary idea that writers are creative and therefore not good at math. We disagree. You have to tap into both sides of the brain to create good stories because there’s a mathematical equation in stories. Writing about a subject or activity or in today’s case, a puzzle, is also a great way to get published. Kristen Paulson-Nguyen , one of our past students, wrote a story called All We Can Do Is Sudoku. The story is about her father-in-law’s love for the puzzle. Of course, the story is about so much more. What’s awesome is that Kristen’s story was published on June 24, 2020 in The New York Times in the Crosswords and Games section. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). This episode of Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz, and Allison Langer. Mia Pennekamp is our media specialist. Theme music is by Amadians . There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, follow us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/writingclassradio" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blan
S10 E93 · Wed, January 20, 2021
Brave Listener Gets Hard Edits
We asked you, our listeners, to send in your unfinished essays. We didn’t mean first drafts. We meant those essays you’ve been working on forever that you can’t get to the bottom of. Today on our show, we bring you an unfinished essay by listener Julie Schoelzel, a writer from Keene, New Hampshire. We hope to offer Julie insights into figuring out what she’s come to say and how to finish her essay. In every class, of every essay, we ask: What is the story about? After several drafts, we hope the narrator can answer this question because every scene and every detail must lead the reader/listener to that conclusion. Thank you Julie Schoelzel for being brave and sharing your story. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). This episode of Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Mia Pennekamp is our media specialist. Theme music is by Amadians . There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, follow us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer all your publishing questions. For $25/month you can join Allison’s First Draft weekly writers group, where you can write and share your work. Go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio . See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferre
S10 E92 · Wed, January 06, 2021
Taking the Long Road, Writing About Transformation
Today’s show is about transformation. How does the narrator change? How does the narrator grow? You’ll hear a story by Autumn Hudson , an elite body tattoo artist, who went from dropping out of school, to drug addiction, to fulfilling her dream of becoming a tattoo artist. Autumn’s story exemplifies a narrator’s transformation. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). This episode of Writing Class Radio is produced by Matt Cundill of Sound Off Media , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Mia Pennekamp is our media specialist. Theme music is by Amadians . Additional music by Scott Gratton . For more Autumn Hudson and to see her work, find her on Instagram @autumnhudson.tattoos There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, follow us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer all your publishing questions. For $25/month you can join Allison’s First Draft weekly writers group, where you can write and share your work. Go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio<
S10 E91 · Wed, December 23, 2020
Bye Bye 2020
On today’s episode hosts Andrea and Allison say goodbye to a shit year. They each took the prompt: Bye Bye 2020. Andrea got nothing and explains that the story she kept coming to--about her daughter having a rough time--is a story she’s not yet prepared to tell. Nothing else felt honest. Allison writes about her last chemo treatment on January 9, 2020. She was ready to move on from cancer forever, when six months later her dad sat down in her office midday and gave her the news: he had cancer. Her story is about the lessons she needs to learn. Again. Allison's essay might be a microcosm of what the world is going through with coronavirus and the quarantine. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). This episode of Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora (www.virginialora.com), Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Mia Pennekamp is our media specialist. Theme music is by Amadians . Additional music by Podington Bear. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, follow us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer all your publishing questions. For $25/month you can join Allison’s First Draft weekly writers group, where you can write and share your work. Go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio or <a href="https://www.patreon.com/writingclassradio" rel="noop
S10 E90 · Wed, December 02, 2020
The Upside to a Downside
On today’s episode you’ll hear a story that takes a bad situation and finds the good. We don’t love sappy happy endings, but honest happy endings are the best, especially when they bring joy to the world. Jamie Katz got married on her balcony during lockdown and was greeted with some pleasant surprises. Her story also shows how much can be told with very few words. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). This episode of Writing Class Radio is produced by Matt Cundill of SoundOff Media , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Mia Pennekamp is our media specialist. Theme music is by Amadians . Additional music by John Destill and John Farla. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We pay! If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, follow us on Patreon . For $10/month Andrea will answer all your publishing questions. For $25/month you can join Allison’s First Draft weekly writers group, where you can write and share your work. Go to www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio or <a href="https://www.patreon.com/w
S9 E89 · Wed, November 18, 2020
How Does a Man Get Away with Calling Women Bitches and Hoes in a Story?
Today’s episode is the last in a series called Home. Writing Class Radio helped produce a documentary with Chapman Partnership, a homeless center in South Florida, exploring the meaning of home. Our documentary will air on PBS, date (tba). On this episode, you will hear a story by Marvin Jenkins, a past student, poet, Boeing employee, and dad. Marvin lost his home after he wrote an explicit text message to his girlfriend’s best friend and she kicked him out. Marvin has always been in love with Serena, but drugs got the best of him. Marvin’s essay is a great example of how taking responsibility for your actions in a story creates a reliable narrator. The voice in this essay also exemplifies how you can say ugly things, if you own that they are ugly. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). This episode of Writing Class Radio is produced by Matt Cundill of Sound Off Media Company , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Mia Pennekamp is our media specialist. Theme music by Ari Herstand. Additional music by Podington Bear . There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We pay! If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other t
S9 E88 · Mon, November 09, 2020
Should I Stay or Should I Leave This Country?
Today’s episode is part of a series called Home. Writing Class Radio helped produce a documentary to help end homelessness for Chapman Partnership, a homeless center in South Florida. On this episode, you will hear a story by writer Tiffanie Drayton who takes an idea that most Americans hold about our country and turns it on its head. Typically, people come to America to seek asylum. But, Tiffanie left America to seek asylum. She left because she didn’t feel safe here as a Black American. Tiffany’s essay was published in the New York Times on June 12, 2020 , which led to an agent signing and a 250k book deal. You’ll hear that story plus our conversation with Tiffanie about her experience as a Black person in America. Tiffanie came to America from Trinidad at four years old. She talks about her privilege as a dual citizen and her responsibility as a writer to call herself out for that privilege. Tiffanie Drayton ( @draytontiffanie ) is working on a book about fleeing American racism. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). This episode of Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Mia Pennekamp is our media specialist. Theme music is by Ari Herstand. Additional music by Podington Bear . There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click <a hr
S9 E87 · Wed, October 21, 2020
At Home in My Skin
Today’s show is part of a series called Home. Writing Class Radio helped produce a documentary to help end homelessness for Chapman Partnership, a homeless center in South Florida. We put out a public call for submissions for stories about home. The call brought so many different and fascinating takes. Thank you to all the people who submitted stories. In our series, you’ll hear a story about a woman who is torn between two homes, a man who finds home through love with a woman while he’s dealing with addiction, and a woman who finds home in another country less racially divided. Today’s story by Mary Ann Parker is about feeling at home in your skin. Trigger warning: This story contains strong language and images and is not appropriate for children. Sexual violence is discussed. Mary’s story shows how to expertly plant seeds, which is a way to drop hints and lead your reader to your conclusion. Mary Ann Parker is a war veteran and a student in our class. She is working on a memoir. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). This episode of Writing Class Radio is produced by Matt Cundill (of the Sound Off Media Company) , Evan Surminski, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Mia Pennekamp and Ariel Henley are our media specialists. Theme music is by Ari Herstand. Additional music by Podington Bear . There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is op
S9 E86 · Wed, October 07, 2020
Torn Between Two Houses Feeling Like a Fool
Today’s show is the first in a four-part miniseries called Home. Writing Class Radio helped produce a documentary to help end homelessness for Chapman Partnership, a homeless center in South Florida. We put out a public call for submissions for stories about home. The call brought so many different and fascinating takes on home. Thank you to all the people who submitted stories. In our series, you’ll hear a story about a woman finally feeling at home in her body, a man who finds home through love with a woman while he’s dealing with addiction, and a woman who finds home in another country less racially divided. Today’s story by Anechy Padron is about being torn between two homes. The writing technique we’re bringing out is about writing that story that doesn’t have a clear ending or resolution. We always want to make a solid point, but sometimes the point is a conflict. The story you’ll hear reveals that conflict. Anechy was born in Cuba. She’s an actress-puppeteer and writer who worked as a clown in a Cuban circus. Anechy writes in English and Spanish and has been published in the Mexican anthology, Cada Loco Con Su Tema. For more Anechy, visit her travel blog anechynotes.blogspot.com and creative blog anechy7.wixsite.com/anechymade. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Mia Pennekamp is our media specialist. Theme music is by Ari Herstand. Additional music by Podington Bear . There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and <a href="https://twitter.com/wrtgclassradio" rel="noopen
S9 E85 · Wed, September 02, 2020
What Does Your TV Habit Say About You?
This episode is about story structure and all things done well in an essay. LiAnne Yu tells a story about watching TV with her Chinese immigrant parents. As a narrator she brings us into her world--dinners in front of the TV with her parents. She uses detail to reveal character--Mork & Mindy, Sex and the City, and Fox News. She follows the five Cs of story structure: context, circumstance, complication, change, consequence. LiAnne Yu is an anthropologist and writer based in San Francisco and Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Her story was originally published in The New York Times, July 17, 2020. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Mia Pennekamp is our media specialist. Theme music is by Emia. Additional music by Podington Bear and Ari Herstand . There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click <a h
S9 E84 · Wed, August 05, 2020
Who's Your Voice of Reason?
This episode is about using a character to express the voice of reason. So often in a story, the narrator is in a bind and can’t see clearly. In the story we bring you today, the narrator’s wife says something that opens the narrator’s mind to a different point of view. The narrator went years believing something that might not be true. In this story, he artfully showed us the moment the story he told himself was called into question. Today’s story is by listener Nicholas Garnett , an adjunct professor of creative writing at Florida International University and Miami Book Fair International. He’s editor of the journal Sliver of Stone. His writing has appeared in Salon.com , The Florida Book Review , and other places including Best Sex Writing of 2013 . Most importantly, he’s the co-producer of Lip Service , which is a Knight Foundation award winning live storytelling show in Miami. Andrea produced Lip Service for nine years and Nick was her co-producer for a few years. He’s a super nice guy and a great writer and editor. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Ariel Henley is our media specialist. Theme music is by Emia. Additional music by Podington Bear and Ari Herstand . There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instag
S9 E83 · Wed, July 01, 2020
Every Word Matters
Today on our show, we’re talking about how every word in a story matters. We have a story to share that illustrates this point so well. Essayist, teacher, and Writing Class Radio listener Amy Paturel submitted her story called “The Other Love of His Life,” which was originally published in Newsweek, April 2009. Amy’s story is a great example of how every word must lead to the final conclusion. Every scene, detail, and description should move the story forward. If not...cut. This got us thinking about how our words matter, not just to move a story along, but also because what we say or don’t say impacts other people. In Episode 81, we spoke to agent Barbara Poelle about getting a literary agent. We left out a crucial part of the conversation about bringing out stories by and about people of color. Listener Taiwo Adesina wrote to us to let us know. We are grateful and sorry. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Ariel Henley is our media specialist. Theme music is by Emia. Additional music by Podington Bear . There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now o
S9 E82 · Wed, June 03, 2020
A Poet's Response to Senseless Murders
This episode of Writing Class Radio is dedicated to George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and all those who have lost their lives in a senseless murder. The story we share with you on this episode is by student and poet Zorina Frey . Last Saturday, May 30, 2020, Andrea gave students a writing prompt and 14 minutes to write about whatever came to mind. Zorina’s response is helping us sit with the sadness, anger, and grief. It is a story that’s helping us reflect and process everything that’s going on. The prompt was Religion. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Ariel Henley is our media specialist. Theme music is by Emia. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We pay! If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, we are now on Patreon . For $10/month y
S9 E81 · Wed, May 06, 2020
An Insider Conversation with a Literary Agent
Today on our show, we share a New York Times Modern Love essay we love by Jessica Strawser , editor-at-large at Writer’s Digest . Her essay caught the attention of literary agent Barbara Poelle , an agent with the Irene Goodman Literary Agency and the author of Funny You Should Ask: Mostly Serious Answers to Mostly Serious Questions About the Publishing Industry . Her book is based on her Writer's Digest column of the same name. On today’s show, we share our conversation with Barbara about how to get an agent. We asked Barbara all kinds of questions: Is now a good time to query? How do I find an agent? Is there such a thing as a dream agent? Do authors even need an agent? What should I do before signing an agent? We also ask the big question: Can we write about certain experiences that aren’t our own? Barbara gives us the insider info. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Ariel Henley is our media specialist. Theme music is by Emia. Additional music is by Justina Shandler and Poddington Bear. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.
S9 E80 · Wed, April 01, 2020
We Grant you Permission to Write or Not to Write
Today on our show, we are talking about what we can’t stop talking about, the coronavirus. Every email, text, call starts with, “How are you holding up?” It’s beautiful and exhausting, so we put out a call for coronavirus stories. We have two stories to share. One is by our own Andrea Askowitz who is still living in Madrid. Madrid is one of the most contagious cities on earth and if you’ve seen her videos of her family dancing on FB, you are aware she’s going a little stir-crazy. Writing has helped calm her. And we have a story by Sari Botton, the essays editor of Longreads. In Sari’s essay, she gives us permission to tell our stories even if they feel petty. We always say, stories matter. And now, stories matter as much as ever. But for those of us too freaked out to write, Sari also gives us permission to take the pressure off producing. We talk a lot on our show about situation and story. The stories you will hear today are both about this coronavirus situation, but they also bring us something more about the human condition. We hope these stories are both comforting and inspiring. Sari Botton’s list of writing resources for anyone interested in writing now: Vanessa Mártir offers many personal essay prompts that she made available for free in 2019 on her Writing Our Lives site. Cookbook author Julia Turshen is offering free food writing workshops via Instagram Live . Rachel McKibbens is offering writing prompts for 30 days in a Twitter thread. (Anyone can access them, but she is asking for donations to The Pink Door , the writers’ retreat for women-identified writers of color.) Weds., 3/25 The Writing Barn is offering a free webinar called “Writing Through Troubled Times .” Nancy Stohlman and Kathy Fish are offering 30 days of free writing prompts . Toby Litt has a free 10-session short story writing workshop online. The Porch Writers’ Collective in Tennessee is offering daily writing prompts on Twitter . They’ll be moving them to email, so sign up here . Barrel House is offering<a href="https://twitter.com/housleydave/s
S8 E79 · Wed, March 04, 2020
How to Write About Death: Use an Obsession
Today on our show, we take a look at bringing an obsession into a story. It’s possible to go deep into an obsession that has almost nothing to do with the story you are trying to tell without being distracting. That obsession can deepen the meaning of the story by giving us a peek into you, the narrator. Editors get a lot of stories about cancer, dead dogs, aging parents, etc. We’re not saying, stay away from these topics. We’re saying, writing about an obsession is a way to write about death (or any of these topics) in a new and interesting way. The story you’ll hear is from listener Jackie Ashton. This story was previously published in the March 2019 issue of Real Simple . We also talk about why it’s important to write and read stories about death, because hiding from feelings is never good. This story illustrates what someone who is going through a difficult time might need the most: friends who remind them of joy by experiencing it with them. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. Theme music is by Christine Corey . Additional music is by EMIA, Blue Jay , and Podington Bear. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), <a href="ht
S8 E78 · Wed, February 05, 2020
Writing Helps You Figure Out How You Think
Today on our show, we’re talking about how writing helps you figure out how you think. And helps you see yourself, specifically your failures more clearly because it’s hard to ignore a pattern when you see it in writing. We share an essay by listener, Karen Debonis who’s story, “Even the Weak Can Weather the Storm” is about what it ultimately took to make her change from being overly agreeable to a fierce badass defender of her child. It wasn’t his illness that was the catalyst, but reading back on what she’d written about herself years ago when her son was going through his illness and not liking herself. Karen Debonis began writing twenty years ago after her eleven-year-old son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Then she put the writing aside to care for her kid. A few years ago, Karen revisited her manuscript. Karen lives and writes in upstate New York. You can find her writing at www.KarenDeBonis.com . Facebook: www.facebook.com/KDeBoniswriter/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenDeBonis Instagram: www.instagram.com/karendeboniswriter/ Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. Theme music is by Christine Corey . Additional music is by Ari Herstand and Podington Bear. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writ
S8 E77 · Wed, January 08, 2020
Gotta Be a Good Literary Citizen if You Wanna Get Published
Today on our show, we’re talking to Susan Shapiro about literary citizenship. A literary citizen is someone who does good things for other literary people like re-tweet their published essays, share insider dos and don’ts, and hook people up with editors. Being a good literary citizen will help you get published because it shows that you know what’s going on in the literary world, helps build your platform, and it probably brings you some good karma. Susan Shapiro has made a career out of doing all these things and more. She’s written 12 books and thousands of essays. She teaches at NYU and The New School. We also share an essay by Susan Shapiro that was published in 2016 in The Cut, which is in New York Magazine. We love this essay and it’s about literary citizenship in a weird way. Susan is the author of Byline Bible , which is literary citizenship in book form. Byline Bible teaches you how to write a query letter, what publications want what kinds of stories, how to attract an agent, and gives lots of great examples of essays published by her students. Every author who wants to get published must read Byline Bible. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. Theme music is by Christine Corey . Additional music is by EMIA, and Podington Bear. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https
S8 E76 · Wed, December 04, 2019
Abortion Stories Matter
On this episode, you’ll hear two stories about abortion, because we believe abortion stories must be told to keep abortions safe, legal, and accessible. If all women who had abortions told their stories, abortion would not be stigmatized, public perception would change, and laws would change. We put a call out for abortion stories. We received several, all from women who did not regret their abortions. According to The Guardian, 95% of all women who have abortions don’t regret them. So this is the story we’re telling on this episode. The two stories are told from different perspectives in terms of time. It’s really important to be aware of where you’re standing in time while telling a story. Nicki Post, a past student in our class and a regular on our podcast, tells her story from 10 years out. Holly Bullis, a listener from Boulder, Colorado sets her story on the day she has her abortion. If you want more Nicki Post, you can hear her stories on Episode 12: Emotional Hangover , Episode 14: Taboo , Episode 23: I Fart, You Fart , and Episode 35: What Makes You You? . For more Holly Bullis, you can find her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HollyBullis or go to her blog The Underside of Leaves. https://theundersideofleaves.wordpress.com/ Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entreprene
S8 E75 · Wed, November 06, 2019
How to Go From Idea to Published Essay to Book Deal
Today on our show, we’re talking to Lilly Dancyger , an editor at Catapult , among many things. She’s also a freelance editor at Narratively and Barrelhouse Books , a memoir writing teacher, writer, curator of Memoir Monday, and the editor of the just-released anthology called Burn It Down . We talked to her about what she’s looking for in an essay, and how to successfully pitch to Narratively and Catapult. Read this before you submit to Lilly or anywhere. Ariel Henley reads her essay called There’s a Mathematical Equation that Proves I’m Ugly--Or So I Learned in My Seventh Grade Art Class , which was published in Narratively. Lilly tells us why she chose Ariel’s essay. And because Ariel’s essay spawned a book deal, we got Ariel on the phone to talk about how she went from idea, to essay, to publication, to agent, to published book. This episode is an inspiration to anyone looking to write their stories. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. Theme music is by Christine Corey . Ad
S8 E74 · Wed, October 02, 2019
Think Like a Writer with Dani Shapiro
We recorded this show from Miami and Madrid. If you are new to Writing Class Radio, welcome. Today on our show, we have the brilliant and generous Dani Shapiro , author of five novels and five memoirs, plus thousands of essays and a podcast called Family Secrets. A few years ago, Andrea sat down with Dani and talked about thinking like a writer, repeating themes in writing, figuring out what a story is about, and the conflicts all writers face, especially mothers, in revealing other people’s stories. Dani Shapiro also reads a story published in the New York Times Book Review in 2013 that we adore. It’s called The Me My Child Mustn’t Know. Dani Shapiro’s newest memoir, Inheritance is one of our favorite memoirs. In her early 50s, Dani found out her father was not her biological father. Inheritance is a thrilling page-turner. Click here to buy it. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. Theme music is by Christine Corey . Additional music is by Emia and Podington Bear. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on
S8 E73 · Wed, August 28, 2019
How to Write When Shit Gets Real
Today our show is going to be a little different because shit just got really real. Three weeks ago, Allison was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer. In this episode, we share the stories we wrote about this situation. We are treating this episode as if we’re in writing class by sharing our own writing and critiquing it, because writing and sharing and then getting and giving feedback is how we deal with whatever's going on in our lives. We thought writing and critiquing would help us process what’s going on. We hope that hearing our stories will motivate you to write and stay connected to the people you love while you go through your own shit. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. Theme music is by Christine Corey . There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ), Instagram and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. Through summer 2019, you get three videos for the price of two. That’s $40 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We
S8 E72 · Wed, August 14, 2019
Create Scenes So People Remember
Today on our show, we’re talking about how to create a scene and why scenes matter. We often bring up the writing tip show AND tell. The scene is the show. It’s the action. It’s where we put dialogue and show character. Scenes are the moments we remember. For more on show and tell, listen to Episode 47: Show and Tell . You’ll hear one of Andrea Askowitz’s stories, where she fights with her son about homework. And you’ll hear stories by Allison Langer and Misha Mehrel where they show and tell effectively. Listener Michael Howell submitted the essay in this episode, How Are You Really? In his story, Mike creates the most well-described and horrifying scene while in combat in Afghanistan. He slows down, so the reader/listener knows something huge is about to happen. He gives telling details and transitions out of the scene to slow down the moment. Today, we share his story with you. Mike Howell is a 29-year-old Veteran who fought in Afghanistan. Mike Joined the Marines out of high school and is currently working as an auto service advisor. He’s also in school for business and writing. Mike hopes to eventually become a full time author. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. Theme music is by Christine Corey . Additional music is by Adriel Borshansky. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook (<a
S8 E71 · Wed, July 31, 2019
What’s Inside Your Container?
This episode contains content about a suicide attempt. Today on our show, we’re talking about a container, which is a cool way to structure a story. It’s a method to tell your entire story while you are contained in a place or period of time. For example, on a plane, in a meeting, or an afternoon at a hair appointment. The goal is for the narrator to take the reader or listener along in the moment while stepping out of the container to tell a much bigger story. Lorinne Griswold, a listener from San Francisco, submitted her story, Self Care, which details her 20-year-old daughter’s attempted suicide. Lorinne’s essay starts right before her hair appointment and ends when she leaves that appointment. The story is told while Lorinne is sitting in the stylists chair. She expertly takes us in and out of that appointment so we feel like we are sitting in the chair with her. We learn so much about her daughter, past struggles with being a mother. We also learn how she has been dealing with the current situation, and what she has learned. Lorinne Griswold graduated from St. Mary’s College of California with a B.S. in business and has been working for Chevron for almost 30 years. Lorinne told us she has always used journaling as a creative outlet, but when she started struggling with her oldest daughter a few years ago, journaling became one of the only ways to untangle all the messy feelings in her head. She has filled more than 100 journals but has never shared her writing with anyone. That all changed when she found the Writing Class Radio podcast and realized that she wasn’t the only one using writing to work out her SH!T. Listening to others be vulnerable and honest gave Lorinne the courage to write and submit her own story. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. Theme music is by <a href="https://store.cdbaby.com
S8 E70 · Wed, July 17, 2019
How to Write About the Unbelievable
Today on our show, we’re talking about how to write about the unbelievable. Things like UFOs, mediums, and talking to the dead. In the story you’ll hear, our narrator hears a voice from beyond. In this episode, like many past episodes, we also get into the concept of likeable narrator. If you want more on likeable narrator, listen to these episodes: Likeable Narrator--Be the Biggest Asshole in the Story ; A Time I Fucked Up part 1 and part 2 . We bring up likeable narrator, because we feel like the most effective way to write about the unbelievable is to be an extra-reliable narrator--someone the reader or listener can trust. The narrator has to express doubt, or else risk sounding like a crazy person. You also have to give details and reasons why you believe (a real situation or scene). Don’t try to over-convince the reader or listener, just tell your story with vulnerability. Pat Martin , a listener from Atlanta, Georgia, submitted the story in this episode. Her story was previously published in Guideposts Magazine. Pat Martin is a nurse, pastor, speaker and author of the book, You Can Get There From Here . She’s also the founder and executive director of the non-profit KIDDS Dance Project. Her philosophy for life is, "Character is better than talent any day.” Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. Theme music is by <a href="https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/ChristineCo
S7 E69 · Wed, July 03, 2019
How to Write Your Story While You're Still Living It
Today on our show, we’re talking about how to end a story when the situation is ongoing. You’ll hear an essay by the Brazilian born Miami writer, Camile Flosi Araujo . Camile brings us into her world, which changed dramatically for her when she got into a car accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. She made a startling discovery, not that she’s pissed about the accident, although she is, but that she’s pissed at herself for how she lived before the accident. Listen to hear how she expertly ends the story that she’s still living. A version of Camile’s story was first told at Lip Service, a live storytelling event in Miami. Our co-host Andrea Askowitz produced Lip Service for nine years before leaving it under the leadership of the Miami Book Fair. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Kevin Myles Wilson and Podington Bear. For more Camile Flosi Araujo find her at https://www.facebook.com/camileflosiaraujo/ . There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can
S7 E68 · Wed, June 19, 2019
What's a Meta Phor?
Today on our show, we’re talking about metaphors and how they work in a story. We share a story by Elizabeth Newdom whose story is shaped around a metaphor. Elizabeth’s essay first appeared in Motherwell , an online magazine that tells all sides of the parenting story. We called the editors of Motherwell, Randi Olin and Lauren Apfel , a badass editing duo and talked to them about their tag team approach to editing, what grabbed them about Elizabeth’s story, and the use of metaphors. We’ll take you behind the scenes, so you can learn how to submit to Motherwell. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Ari Herstand and Podington Bear. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. Through summer 2019, you get three videos for the price of two. That’s $40 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our we
S7 E67 · Wed, June 05, 2019
Ready, Set, Go Get Into College
Today on our show we’re talking about perseverance, a quality important if you want to be a writer, a runner, or someone successful at crafting the dreaded college essay. What makes your essay stand out to publishers and to college admissions directors is the situation and the story. They want to see the loss or the win, because that’s what allows others to connect with your story. They also want to know what you learned from the experience and how that experience informed your character. Allison Langer has been working with high school students all over the country on their college admissions essays. This is the second episode in a two-part series where we bring you common app essays. Ransom Everglades High School graduate Wesley Cusack wrote the following essay about the challenges he faced in track and cross country and what he learned from not quitting. If you or your high schooler needs help getting started or editing along the way, Allison Langer can help. Click here for more information . Common app essay prompts: 1. Background 2. Obstacle or challenge that you faced. 3. When you changed your belief. 4. A problem you’d like to solve. 5. Accomplishment that sparked personal growth. 6. A topic (obsession) that you find so engaging that it makes you lose track of time. 7. Any topic (YAY!) Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Ari Herstand . There’s more writing class on our <a href="http://www.writingclassradio.com/" target="
S7 E66 · Wed, May 22, 2019
How to Brag and Pull it Off.
Today on our show we’re talking about bragging, specifically on the dreaded college essay. How do you brag yourself up without sounding like a total $#&%$#? (We’re PG for the high schoolers...as if). The answer is, you have to be willing to get vulnerable and reveal your ugly side, then you can brag all you want. Allison has been working with high school students all over the country on their college admissions essays. This is the first episode in a two-part series where we bring you common app essays. Palmer Trinity high school senior Julia Irvin wrote this essay from the point of view of her sister, which is a clever and effective way to reveal good and bad details about the narrator. If you or your high schooler needs help getting started or editing along the way, Allison Langer can help. Click here for more information . Common app essay prompts: 1. Background 2. Obstacle or challenge that you faced. 3. When you changed your belief. 4. A problem you’d like to solve. 5. Accomplishment that sparked personal growth. 6. A topic (obsession) that you find so engaging that it makes you lose track of time. 7. Any topic (YAY!) Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Emia There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassr
S7 E65 · Wed, May 08, 2019
Slow Down. You Don’t Want to Miss this Moment.
Do you know how sometimes when you’re reading a story you feel like the story slows down in a critical moment? Maybe the narrator describes the people in a room or the birds on a tree nearby. Maybe there’s a flashback to a memory. In that moment, the reader becomes hyper aware and hopefully totally drawn in. Today on our show we’re talking about slowing down and expanding a moment. A moment in a story that says to the reader, “Hey, pay attention. I’m about to give you some details that are important to the story.” Devan Sandiford , a listener from Brooklyn, NY submitted a story where he slows down in the most important moment, both by explaining what’s happening in detail and by going back to another memory that explains why this moment matters. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Adriel Borshansky and Ari Herstand. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. Through spring 2019, you get three videos for the price of two. That’s $40 for the series
S7 E64 · Wed, April 24, 2019
Inspiration Sometimes Comes in the Form of a Dress
In class, sometimes we ask people to close their eyes and smell sunblock, or freshly baked bread. Sometimes we play a Beatles song or have students squeeze Play-Doh. Sometimes we throw out a word like pussy. Then, we ask students to write about the first thing that comes to mind. All of these prompts inspire stories. Today on our show we’re talking about how inspiration for stories can come in a word, a song, a scent, or an object like a dress. You will hear a story by Nancy Brier , a listener from Palm Desert, California. Nancy’s essay starts with a dress, goes to another dress, to cancer and then back to the dress. But it is really a story about seizing the day. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Podington Bear. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. For the month of April 2019, you get three videos for the price of two. That’s $40 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website
S7 E63 · Wed, April 10, 2019
From Pitch to Publications
Today on our show we’re talking about pitching to publications, what to include in a query letter and all the homework you need to do before you pitch to an editor. Writer Baylea Jones shares her pitch and her story. We speak with Ravishly editor Erin Khar about what it was like to receive Baylea’s pitch, as well as why she chose Baylea’s story. Erin will also discuss the basic how-to’s for submitting stories for Ravishly and elsewhere. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. This episode is also sponsored by Matt Cundill of the Sound off podcast . Matt can help you get your podcast started, help with audio production and voiceovers. He knows everything there is to know about radio and podcasting. And by Allison Langer , an editor who can help take your essay from page to publication. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Podington Bear. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. For th
S7 E62 · Wed, March 27, 2019
The Devil's in the Details
Details matter. Details bring the reader/listener into a world they may know nothing about. They help us trust the narrator. The more specific the details; the more universal the story. In this episode we bring you a story by Inessa Freylekhman . She’s a Feng Shui expert, speaker, spiritual counselor and author. Inessa uses details well throughout her story, but there is one specific detail that exemplifies the type of detail we’re always looking for. Listen for it. To help you get specific in your own stories, ask yourself: Like what? Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer and sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami, which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. This episode is also sponsored by the podcast, Made Visible , hosted by Harper Spero who struggles with a hidden illness. She uses her podcast to bring other people’s hidden illnesses to light. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Podington Bear. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. For the month of April 2019, you get three videos for the price of two. That’s $40 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our websit
S7 E61 · Wed, March 13, 2019
How to Stop Procrastinating and Write Your Story
On this episode, we talk about procrastination. We also talk about speaking directly to the reader from a place of experience. And giving advice, which is really hard in a story and in life. If you're willing to be vulnerable, you can do it. We’re starting with a story by Jenni Berrett called You Aren’t Lazy--You’re Just Terrified: On Paralysis and Perfectionism. Jenni is a columnist at Ravishly , an online magazine that celebrates the mess of being human. Her story is relevant to all of us messy humans, especially the messy writers among us. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories from the students in our class and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. This episode is also sponsored by the podcast, Made Visible . Made Visible is hosted by Harper Spero who struggles with a hidden illness. She uses her podcast to bring other people’s hidden illnesses to light. This episode is also sponsored by Allison Langer , writing coach and editor. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Podington Bear. You can find all our music on our website. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), twitter (@wrtgclassradio) and Facebook . Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our we
S7 E60 · Wed, February 27, 2019
If You Want to Write About Death and Get Published, Write the Truth
In this episode we’re talking about writing about death. We have a story by Leslie Gray Streeter , a columnist for the Palm Beach Post who also contributes to Modern Loss, the online magazine dedicated to normalizing the way we talk about loss. Leslie’s story is called, What I did with My Husband’s Life Insurance Money . Leslie uses humor and a conversational style when writing about the death of her husband, the same humor and voice she’d use to write about anything. We also speak with Gabrielle Birkner, the editor and co-founder of Modern Loss and editor of a book with the same name. Gabi reveals her process of editing and publishing stories about death. She also speaks about working with writers who are often, not only writing about very difficult and personal topics, but also submitting stories for publication for the first time. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories from the students in our class and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. This episode is also sponsored by the podcast, Made Visible . Made Visible is hosted by Harper Spero who struggles with a hidden illness. She uses her podcast to bring other people’s hidden illnesses to light. This episode is also sponsored by Allison Langer , writing coach and editor. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Podington Bear. You can find all our music on our website. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), <a href="https://twitter.com/wrtgclassradio" targe
Wed, January 30, 2019
A Time I Had an Unpopular Opinion
In this episode we air the winner of our fall writing contest-- Jen Antill . The prompt: A Time I Had an Unpopular Opinion reaped a story about a woman who is pregnant at 24, but doesn’t want to be. It turns out, she never wanted to be a mother. Starting with a prompt like a time you had an unpopular opinion can lead to a story with tension, conflict, and high stakes, all of which make for a great story. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories from the students in our class and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. This episode is also sponsored by the podcast, Made Visible . Made Visible is hosted by Harper Spero who struggles with a hidden illness. She uses her podcast to bring other people’s hidden illnesses to light. This episode is also sponsored by Allison Langer , writing coach and editor. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Podington Bear. You can find all our music on our website. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), twitter (@wrtgclassradio) and Facebook . Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We pay! If you want to be a part of the movement that brings people together through storytelling, please go to<a href="https://secure.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=559fe3d3e4b0
S6 E58 · Wed, January 23, 2019
Everyone Needs an Editor/Friend
This is the final episode of the Andrea Show. For the last seven weeks, we brought you a story written and read by Writing Class Radio co-host, Andrea Askowitz, with commentary by her editor, co-host, Allison Langer. Andrea took a weekly essay challenge on her 50th birthday in May 2018, which was inspired by a quote by the author of Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury. He said, “Write a short story every week. It’s not possible to write 52 bad stories in a row.” This week Andrea’s story conflates editors and friends, because in her mind, they both keep you from embarrassing yourself. Andrea makes the case that an editor is a friend you can’t live without. Allison and Andrea discuss what they’ve learned through the process of writing and editing stories. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories from the students in our class and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. This episode is also sponsored by the podcast, Made Visible . Made Visible is hosted by Harper Spero who struggles with a hidden illness. She uses her podcast to bring other people’s hidden illnesses to light. This episode is also sponsored by Allison Langer , writing coach and editor. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Podington Bear. You can find all our music on our website. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), twitter (@wrtgclassradio) and Facebook . Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the <a href="http://w
S6 E57 · Wed, January 16, 2019
What's Your Achilles Heel?
For the next two weeks, we will bring you a story written and read by Writing Class Radio co-host, Andrea Askowitz, with commentary by her editor, co-host, Allison Langer. Andrea took a weekly essay challenge, which was inspired by a quote by the author of Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury. He said, “Write a short story every week. It’s not possible to write 52 bad stories in a row.” This week Andrea takes us on a 12-mile run through Miami, where she snaps something in her leg. She uses the experience to discover her real Achilles heel, which is her fear of getting fat. In this episode, Andrea and Allison disagree over edits. Hear how they duke it out. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories from the students in our class and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. This episode is also sponsored by the podcast, Made Visible . Made Visible is hosted by Harper Spero who struggles with a hidden illness. She uses her podcast to bring other people’s hidden illnesses to light. This episode is also sponsored by Allison Langer , writing coach and editor. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Podington Bear. You can find all our music on our website. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), twitter (@wrtgclassradio) and Facebook . Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidel
S6 E56 · Wed, January 09, 2019
Write About Me!
For the next three weeks, we will bring you a story written and read by Writing Class Radio co-host, Andrea Askowitz, with commentary by her editor, co-host, Allison Langer. Andrea took a weekly essay challenge, which was inspired by a quote by the author of Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury. He said, “Write a short story every week. It’s not possible to write 52 bad stories in a row.” On this episode, Allison and Andrea talk about a subject that comes up in every writing class: What do you do about writing about other people? Andrea tells a funny story about how everyone in her life wants to be included in her stories, even if they’re not portrayed in a glowing light. She reveals she wants to be included too. After the story is read, Allison and Andrea discuss what it took to get to the why in the story and what edits were made along the way. We hope this process will help writers get inspired to write. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories from the students in our class and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. This episode is sponsored by Allison Langer , writing coach and editor. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Podington Bear. You can find all our music on our website. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), twitter (@wrtgclassradio) and Facebook . Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We pay! If you want to be a part of the movement that brings people tog
S6 E55 · Tue, January 01, 2019
The Mean Letter You Always Wanted to Write
This week, Andrea uses the epistolary form--story written as a letter--to get her point across. The letter form is very intimate because the narrator is speaking directing to you. We hope this process will help writers get published or at least get inspire to write. For the next four weeks, we will bring you a story written and read by Writing Class Radio co-host, Andrea Askowitz, with commentary by her editor, co-host, Allison Langer. Andrea took a weekly essay challenge, which was inspired by a quote by the author of Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury. He said, “Write a short story every week. It’s not possible to write 52 bad stories in a row.” Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories from the students in our class and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. This episode is sponsored by Allison Langer , writing coach and editor. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Podington Bear. You can find all our music on our website. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), twitter (@wrtgclassradio) and Facebook . Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We pay! If you want to be a part of the movement that brings people together through storytelling, please go to writingclassradio.com and hit the DONATE button . See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/pri
S6 E54 · Wed, December 26, 2018
From Writing Prompt to Published Story
For the next five weeks, we'll bring you a story written and read by Writing Class Radio co-host, Andrea Askowitz, with commentary by her editor, co-host, Allison Langer. Andrea took a weekly essay challenge, which was inspired by a quote by the author of Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury. He said, “Write a short story every week. It’s not possible to write 52 bad stories in a row.” This week, something cool happened. Andrea didn’t know what to write about, so she called Allison and they both set timers for 15 minutes and wrote to the prompt: Christmas. On this episode, Allison and Andrea read the stories they wrote. And they talk about how to get from writing prompt to getting published. Andrea writes about what bringing a Christmas tree into her Jewish family meant for them. And why she thinks the Christmas tree is the gateway drug to Christianity. Allison reads her story, which was recently published in The Washington Post . The story is about her perspective as a photographer who takes holiday pictures of other families while suffering through the grief of losing her daughter. Andrea details exactly what was considered in the editing process and what ultimately led to the final paragraph, where Allison steps into the higher register and speaks directly to the reader/listener. They also talk about the question they always ask their students: What is this story about? We hope this process will inspire you to write and get published. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories from the students in our class and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. This episode is sponsored by Allison Langer , writing coach and editor. Theme music i
S6 E53 · Wed, December 19, 2018
Should I Edit Out the Dick Pics?
This is week three of an eight-week experiment. We’re bringing you a story a week by Writing Class Radio co-host, Andrea Askowitz , with commentary by her editor, co-host, Allison Langer . Andrea took a weekly essay challenge, which was inspired by a quote by the author of Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury. He said, “Write a short story every week. It’s not possible to write 52 bad stories in a row.” On this episode, Andrea tells a story about what girls have to endure in our modern world. She was inspired by Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony and wrote about an incident that happened to her daughter at sleepaway camp when a 13-year-old boy threatened to rape her. Allison and Andrea discuss how Andrea used a current topic to tell a personal story. They discuss the submission process. And the advice given by writer, teacher, Susan Shapiro, in her book Byline Bible , on how to make your story relevant now. They discuss what it took to get to the why in the story and what edits were made along the way. We hope this process will help writers get published and inspired to write. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories from the students in our class and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. This episode is sponsored by Allison Langer , writing coach and editor. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Podington Bear. You can find all our music on our website. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), twitter (@wrtgclassradio) and <a href="https:
S6 E52 · Wed, December 12, 2018
Funny Story...My Brother Has Cancer
For the next seven weeks, we will bring you a story written and read by Writing Class Radio co-host, Andrea Askowitz , with commentary by her editor, co-host, Allison Langer . Andrea took a weekly essay challenge, which was inspired by a quote by the author of Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury. He said, “Write a short story every week. It’s not possible to write 52 bad stories in a row.” This week, Andrea tells a funny story about a not funny at all topic--her brother’s cancer diagnosis. After the story is read, Allison and Andrea discuss how Andrea uses humor to deal with tough subjects. They discuss what it took to get to the why in the story and what edits were made along the way. We hope this process will help writers get published or at least get inspire to write. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories from the students in our class and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. This episode is sponsored by Allison Langer , writing coach and editor. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Podington Bear. You can find all our music on our website. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), twitter (@wrtgclassradio) and Facebook . Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We pay! If you want to be a part of the movement that brings people together through storytell
S6 E51 · Wed, December 05, 2018
It's Not Possible to Write 52 Bad Stories in a Row
Welcome to Season 6. For the next eight weeks, we will bring you a story a week written and read by co-host, Andrea Askowitz, with commentary by her editor, co-host, Allison Langer . This week, Andrea tells us why she took a weekly essay challenge, which was inspired by a quote by the author of Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury. He said, “Write a short story every week. It’s not possible to write 52 bad stories in a row.” After the story is read, Allison and Andrea discuss the piece, what it took to get to the why in the story and what edits were made along the way. Why, pray tell, is Andrea writing an essay a week? We hope this process will help writers get published or at least get inspired to write. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories from the students in our class and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Writing Class Radio is sponsored by The Launchpad at The University of Miami which aims to make the practice of entrepreneurship available to all students and alumni. This episode is sponsored by Allison Langer , writing coach and editor. Theme music is by Justina Shandler. Additional music is by Podington Bear. You can find all our music on our website. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), twitter (@wrtgclassradio) and Facebook . Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We pay! If you want to be a part of the movement that brings people together through storytelling, please go to<a href="https://secure.squarespace.com/checkout/d
S5 E50 · Wed, November 07, 2018
We Don't Care About Your Life if it Doesn't Serve this Story
This is our 50th episode and our last episode of Season 5. Today we’re talking about omitting needless words because who has time for excessive blah, blah, blah. You will hear a great example of a story that got chopped in half. Allison Langer’s story called Why I decided to ignore the judgy snobs (like me) and have my babies on my own was published in the Washington Post, August 31, 2018. After Allison tells her story, we talk about how the story lost 1,500 words. This episode is also about working out your shit by writing every last detail then omitting all the details that don’t have a direct impact on what your story is about. Student Aaron Curtis (www.facebook.com/skinnyaaroncurtis/) is going through a second divorce. In class, the prompt was Justice. Hear Aaron’s response and see how it doesn’t really matter what the prompt is. If there’s something on your mind, it usually comes out in writing class. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to help your high schooler refine his/her college essay. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). You can make writing a daily practice. We have a growing community of listeners who respond to our daily prompts and give feedback to each
S5 E49 · Wed, October 03, 2018
This is Awkward. Nobody Wants to Talk About Money
Writing about hard topics like money is awkward. No one wants to admit that they have money. And no one wants to admit that they don’t have money. Money is one of those topics that embarrasses people or divides people. This episode talks about MONEY. In this episode, we are also asking our listeners to join the movement of people who believe in the power of storytelling. We’re asking YOU to donate to our podcast. If you like this podcast and find us valuable, hit the support us button on our website (www.writingclassradio.com). We spend the first five minutes of this episode explaining why we want your money. Then, you’ll hear a story by Kathryn Sullivan, a listener in Boston, who responded to the prompt Something You Don’t Understand. Kathryn wrote about the financial complications of her cross-cultural relationship. Andrea and Allison discuss the way the culture and age affect this narrator’s experience with money. Misha Mehrel also shares a glimpse into his current relationship...with money. Hear what we have to say about that. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to help your high schooler refine his/her college essay. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). You can make
S5 E48 · Tue, September 04, 2018
Get Into a Writing Class So You Can Write About Your F'd Up Family
Today on our show we’re talking about compassion, families, and the legacy they leave. We’re also talking about how to write about those people in our lives who have fucked us up. And who hasn’t been fucked up by a parent? However, nobody wants to hear a rant. We must get to know the characters from all sides, which means, all the good things and all the ugly things. Nobody is all good or all bad. Liz Marquardt is a student in our class who has told stories on the podcast before. She does a great job of characterizing her dad in the story we bring you today. You will hear a brief interview with Liz, so you can get to know her better. After her story, Andrea and Allison offer feedback and their reasons why this story was well-characterized and well-written. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to help your high schooler refine his/her college essay. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). You can make writing a daily practice. We have a growing community of listeners who respond to our daily prompts and give feedback to each other. Join the party. Click on Daily Prompts on our website. If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our thre
S5 E47 · Wed, August 01, 2018
Show and Tell
In this episode, we examine the popular writing tenet, show DON’T tell. We believe just showing is not only impossible, but detrimental to your story. Telling gives insight into what the narrator is thinking and feeling. To test this theory, we asked our students to just SHOW. We gave the prompt: A Fight and instructed them to go directly to scene without explaining. After ten minutes, the students were asked to continue where they left off but to move from the scene into exposition, to just TELL. They were instructed to explain what was going on in the story, give background, and tell what the narrator was thinking and feeling. What we found: It’s impossible to show without telling. We are show AND tell advocates. You will hear short prompt responses from student Misha Mehrel, who has read many stories on this podcast, and student and co-host, Allison Langer. Finally, teacher and co-host, Andrea Askowitz, will read a longer piece called Spoiled Mom, which was developed out of this exercise and published in June 2018 in Mutha Magazine. (www.muthamagazine.com) Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to help your high schooler refine his/her college essay. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@w
S5 E46 · Wed, July 04, 2018
An Object is More than Just an Object
Today on our show, we're talking about objects. Things like a pen, trash cans, reading glasses, and a scale. We can build stories around these things because these objects affect our lives. They can stand in for an emotion. The phrase for this is object correlative. T.S. Eliot used this phrase to describe “a set of objects, a situation, a chain of events which shall be the formula of that particular emotion.” We asked students in our class to write about an object. You will hear prompt responses from three students. Allison Langer writes about dependence on reading glasses. The glasses represent age and loss. Liz Marquardt writes about garbage bins, which become symbolic of the frustrations of a long-term marriage. Maya Kieffer gave the same prompt to her poetry students in a class she facilitates through Exchange for Change at the Dade Correctional Institution, and we learn how an object can reveal so much about perspective. In a longer, edited story, Margery Berger, takes us into her world through her life-long relationship with her scale. Each student takes an ordinary object and shows the object’s impact in their world. And because of that process, we feel the emotion each object represents for the narrator. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to help your high schooler refine his/her college essay. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/writingc
S5 E45 · Wed, June 06, 2018
Identity is Fuzzy. What's Behind Your Many Faces?
Today we are talking about identity; how sometimes what we show on the outside is not what we feel on the inside. As a storyteller, you have to know who you are. Or try to figure out who you are through the writing. Three of our students address identity. First Aaron Curtis, who is a blogger and bookseller writes about being mistaken for a Republican. Second, Tobi Ash, who is a philanthropist and grant writer writes about hiding beneath a veneer. And last, Yaddyra Peralta, who is a poet, teacher, and the organizer of the Palm Beach Poetry Festival, questions her racial identity despite her father’s denial. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to help your high schooler refine his/her college essay. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). You can make writing a daily practice. We have a growing community of listeners who respond to our daily prompts and give feedback to each other. Join the party. Click on Daily Prompts on our website. If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on Video Clas
S5 E44 · Tue, May 01, 2018
Voices Carry a Lot of Weight in a Story
The way a story is told out loud adds another layer to a story. On this episode, we’re talking about how our physical voices can carry a story with inflection, pace, volume, tone, and pitch. Voice can even make us love a story we might otherwise not like, or understand. Meet Asia Sampson renown poet and founder of The Asia Project (spoken word, poetry and storytelling)as he performs his new poem Desks Are Not Bulletproof and takes you through his creative process. If you love the way Asia describes how to use your voice and how to train as a performer, and you get as inspired by Asia as we do, South Florida people can join us June 23, 2018 for a full-day class with Asia. Details on our website (www.writingclassradio.com). All levels welcome. Limited space. We also have a two-part memoir writing workshop opened to the public, May 19 and 26, 2018. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to help your high schooler refine his/her college essay. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). You can make writing a daily practice. We have a growing community of listeners who respond to our daily prompts and give feedback
S5 E43 · Tue, April 03, 2018
Voices in Your Head
Writing is a gift of yourself. It should give the reader or listener a glimpse inside. It should be something true and new and vulnerable. In a story, we reveal ourselves through voice. What we mean by voice in a story is the tone, the mood, and the personality of the narrator. Voice can be created by word choice, sentence structure, and even punctuation. The way someone tells a story out loud plays a big role in how we receive the story, but in today’s episode, we are talking about voice as it appears on the page. We’re also talking about what happens in life when you lose your voice. Finding your voice is the most important element in storytelling. You should write like you speak because that’s what makes your story yours, and it helps the listener or reader connect with you. If you don’t use your true voice then your story doesn’t sound true. To avoid sounding fake, think of one person who knows you well. and write to that person. You’ll hear stories from Allison Langer, Lia Seirotti and Missy Hernandez. Their word choices, and their familiar tones reveal so much about each narrator. Missy’s story also shows what happens when you lose your voice, and not because of laryngitis. Someone got into her brain and she lost her sense of self. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to help your high schooler refine his/her college essay. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook (<a href=
S5 E42 · Wed, March 07, 2018
Secret Pleasures, Who Are We to Judge?
On this episode, we’re talking about secret pleasures, with a twist. We’re bringing you the winner of our writing contest. We gave the prompt: Secret Pleasure and we got some good ones. Our winner, Erika Flynn from New York City is a professional mistress. She tells us how SHE is the secret pleasure. Lia Seirotti, a student in our class, tells a story called Ball and Chain, about her own secret pleasure. Both stories bring up the issue of fidelity. In writing class, we do our best to talk about the strength of the writing and leave the moralizing to our religious brethren. But in the case of these two stories, we think everyone’s going to have an opinion, so we give ours. This is the price of storytelling. We think it’s worth the price. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to help your high schooler refine his/her college essay. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). You can make writing a daily practice. We have a growing community of listeners who respond to our daily prompts and give feedback to each other. Join the party. Click on Daily Prompts on our website. If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part v
S5 E41 · Tue, February 06, 2018
The Moment I Knew Everything Was About to Change
We’re in season 5! We decided, after 40 episodes, to follow a schedule. So please look out for us on the first Wednesday of every month. On this episode, we’re talking about moments. Going to a moment is a storytelling technique that requires the narrator to first remember something dramatic or important and then paint a scene. This technique works in memoir writing, fiction writing, in college essays and in your business marketing materials. If you remember a moment from childhood or last week, or whenever, there’s probably a reason. There’s probably a story there. Our job, as writers, is to discover why these moments have stayed with us. Student Karen Collazo is our first storyteller. Karen goes to a moment that takes her back to another moment that she fleshes out in scenes. Fleshing out the scene, really staying in the moment gives the story depth and clarity and helps the story come alive, like a movie. The second story is from inmate Luis Aracena. Luis is one of Allison’s students at the Dade Correctional Institution where she’s a facilitator for Exchange for Change . Luis reads his story American Hero. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to help your high schooler refine his/her college essay. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/" target="_bl
S4 E40 · Tue, January 09, 2018
Likable Narrator: Be the Biggest Asshole in the Story
On this episode, we’re talking about creating a likable narrator. The narrator is the I in the story. It’s YOU. We see this a lot with beginner writers and we probably did this too, and that is tell a story about a time we were the hero. Sad truth: no one wants to hear how great you are. This is true in life too. What people connect to in stories and in life are times when you’re vulnerable. This is counterintuitive because everyone wants to show a good face, but we connect to a narrator who’s willing to admit something ugly. By “ugly” we mean the stuff you don’t want people to know. Stuff like, when you were a jealous bitch. When you lost your moral compass. When you were mean to your kids. The truths you spend most of your days covering up. To find the ugly in your story, tell the truth, without leaving out all the good shit out. Here are five ways: Dig deep. Admit something you haven’t told anyone. Look at yourself from your partner or kids' or best friend’s point of view. Always be the biggest asshole in your story. Use self deprecation. Student, Misha Mehrel shows that being a dick is a sure way to be a likable narrator. Misha told a stunning story in our last episode. Student Karen Collazo also shows that even admitting to being a potential thief--because she’s admitting the truth--makes you a likable narrator. Allison Langer also proves to be a likable narrator in a stunningly honest story called Ungrateful Little Piece of Shit. Announcement: Andrea is teaching How to Tell Your Story as part of CreativeLive’s Writing Week. You can watch live and for free on January 15, 2018 at noon Eastern. If you miss the live stream, catch her 90 minute class any time on CreativeLive.com Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Misha Mehrel, Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to
S4 E39 · Mon, December 11, 2017
Get Out of Your Way and Write
On today’s episode we’re talking about getting out of our own way when writing a story. The writing process starts with getting the truth on paper. We write about situations or problems we’re dealing with or have dealt with, things we’re still trying to understand or resolve. The goal is getting to the reason we’re writing the story and what the story is really about. Andrea is a huge believer in writing and rewriting. That’s her process. A first draft is usually shit. Then the second draft all the way to the 222 draft, is usually still shit, but those drafts are critical for telling the story well. But with all this writing and rewriting, we can get in our own way. In this episode, you'll hear student Misha Mehrel’s story Bad Breath. Misha brought this piece to class a couple of weeks ago and it needed very little editing. You will hear an interview with Misha about his writing process. Misha was wary of writing about his father’s cancer diagnosis. What he did instead was start by writing about physical problems that had been bothering him. He wrote graphically and intimately about his breath and bowel movements, which served to free him up to write about his dad. To help you, the listener, loosen up, here are two prompt ideas. Body Odor or Menstrual Blood. See where that takes you. Look for past stories by Misha in previous episode (Hurricane Irma) and (Comfort Zone where he told a story about his hairy ass). Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to help your high schooler refine his/her college essay. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our <a href
S4 E38 · Tue, November 21, 2017
Write Better by Mimicking the Masters
On today’s episode we’re talking about mimicking the masters the way you’d imagine a painting class in Paris that goes to the Louvre to practice painting like Leonardo de Vinci. We think it’s worth copying a method that works because we know it worked in the past. Learn the rules before breaking the rules. In this episode, you'll hear stories that mimic the style of Boys, a story by Rick Moody. Andrea took a class at the Miami Writers Institute with Brian Turner, author of the memoir, My Life as a Foreign Country. In an excerpt of his book, Turner mimicked Rick Moody. Our students mimicked Turner mimicking Moody. Nilsa Rivera, Leah Messing and Andrea Askowitz nailed it. This style enabled them to take the listener into their worlds. The stories were written in the third person, but were still extremely intimate and specific. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to help your high schooler refine his/her college essay. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). You can make writing a daily practice. We have a growing community of listeners who respond to our daily prompts and give feedback to each other. Join the party. Click on Daily Prompts on our website. If you love the les
S4 E37 · Wed, November 01, 2017
Ready to Write that Memoir or Novel? Nov. is National Novel Writing Month
November is # NaNoWriMo (https://nanowrimo.org/), and we have executive director, Grant Faulkner (http://www.grantfaulkner.com/), on our show. Today we’re talking about novels because we go both ways. And also because storytelling principles are the same when writing fiction or nonfiction. Get inspired and join millions of people around the world who are racing to finish a book this month. Allison’s in the race. Grant is the Executive Director of National Novel Writing Month and the author of “Pep Talks For Writers. 52 Insights and Actions to Boost Your Creative Mojo.” Among other things, Faulkner talks about the importance of what you wear when you write, making time to write, and knowing thyself. You’ll hear from students Aaron Curtis and Liz Marquardt and producer Virginia Lora. They responded to one of Grant’s writing tips, You are what you wear. You will also hear from Mike Gonzalez, a student in the class Allison teaches at the Dade Correctional Institution as a facilitator for Exchange for Change (http://www.exchange-for-change.org/). Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to help your high schooler refine his/her college essay. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/writ
S4 E36 · Tue, October 17, 2017
Hurricanes and Stories Define Us, Since the Beginning of Time
On this episode of Writing Class Radio we ask for your support, because producing ain’t free. Please go to writingclassradio.com and hit the donate button. This podcast is equal parts heart (the truth) and art (the craft). This episode was conceived after Hurricane Irma blew through South Florida. The entire state seemed to be preoccupied if not scared to death, leading up to the moment Irma made landfall on September 10, 2017. Afterward, Andrea couldn’t wait to get back to class to write and share hurricane stories. But University of Miami was closed for repair, so she had to wait. In the meantime, she went to Rosh Hashanah services at Beth Am and was so moved by Rabbi Jaime Aklepi’s sermon, she went back a few days later with her recorder. You’ll hear how the rabbi of one of the biggest synagogues in Florida prepares for a sermon and how she prepared for this one, delivered just days after the community went through this traumatic event. She helped her congregation put the storm into perspective by repeating the story her father-in-law told her of being herded away to Siberia by the Russians, when he was 9 years old. His stories came out for the first time in the dark during the storm. Rabbi Aklepi says we are shaped by the stories we share. Stories hold us together as a community. They help us make sense of difficult times and in doing so help us survive. This episode is also a collaboration with The Miami Foundation’s #MyMiamiStories. In this episode, you will hear students Karen Collazo, Misha Mehrel, Allison Langer, and teacher Andrea Askowitz tell their raw, first draft stories in response to the prompt A Hurricane’s Coming, Stay or Go. You’ll also hear from listeners Valerie Vargas and Carol Coombes. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to help your high schooler refine his/her college essay. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and <a href="http://andrea
S4 E35 · Tue, September 19, 2017
What Makes You You?
This episode of Writing Class Radio is dedicated to everyone who’s dealing with some kind of natural disaster. For us in Florida, the last two weeks have been all consuming and also terrifying. Our hearts go out to those who got hit a lot harder than we did. We love that we have this podcast to come back to and we feel so much love and appreciation for you, our listeners. Thank you for listening. Today’s episode is about character, the things that make you you. We have a special guest, the author, Tiphanie Yanique who’s won tons of awards including the 2016 Bocas Prize in Caribbean Poetry, the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35, a Pushcart Prize, and a Fulbright Scholarship. Tiphanie says character is the most important element in storytelling and lays out the ways character is created including how you look, your past experiences, belief systems, cultural background, religion, and what you inherit from your parents. In order to write well about your character, in a way that’s truly believable, you have to know yourself really well. You will hear student Nicki Post tell a story about her fears regarding what she may or may not inherit from her father. Plus, student Tobi Ash tells a story that reveals how culture and religion informed her character. You’ll also hear quick responses to the prompt: No One Would Ever Marry Me Because... by student Nilsa Rivera and student and producer Virginia Lora. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio.If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to help your high schooler refine his/her college essay. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Misha Mehrel, Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our <a href="http://www.writing
S4 E34 · Sat, August 19, 2017
Let's Ignore Writing Class Protocol and Talk About Our Lives
In this episode, we go off the rails...a little. We invited our class into Allison’s living room where in addition to writing advice, we gave life advice. Allison believes that the better we know ourselves, the better our writing will be. Andrea was scared shitless. She thought the class would be more like a therapy session. Andrea likes the boundary set up in class. She thinks not being allowed to talk about someone’s life allows everyone to write more freely. She doesn’t want to be judged on her life, only on her writing. Since Allison was making the rules for this class, she allowed the students to comment on the narrator’s life and allowed the narrator to defend herself. Allison threw out the prompt, “good enough” and gave everyone 20 minutes to write. In addition to Andrea and Allison, you will hear a prompt response from student Lis Mesa as well as feedback from producer Virginia Lora and student Viccy Simon. Allison loved the experiment. She loved getting advice and thinks the discussion will help her writing. She loved being able to explain what she meant. And, unlike in class, she got to have the final word. But hearing everyone talk about everyone’s life and blabbing back and forth could become a total shit show in class. Complete chaos...Because, let’s face it, nobody really wants life advice. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio.If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to help your high schooler refine his/her college essay. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Misha Mehrel, Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), <a href="https://www.f
S4 E33 · Tue, August 01, 2017
Great Writing Starts With a Question. What Don’t You Understand?
In this episode, you will meet the winner of Writing Class Radio’s spring writing contest. The prompt: Write about something you don’t understand. Andrea suggests that great writing starts with a question. Writing is about figuring out what you don’t understand. It’s a discovery process. Contest winner, Jeana Fleming’s reads her story. After, Andrea and Allison weigh in on why they chose her story and what makes the writing so great. Allison talks about Exchange for Change, an organization based in Miami, Florida that offers writing classes to incarcerated men and women. Allison spends two hours every Wednesday with 16 inmates at the Dade Correctional Institute. She helps them write their true and personal stories. If you’d like to learn more about Exchange for change, head to their website . (https://www.exchange-for-change.org/) Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio.If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, hire her to help your high schooler refine his/her college essay. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series
S4 E32 · Tue, July 11, 2017
Will This Ever End?
In this episode, Allison and Andrea are talking about endings. How to end an essay when often the issues we write about are ongoing. Should we know the ending when we begin? Does the end of the essay have to show a change in the narrator? Can we show change or find meaning without distance? Can we leave the reader to interpret the ending or must we bang them over the head with the change? Listen as we answer these questions. We bring you examples of great endings from students Lis Mesa and Aaron Curtis, who worked on their stories in and out of class. Phoebe Scott, a listener in Tennessee and student Viccy Simon share short prompt responses. Andrea comments on what the students did so well in their stories. Both stories end in a scene, which is what Joyce Maynard does in a previous episode. Joyce tells writers to find a landing place that shows change. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story, Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! Stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Or, she can help your high schooler refine their college essay. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on <a href="http://www.wr
S4 E31 · Mon, June 19, 2017
Take Me Into Your World
In this episode, Allison and Andrea are talking about worlds again because Andrea got so excited by Nilsa’s story in the episode Can You Hear Me if I Can't Hear You? where she brought us into the world of the hearing impaired. In class Andrea had us make a list of the worlds we live in. Then she said, “Pick one and take us into that world.” Allison wrote: single mom, tennis player, online dater, windsurfer, gym rat, health nut, tighty-whitey. Andrea wrote: mom, daughter, younger sibling, gemini, Miamian, bike rider, curly haired person, lesbian, softball lesbian. She tried to get as specific as possible. When she hit on softball lesbian, she decided to explore that world. The first story is by student Viccy Simon who takes us into her world of a minyan, which is a ten person Jewish prayer group. Then Andrea tells her story, Softball Lesbian. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story. Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Allison also coaches high schoolers with their college essays. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on <a href="http://www.writingclassradio.com/vid
S3 E30 · Fri, May 19, 2017
How to Write Your True Story with Joyce Maynard
The format for this episode is a little different. Today we’re bringing you a guest teacher, because we think it’s smart to get different perspectives. Joyce Maynard is one of Andrea’s favorite teachers in the world. Joyce has 17 books and has been writing for 50 years. She started when since she was 13. Andrea asked Joyce to read and deconstruct her essay, Letting it Fly which was originally published in 1997 in the New York Times Lives Column. In the interview, Joyce explains what goes into writing a great story and tells us her secrets to making a good essay great. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. If you have a business or a startup and need help telling your story. Andrea will come to your office and teach all your employees how to better articulate why they do what they do. Do it! stories sell. Allison will come to your retreat and help guests write through their shit so they can live free and happier. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We pay! If
S3 E29 · Fri, April 21, 2017
Can You Hear Me if I Can't Hear You?
This episode is about connecting through writing. It’s also about the job of storytellers to bring us into their world. New student, Nilsa Rivera, tells a story about her fear of isolation, which stems from a very unique set of circumstances--she’s hard of hearing. She uses writing to fight that fear. Andrea relates to Nilsa in a very small way and emails her after class, which she immediately regrets doing. In class, students (and teacher) are only allowed to give feedback on the writing, not someone’s life because whether or not a reader or listener has had the exact same experience is irrelevant. What readers relate to is the emotion. When a story is well-told anyone can relate. You will hear how Nilsa felt about Andrea’s email and more about what it sounds like to be hard of hearing. Thank you for listening. If you love this podcast, tell your friends. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We pay! If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, please go to<a hre
S3 E28 · Thu, March 23, 2017
Who Has Time?
Get ready folks, Allison and Andrea are hosting this episode together: an episode about time. Student Allison Langer is obsessed with the lack of time she has lately. So, in class teacher, Andrea Askowitz, gave this prompt: I wish I had more time to_______. Andrea reads her story from class about wanting more time to work. Allison reads a story she brought into class about wanting more time PERIOD. You will also hear responses from students Diego Saldana-Rojas, Lis Mesa, Claudia Franklin and Viccy Simon. Allison and Andrea discuss the stories and try to figure out why people without children have no time. Ok, so maybe they have a full time job, but still. We’d love to know how your life is affected by time? If you have time, send us your thoughts on twitter @wrtgclassradio. Or on our Facebook page or email us at info@writingclassradio.com Thank you for listening. If you love this podcast, tell your friends. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We pay! If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better unde
S3 E27 · Fri, March 03, 2017
When Is It Okay to Bullshit?
Lies seem to be the new norm in our world. There’s probably a bumper sticker that says Lies Are the New Truth. Great bumper sticker, but it has Andrea Askowitz totally freaked out. Andrea is the teacher of the class and the host for this episode, which is about lies in stories and lies in the world. We start with a story by a new student, Claudia Franklin, that got us thinking about truth and lies in memoir and when, if ever, is lying fair game. Claudia’s story takes a surprising turn as she imagines what life would have been like if her father wasn’t the hen-pecked man he really was. Her story left Andrea wondering when, if ever, is trust broken between narrator and listener/reader. Fifteen years ago, Andrea took her first memoir writing class from Terrie Silverman who said, “Don’t let the facts get in the way of the truth.” Andrea took that to mean that it was okay to exaggerate or change little facts for the sake of a bigger emotional truth. There’s an unspoken pact between a memoir writer and reader or listener that says, what’s being shared is the truth. But what is the truth? In 2003, James Frey wrote a book called A Million Little Pieces that was distributed as memoir. But Frey stretched the truth. In one example, he wrote that he spent 87 days in jail. According to police records, he served 5 hours. A lot of people thought he lied, including Oprah. Andrea wrote a story once about taking her wife, Vicky, to a tantric sex retreat. The story’s about how she couldn’t handle the intimacy and acted like a clown. In the privacy of their hotel room, they were instructed to stand facing each other, perform pelvic thrusts back and forth, then arm motions with elbows in, and hands out to the sides. Andrea added jazz hands. Except she didn’t actually add jazz hands in their hotel room. In the story she wrote, she added jazz hands because that perfectly expressed her feelings in that moment. Allison Langer, co-producer and student in the class, challenged her. When Andrea says she tells the truth, Allison says, “What about jazz hands?” Before this current presidential election, Andrea would have defended jazz hands as an expression of her truth. Now she’s not sure. Because now something has shifted in our culture. Now, we don’t know what we’re getting from America’s highest office. And now with the normalization of lies no one knows what to believe. So, in a panic, Andrea called Terrie Silverman, to ask her if storytellers can be trusted anymore. Terrie alleviates Andrea’s fears. She says that the rules and intentions are different in storytelling and politics. Politicians intend to manipulate. And the number one intention of the memoir writer is to get to his or her truth. Now Andrea thinks that if anything has changed for storytellers because of the lying culture we’ve been thrust into lately, it’s that now, more than ever, we need jazz hands. When do you think it’s okay to bullshit? We want to hear from you. Send us yo
S3 E26 · Wed, February 15, 2017
Writing is Therapy
This episode looks at writing as therapy. We look at writing as a way to understand these things we carry: secrets, pain, and shame. Allison Langer, a student in the class, is the host of this episode. Three new students share their stories. Michelle Massanet tells about a rape that she hid for 22 years and how much lighter she feels since writing about it. Lis Mesa explores getting to the real story she’s been trying to tell all semester and Jennifer Dertouzos finally talks about her brother’s suicide on the last night of class. Allison came to class to learn the rules of writing and to get better at it but never imagine that writing down all her hidden shit and then sharing it would feel so therapeutic. Listeners will hear questions Allison has been forced to look at in her life. Things like why did she marry a man with addiction problems? Was she trying to save him? Fix him? What does that say about her? She’s also written about the difficult relationship she has with her mom, her ex-boyfriend’s suicide, her pathetic dating life, her children, her wrinkles, and her tits. Like Allison, many new students eventually write about a trauma they have hidden and carried for way too long. There is an emotional release, and then their writing changes. The shame is lifted. They seem free and their stories roll out. Brene Brown is someone who has dedicated her life to researching shame and vulnerability. Her TED talks are something we suggest our first time students to listen to or watch because we want them to open up, have the courage to be vulnerable, to be seen, to be honest. Brown says, “We have to talk about shame. Life is about daring greatly.” We think writing the truth is daring greatly and we know from experience that once you’re vulnerable on the page, you feel better in life. One of our listeners, Loree Schrager is a therapist who told us she refers our podcast to her clients. Allison spent an hour with Loree, milking her for free therapy and talking about why she recommends our podcast to her patients. She said, “When you write things down it helps you make sense of them, and get some perspective. Think about change. See a little bit clearer.” Class can feel like therapy although we comment on the writing, not the trauma, which diffuses the emotion. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. If you love our show, please tell your friends. If you’d like to participate in one of our workshops, visit our website. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the
S3 E25 · Wed, February 01, 2017
A Time I Fucked Up Part 2
We picked two winners of our first annual writing contest. Listeners responded to the prompt: A Time I Fucked Up. We got tons of submissions revealing your major fuck ups and tons revealing your little mess ups. One woman’s vacation slideshow accidentally included a naked selfie. Another woman almost killed a sheep. One did kill a chicken. And here’s what gringa Hope Torrents said to her Spanish mother-in-law on Thanksgiving. “Hoy es el dia del polvo,” which means, “Today is the the day of the fuck.” What we know about good storytelling is that it doesn’t matter if the mistake was big or small. The story is not as much about what happened to a person, as what the storyteller makes of that experience. Susan Buttenweiser is the winner featured on this episode. She teaches writing in New York City public schools, in a women’s prison and in a juvenile facility. In her story about getting into a bar fight, she discovers a persistent character trait--a need to be needed. Sometimes that need puts her in danger. But she re-channels that urge into motherhood. Diego Saldana-Rojas, our audio producer and student in the class, responded to the prompt with a story about the time he fucked up the audio at Writing Class Radio’s live show. Diego is extremely hard on himself and takes the listener into a dark fantasy about torturing himself for repeated failures. Like Susan, Diego is looking to discover what it is about him, what is that persistent trait, that sets him up for failure. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. We hope you enjoyed hearing from our listeners. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Virginia Lora , Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.faceboo
S3 E24 · Wed, January 11, 2017
A Time I FUCKED Up
This is the prompt we threw out to listeners for our first annual writing contest. Listeners wrote in with lots of crazy and sad and funny stories. One of our winners was Melissa Vincel, who wrote an essay that stood out for its simplicity, clarity, and subject matter. Instead of the all-too-common story about the jilted lover, Melissa was the jilter. Plus, she answered our teacher, Andrea Askowitz’s, three most important questions. What has the author come to say? Why is she writing this now? And how has she changed? In this episode, Melissa reads her essay then speaks with host and student, Allison Langer, about the details that were impossible to include in 1,200 words or fewer...but details we were all dying to know. The subject of sexuality, specifically homosexuality, is discussed from the viewpoint of a confused teenager and then reflected upon as a heterosexual adult almost twenty years later. Thank you for listening to Writing Class Radio. We hope you enjoyed hearing from one of our listeners. Look out for our next contest, the prompt has not yet been revealed. If you’d like to participate in one of our workshops, visit our website. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissi
S3 E23 · Wed, December 14, 2016
I Fart, You Fart, We All Fart and Most of Us Deny It.
Allison Langer is a student in the class and the host on this episode of Writing Class Radio. She shares all the reasons why writing class is so much fun. FUN-- a theme chosen because life has gotten too busy, too scheduled and way too serious. In writing class, we laugh. We disconnect from social media and from judgement. We share our most intimate and peculiar “things” and then cry or crack up, whatever the context requires. Instead of judgement, there’s compassion, requests for more details, suggestions to make the second draft better. In writing class, we bond through story and life experiences. This episode hopes to show the humorous side of writing class; the goofy, first draft silliness that happens when we can write as if nobody is listening. The students you will hear responded to prompts given in class. Misha Mehrel tells us about the time he and his dad pretended to have accents just for the fun of it. Nicki Post reveals a secret: she squeezes and releases her butt cheeks all day long. Why does she do this? Listen and find out. Allison reveals her once private and now not so private “things.” But first, Allison invites her dad and everyone who has ever dated her or anyone who plans to date her to tune out. With just fifteen minutes left in class one evening, Andrea throws out a random word as a prompt. The word: Fart. Everyone let’s it rip: Diego Saldana Rojas, Chaplin Tyler, Nicki, Misha and even Andrea Askowitz, the teacher of the class. You’ll learn about HAFE (high altitude flatus expulsion)...a real thing. And then Andrea and Allison discuss what stories about farts says about someone’s character. We hope you enjoy sitting in on our writing class. If you’d like to participate in a real writing class, visit our website for options all over the world including our miami workshops offered every other month. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Andy Benoit, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our <a href="http://w
S3 E22 · Wed, November 23, 2016
Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes Feels Impossible Right Now
Andrea Askowitz is the host of this episode. She talks about how writing a good story and understanding the results of this presidential election require a mammoth effort in understanding someone else’s point of view, an effort she is failing at right now. She interviews Stephen Elliott, who is the author of seven books and two movies and the founder and senior editor at The Rumpus, about the job of a memoir writer. Stephen says that in literature, memoir and in life there are no bad guys. “Everybody is part hero and part villain. Most people know that intuitively. But sometimes in our writing we get so angry at somebody that we decide to portray them as strictly a villain. And we forget that somebody loves them. That they’re capable of love. That they do good things. We don’t look for the reasons why they do what they do. We paint them as evil and that’s just never an accurate portrayal of anybody, so it comes off as false because you’re not really exploring that person’s character.” It is our job, according to Stephen, to strive for honesty, which is not someplace you arrive at, but a constant quest. To get her students closer to the real truth, Andrea had them write from another person’s point of view or to put themselves in another person’s position. Chaplin tries to understand his dad by writing about a time they worked the same difficult job. Allison Langer also tries to understand her ex-boyfriend Gerald by writing letters in Gerald’s voice. Andrea and Allison have a conversation about a time recently when Allison stepped into someone else’s shoes. She was teaching a writing class and felt challenged by one of the students. Allison was able, in the moment, to realize that the student probably just needed to be known as someone more than the way she appeared. Andrea on the other hand, has been struggling for months to put herself in her friend, Esther’s shoes. Esther spent the months leading up to the election spewing vitriol against Hillary Clinton, including arguments professing women’s inferiority. Andrea knows that to tell an honest story, she has to be able to really understand Esther’s motivations. But she’s not sure she can. Certainly not now. Yaddyra Peralta, a new student in Writing Class Radio, does the hard work in figuring out why her brother, who hurt her, did what he did. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by <a href="http://www.allisonlanger.com/" ta
S3 E21 · Fri, October 28, 2016
How To Tell Your Inappropriate Story: Live Show with Ann Randolph
Writing Class Radio goes live to the stage. This episode is part live show, part interview with star of our show, the award-winning, solo-performer, Ann Randolph . Allison Langer is our host. This episode is about the importance of telling stories--not fairy tales, but the real scary, true stories we like to hide. Allison got into writing after the death of her young daughter. Writing about the situation helped her deal with the pain and get back to the job of mothering her other children. Telling that story also helped her let go of the label she cast on herself as that woman who lost a child. Listen to how she learned to get personal with her writing. Andrea tells the story of being rejected by a man when she was 8 months pregnant after being inseminated with donor sperm. When a man offers to give Andrea a massage, she gets excited by the possibility of finally getting laid, even though she’s a lesbian. Andrea describes the massage in very intimate detail. She also shares her shame from the ultimate rejection and how that shame disappeared when she told her story in her very first writing class. Ann Randolph was a student in that class. Andrea feels forever indebted to Ann for laughing at her pain. Ann tells the story of how she worked her way up to performing off-Broadway and then lost it all. Ann persists in telling her stories even after being called inappropriate or failing miserably and ending up broke. When Ann goes off mic, Allison asks Ann why she comes out on stage in costume as Shanti Lightgiver and then disrobes. Ann tells us what she goes through each time she walks into a new theater. She talks about the time she bombed and how she recovers from failure. She details her experience with producers Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft and how her dream of being a successful performer almost came true. Ann then takes the audience through a writing exercise, where several of them step to the mic and tell their own stories. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Visit our <a href="http://www.writingclassradio.com/musicians" t
S2 E20 · Fri, September 09, 2016
Where Do I Go From Here?
This episode is about those moments in life when you have no idea how you got here, whether to stay or go, or where to go next. Allison Langer, student in the class and host for this episode, asks the questions most of us struggle with. Did you land that dream job that turned out to be not so dreamy? Do you wish you lived somewhere else but can’t afford to move? Do you wonder what life would be like if you could just finish school already? Have you ever reached that point when you’re not sure you want to go on at all? Writing Class Radio teacher, Andrea Askowitz forces Diego, our audio producer to write stories in class, then finish the stories at home. Finally, at the end of the 2nd semester, Diego did his homework. He reads his story What Next? Allison asks Diego why he didn’t ask his former editor for a recommendation. Diego confesses that he messed up a few times and did not feel confident his editor would give him a good recommendation. Even though it was his first job, he felt like he couldn’t mess up. Diego wonders if he should just give up freelance audio to become a bartender, a much less stressful job. He was not the only person with this question. Three other students in the class were also uncertain they were on the right path. Nicki Post, student in the class and a regular on the podcast, tells the story of leaving city after city and starting over, which worked until she found a group of friends in Miami she didn’t want to leave. Nicki’s stories got Allison thinking about why people leave: college, new job, marriage, divorce, failure. In Diego’s case, fear prevents him from leaving. In Nicki’s case, fear causes her to leave. Student Missy Hernandez tells us about a time she felt she had nowhere left to go. Her mom took her to the psych emergency room when she had thoughts about killing herself. Karen Collazo, a student in the class is in her 30’s, had the great job in NYC and was miserable. She reminds us of Noelle Hancock, who left a $95,000 writing job in NYC to scoop ice cream in St. John. Noelle wrote an essay for cosmo.com. There’s more Karen on our blog at www.writingclassradio.com. Diego and Allison talked about the imposter syndrome? That feeling where you think you don’t deserve your job because you’re not good at it. Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild and the host of the podcast Dear Sugar Radio, said she feels like an imposter, so did Gretchen Rubin, the author of The Happiness Project. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the
S2 E19 · Wed, August 24, 2016
I'm Obsessed with Tony Robbins, Tim Ferriss, Steve Almond, and my Spin Instructor
This episode is about obsessions . Andrea Askowitz, the teacher of the class speaks to Allison Langer, co-producer and student in the class. They discuss what she learned from the Tim Ferriss podcast when he interviewed Tony Robbins. Allison heard Robbins say, “Rejection breeds obsession.” And, ”The parent whose attention you were trying to get is the person who shaped you.” Andrea talks about how at the dinner table growing up, her dad would tell her to cut to the chase. That led to her obsession with getting her dad’s attention and everyone else’s. Basically old rejection-wounds create obsessions. And obsessions create our best stories. We asked our listeners what they’re obsessed with: Karen Tolchin said, “Mermaids. I think it's about wanting a girl. Or to be a girl again, in a different, glitter-spun way. Carol Coombes said, “Philately.” Which sounded dirty so we looked up. It means stamp collecting. Carol’s particularly obsessed with stamps about film, children, flowers, architecture. Not dirty, but everyone’s entitled to their obsessions. Emily Isabel Arauz said, “My hopefully-future wedding.” Rabbi Jamie Aklepi said, “I am obsessed with Dairy Queen’s vanilla cone dipped in chocolate shell. For 45 years I have ordered only that at Dairy Queen. I try to order something else - but I can't. Why? A vanilla cone dipped in chocolate shell is the best ice cream to cone to chocolate ratio.” Now we’re also obsessed with the vanilla, chocolate dip. Steve Almond is a special guest on today’s show. He’s one of our favorite teachers. He’s the author of at least 10 books, including Candy Freak and Against Football and co-host along with Cheryl Strayed of the podcast Dear Sugar Radio. Andrea sat down with him to talk about his obsession with obsessions. He says obsessions are just our way of paying close attention to our desires. So, rather than view our obsessions as some sick, unhealthy thing, Steve thinks of obsessions as expressions of who we are. He also says you are the right guide to lead us through your obsession. Which is to say, you’re the only one who can tell your story. Allison Langer tells a story that takes place in her spin class. She is obsessing over her spin instructor, until she realizes she’s still obsessed with Gerald, her ex-boyfriend, who died two years ago. Allison met Gerald five years ago in a spin class. They became friends, reserved bikes next to each other, and fell in love. Now when she sees a man who wears sneakers without socks or a bald man, she thinks of Gerald. One of our listeners, Melanie Merriman, a long-time student of Andrea’s and a participant in Steve Almond’s class about obsessions, shares a story about a childhood fear. Another listener, Jennifer Dertouzos sent in a voice memo of an obsession that calms her the way only yoga can calm her. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’l
S2 E18 · Wed, August 03, 2016
Who is Jahn Dope? From H.S. Football Star to Homeless Man to the Great Philip Sylverin
This episode is about self destruction . Jahn Dope, one of the students in our class, reads his story, Dark Matter. Jahn’s story begins after he overdoses on LSD after a crazy night of drinking and drugs, then backtracks to childhood. After Jahn’s story ends, the class was left with questions. So, producers Diego and Misha met Jahn at work to get the whole story. Listeners will hear why Jahn dropped out of college and what happened next. Jahn tells us how he got deeper and deeper into drugs and eventually ended up homeless. For ten years, Jahn lived on the streets of Miami doing whatever it took to stay alive. When Andrea Askowitz, co-host and teacher of our class, met Jahn Dope, he was living at the Miami Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter in downtown Miami. Andrea taught writing classes at the mission every Friday for two years. Jahn did not miss a class. A year and a half ago, when Writing Class Radio started, Jahn joined our class. This is where Jahn first told this story. Recently, Jahn left the Miami Rescue Mission after working and living there for three years. Because of his affiliation with the Rescue Mission, we allowed him to use a pseudonym. Now, he is proud to use his real name: Philip Sylverin. Phil told us that writing class was one of the main things that saved his life. In class, when Jahn wrote about the shitty things he’s had to overcome, it seemed like writing them down and sharing them with the class helped him move past Jahn Dope and on to a thriving, healthy, Phil Sylverin. Everyone who comes to class is working through something. Are you working through something in your life? If so, we want you to share your story with us. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Misha Mehrel, Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. This episode was produced with editorial help from Wendi Adelson and Sonesh Chainani. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.wr
S2 E17 · Tue, July 19, 2016
Circuit Boys, Gym Rats, Papi Chulos, Fashion Queens, Bears...Which One Are You?
This episode explores perspective, how sometimes it takes years to figure out that something you did or thought was totally fucked up. Bo tells his story about getting blocked from a 1-900 gay hotline. But the story is really about how it took him years to become comfortable enough with himself to stop judging the free expression he witnessed among the gay people he first encountered on Miami Beach 24 years ago. Bo came from the deep South in search of freedom from oppression. He wanted gay book clubs and stimulating political conversations with other like-minded gay men. But what he found instead were all kinds of people who fit into categories he describes as circuit boys, gym rats, fashion queens, papi chulos, and bears. He felt like he didn’t fit in. He didn’t want to fit in. But when Bo called the gay hotline to try to “save the gay soul” and made fun of it, he realized he was imparting the same hurtful and hateful church messages he came to Miami Beach to get away from. Twenty-four years later, our teacher Andrea Askowitz sits down with Bo on Lincoln Road, the heart of South Beach to talk about what’s changed and how he changed. Andrea tells her own story about trying to “save the straight soul” when she finds out that her next door neighbor doesn’t like lesbians. (Her neighbor’s housekeeper told Andrea’s housekeeper). So Andrea tries to make friends with her. When that backfires, Andrea brings cookies to her neighbor but “forgets” to wear shoes. And a bra. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitt
S2 E16 · Thu, June 30, 2016
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone...Where the Magic Happens.
This episode explores the different zones we live in: comfort zone, stretch zone and panic zone. Allison talks about her experience at dinner with new friends and how she complained the entire night. She realizes she ventured too far into her stretch zone and panicked. Misha Mehrel tells his story on the stage at Lip Service, a live storytelling event in Miami. The story is about his hairy ass. The story was written in his very first writing class in response to a prompt. Misha worked on the story for the stage. Misha knew he had to reveal something difficult in that first class in order to feel comfortable writing about any other intimate situations. Our teacher, Andrea Askowitz, tells her story about wanting to give birth to her first child on stage. She realizes that she’s not as comfortable as she thought having people witness her in such an intimate moment. In fact, she’s extremely uncomfortable with people watching her give birth. A new student in the class, Karen Collazo, reveals her struggle with drug addiction. For Karen, staying in her comfort zone is dangerous. She has taken over our Writing Class Radio blog for the next 90 days. Follow Karen on our website. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Misha Mehrel, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. This episode was produced with additional support from Chaplin Tyler. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on <a href="http://www.writingclassradio.com/videos" target="_blank"
S2 E15 · Tue, June 14, 2016
Dear Listener
This episode explores the epistolary form, which is just a snobby way to say stories written in the form of a letter. Andrea Askowitz starts with a letter written to her from her best friend in high school. Robin and Andrea wrote hundreds of letters back and forth to each other throughout their friendship. The letters in this episode were written 30 years ago, when Andrea spent a summer at camp away from Robin. She also has the letters she wrote to Robin, because Robin died when they were both 33. Robin’s mom gave Andrea the letters. In a round of letters between Robin and Andrea from the summer of 1986, Robin writes about how something was missing while Andrea was away. She reveals how hard it is to date boys and Andrea writes back with very specific dating advice: “BJ’s are a big deal, very personal, but if you lust peni, only do it if he’ll eat you out, it’s only fair.” Andrea shows us an example of an inside joke between Andrea and Robin. Andrea might be the only one who thinks her joke is funny. Stories as letters are as old a stories. Seneca, the Roman philosopher wrote letters in the year 50 or 60 and those are now known as the first personal essays. Writing a story in the form of a letter allows the author to be informal, direct, and totally personal. It also forces the storyteller to get to the truth, which is what we're after in any story. Misha Mehrel tells his story as a letter to his old roommate. In it, he reveals so much of himself. He tells us what it’s like to lose his best friend to marriage. Bo uses the letter form to ramp up intimacy with a stranger he meets at a truck stop. Bo gives us a little of his own insecurities and a little of his humor. Stories in the form of letters enable the narrator to be funny, especially if the letter is addressed to someone very familiar. Chaplin shows so well what a letter can do. The story is intimate with the recipient, the audience and with the self. This story is about Chaplin’s struggle with gender identity. “Ask yourself this, how do you envision yourself growing old, as a woman or as a man?” Letters are cathartic to write and to get. Especially in those days when letters took effort and money and were written alone in the middle of the night. There’s love in a letter. In the last letters between Andrea and Robin, Robin says it was good that they were apart that summer, so they could see they could be apart from each other. Then Andrea sends Robin a birthday card on her 20th birthday. The card is really a 40th birthday card and Andrea hopes Robin will send it back to her when she turns 40. Robin doesn’t send back the card. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writ
S2 E14 · Sun, May 29, 2016
Taboo: Fat, Fuck, Masturbation
In this episode, we discuss what is taboo. Is it a word, a topic? Is it the same for everyone? We learn why we need to talk about things considered taboo, and when to actually write taboo words instead of referring to them. You’ll hear from Inessa Freylekhman who’s mom tells her what not to say on a date. You’ll also hear from Nicki Post, who feels that abortion is more taboo in the United States than in Korea. We’ll also take you into our community workshop where several new students write after given the prompt: Pussy. Also, Sallye Zilberstein and Mary Parker share stories about subjects that feel taboo to them. And in honor of International Masturbation Month, Allison reveals her masturbation story. Andrea offers insight into when it’s ok to use words like fuck and pussy in a story and when using taboo words is just distracting. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. This episode was produced with additional support from Misha Mehrel and Sonesh Chainani. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We pay! If you want to be a part of the movement that helps peo
S2 E13 · Tue, May 17, 2016
Rejection Sucks. Why Do We Put Ourselves Out There?
In this episode, student and co-producer Allison Langer puts herself out there in writing and in love. The first story she tells was submitted to Modern Love, a column in the New York Times. Allison’s story got rejected, which is the subject of the second story she tells. Also in the second story, Allison compares the Modern Love rejection to rejection in love. Allison shares her motto for dealing with rejection. A motto she borrowed from author Cheryl Strayed. You’ll also hear Andrea discuss her current rejection and why she puts herself out there. Like most of us, Andrea wants connection and love. Inessa, a student from Season 1, tells a story about the time she missed a bus to an audition when she was nine years old. Inessa is 40 now, but she still wonders what would have become of her had she been on that bus. Here’s the thing: If you want to get published, you have to risk rejection. If you want love, you have to risk rejection. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. This episode was produced with additional support from Misha Mehrel. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website f
S2 E12 · Sun, May 01, 2016
Emotional Hangover. Those Times When You Feel You Told too Much.
Have you ever told a story or shared a secret and regretted it? Like you wake up the next morning and you’re like ew, why’d I say that? And then you want to vomit? Today we’re talking about telling stories that give us emotional hangovers. Those times when you feel you told too much. In this episode, Nicki Post tells her story about the time she was raped. Andrea discusses the class rules after someone tells a story. We pretend the person who just told the story isn’t in the room. We address that person as the narrator and talk about what worked and what didn’t work in his or her story. We do this because it creates a separation between the person’s life and the person’s story. The comments can only be about the writing. We can talk about where we got confused in the story. Or where we wanted more details. Or where we wanted less details. Those are the types of comments that are fair game in class. “So even if someone says they were raped, we can’t say, ‘Oh my God, are you okay?’” Another thing that happens in class is the narrator wants to clear up anything people don’t understand, but the narrator has to stay silent. When this happens, Andrea always says, “We don’t care about your life, we care about your story.” That’s true in class, but outside of class, we care about each other’s lives. The day after telling her story in class, the first time Nicki told a group of people (a group of strangers), she speaks to Andrea and Allison about the emotional hangover she experienced after telling her story. She felt pretty bad telling her story. But here’s the thing, she submitted the same story to a live storytelling show in Miami. If you live in Miami, you can see Nicki tell her story this Saturday, May 7th. Nicki told Andrea she’s expecting to have another hangover, but she’s telling her story again anyway. We know that whenever we tell a hard story, whether or not it causes a hangover, it always us brings us closer to the people we’ve told. And when that hangover clears, whatever it was that was so hard to tell, doesn’t feel so hard anymore. We always feel better after telling our story. You’ll hear Italome Ohokihare tell her story from our community class called, A Time I F’d Up. The story is about a time she shoplifted. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and <a href="http://andreaaskowitz.com/" targ
S2 E11 · Mon, April 25, 2016
Words Matter: Student Missy Shares Words with her Hero Elizabeth Gilbert
The words we say to each other and ourselves shape our lives. One of Andrea’s favorite writing tenets is: Make every word count. In today’s episode we learn that every word counts in life also. This is the first episode of our second semester and we have some new students. You’ll hear Missy Hernandez tell her story called Words. Her story is about sharing words with her hero Elizabeth Gilbert of Eat Pray Love. Missy ended up on Gilbert’s Podcast, Magic Lessons. Hear how Lizzy’s words brought Missy back to life. Misha Mehrel, also a new student tells a story called Fighting Words about how words can trigger repressed emotion. We also bring you a response from a writing prompt by Rebeca Ruiz, a student in one of Andrea’s community workshops. Her story is about a single word, NO. Her parents said “no” to her when she wanted to go to New World School of the Arts and killed her creativity. Until now. Hear what tips Andrea gives Rebeca to make her story stronger. Here’s the prompt for this episode: A time words changed your life. Follow our daily prompts. Record your story and email to info@writingclassradio.com. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. This episode was produced with additional support from Wilson Sayre, Misha Mehrel and Miriam Herman. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our
S1 E10 · Thu, February 25, 2016
How to Write a Story Meant to be Told Out Loud
Today, we’re talking about writing stories meant to be told out loud . Jahn Dope tells his story, Tackled, about the time he was raped. Andrea Askowitz tells her story Thank You For Listening, about the time she went 24 hours without talking about herself. Both stories were told on stage at Lip Service in front of 600 people. You’ll hear how a performance can change the gravity of a subject. Allison Langer is the host and substitute teacher for this episode. Andrea, our regular host and teacher is taking a personal day, but she does show up at the end of the episode to give her top tips for writing a story meant to be told out loud. Some tips include: end your sentences, paragraphs and the whole story on the strongest note; and avoid gerunds, because for some reason the audience can’t hear ING words. More tips can also be found on the Craft Talks page of our website. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. This episode was produced with additional support from Tobi Ash, Miriam Herman and Alejandro Santiago. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelin
S1 Enull · Thu, February 11, 2016
Will You Love Me Forever or Just on Valentine's Day?
Today, we are stepping out of order because it’s February and we’re in the U.S. and we can’t avoid thinking about love. So, we’re bringing you a Valentine’s Day episode. This episode is a little different. Slightly less teachy, thought not without this lesson: A good way to approach a story is to ask a question and then to try to answer it. You’ll meet students from season two and you’ll hear from some of regulars that you already know. You’ll hear their questions about love. Miriam Herman, a new student, writer, programmer and mathematician asks if it’s true that once you love someone, you love them forever? Cynthia Castillo, another new student writes, teaches, coaches, mentors, and heals. Cynthia’s story is about friendship love, a love we assume will be there forever. Cynthia asks: What if our best friend is not here forever? Nicki is an artist and traveler who spent her twenties living abroad. Now she works with international students at U.M.. In her response to the prompt love, Nicki mentions The Moth, which is a storytelling competition. So every month there’s a theme and every February the theme is Love Hurts. This bugs Nicki. Nicki asks, why is everyone so pathetic about love this month? On the one hand, Allison agrees with Nicki Post that we’re here to love as much as possible. On the other hand, it sounds like Allison’s giving up on love. Allison asks: Is love even worth the effort? You find out why Andrea’s story got cut even though she thinks it’s possible to create an extraordinary story out of an ordinary situation. After hearing all the stories, we have concluded this: It seems like different phases of life and different types of love bring up different questions. If we’re talking about a lover, will we love that person forever? If we’re talking about friends, will our friends be around to love us forever? If it’s February, will we always be so pathetic about love? If we’re Allison, will love ever be worth the bother? This episode is dedicated to Cynthia’s friend, who died a few days after Cynthia wrote her story. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. This episode wa
S1 E9 · Mon, February 01, 2016
Who Cares About Your Story? What Are the Stakes?
We’re talking about stakes. And we don’t mean those slabs of meat you eat if you’re not a vegetarian, but what makes a listener or a reader care about a story. And we’re talking about what we have to lose as storytellers when we tell our stories. One thing we know about memoir writing is that the narrator lived to tell the tale. So if we know the narrator lived, why do we care? The job of storytellers is to make us care. Andrea talks about a writing webinar with Lea Thau, host and producer of Strangers, http://www.storycentral.org/strangers/. Lea describes how the written story is different than the event that actually happened. There's the situation and what the story is about. The most pointed way to figure out what the story is about, is to ask: What’s at stake? What is there to be lost or won? The biggest mistake people make is thinking that a dramatic experience equals a story. Andrea uses a personal example to illustrate this point. While Andrea was giving her vows, her uncle Bob went down. She realized that nobody was listening and then saw a man on the ground. The wedding went on, Bob survived, but no one heard her vows. The situation is that Bob went down but the real story, what was at stake was whether or not Andrea felt heard. We discuss what the students in Writing Class Radio have to lose by telling their stories. In Episode 3, Allison told a story, which implicates her mom. And her mom got pissed. And Danny dropped out. Sometimes we don’t know what’s at stake in telling our stories. That for some, there are real risks. But in the end, we think not telling our stories is riskier. We take you into class where Inessa struggles with how she wants to live without hiding. Inessa’s afraid to look bad, but she knows that hiding is worse. That’s her conflict. Those are the stakes. So we’re rooting for her. Go Inessa. You can do this. You also hear Wendi in response to the prompt: What Do You Have to Lose? And Terry tells us how her friend Fred’s death sparked the fear of losing all the people who share her past. Inessa tells a longer story about holding out for true love. Her mama describes her own life at Inessa’s age (40) and how Inessa’s life falls short of mama’s expectations. Mama wants a wedding and a baby. Her papa’s 20-year-old suit is still hanging in the closet waiting for that special day. Will Inessa continue to follow her own heart? Will she ever please her parents? You will hear a story by Christopher Alonso, a listener in Ohio, in response to the prompt: A time I fucked up. Coming up in the next episode: Andrea tells her story about the time she challenged herself to go 24 hours without talking about herself. And you’ll hear Jahn Dope’s story about being a 250 pound black man in a very vulnerable position. The episode is about writing a story meant to be told out loud. Writing Class Radio is a
S1 E8 · Fri, January 15, 2016
You Don't Have to be a Clown to Write Funny
This episode is about writing humor . Andrea tells a joke only she thinks is funny, then calls our humor expert, Jay Wexler, who confirms just how funny her joke is. Jay is an attorney and the author of five books. Later in the show, Jay shares his ten suggestions for writing humor. Andrea adds four. Together, they have 14 suggestions for writing humor. Terry DeMeo introduces herself before telling a story in front of a live audience, at Lip Service. In her own words, Terry wonders about who she is. She’s a former lawyer and currently a life coach. Also a writer. The story Terry tells is about undying her hair, but you’ll realize as she realizes that the story is about much more than hair. She tells her story in front of a live audience in Miami. Andrea notes that while many of the audience members are over 40 years old, no one lets her hair go gray, except Andrea. Terry’s story is called Fifty Shades of Gray. Jay Wexler’s 10 Humor Commandments (Plus Four): 1. Do not start with a joke. 2. Piggy back on the absurd hilarity of the world. 3. Use self-deprecation. 4. Stuck? Break into a non-prose element, like a chart or graph. 5. Write about bad or awkward sex. 6. Mine your pain and humiliation. 7. When in doubt--deadpan. Less is more. 8. Be brutal in your editing. 9. Don't feel funny? Get your ass out of the chair! 10. Add an animal. 11. State the obvious. 12. Use call-backs. 13. Land on the joke. 14. Create surprise. After hearing Terry’s story, Andrea goes through Jay’s ten humor suggestions and shows how Terry used many of them successfully. You don’t have to be a clown to write humor, you just have to be willing to face your fear. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our <a href="http://www.writingclassradio.c
S1 Enull · Wed, December 30, 2015
True Story: Nobody Likes New Year's Eve.
We’re interrupting our first semester to give you a taste of who’s to come in our second semester. You’ll meet Frenchy, who took Andrea’s writing class years ago and is now back. Does she get a kiss on New Year’s Eve? You’ll also meet Tobi Ash and hear why she’s been avoiding New Year’s celebrations for 30 years. Cynthia Castillo who wished for a tragic life to write about until tragedy hit. Nicki Post takes us on a trip to Korea, one of her many adventures out of the country. You’ll hear from Season One’s Bo, who would rather stay home on New Year’s Eve and from Allison, also a Season One student, who tells us about waiting for her man. Andrea tells the story behind Auld Lang Syne, that mysterious song we all know but don’t know. And it wouldn’t be New Year’s without resolutions. Because Andrea is a total dud, every year she resolves to drink more. But two weeks in, she’s back on the wagon. This year she resolves to try harder. And she challenges you to make a New Year’s Resolution you can keep--start writing. If you already write--keep writing. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the <a href="http://www.writingclassradio.com/submissions" target="
S1 E7 · Mon, December 14, 2015
Story Structure Is Sexy
How should a story be structured? Start from the very beginning by using the concept of story spine . Story spine, a technique articulated by the playwright Ken Adams, is the backbone of every traditional story. In this episode, Allison uses the story spine to write about her return to dating after having children on her own. Inessa writes about a date that goes wrong and Jahn uses this structure to tell stories about the first time he got a boner. In each story, the story spine structure brings clarity to the writer and makes the story easy for the listener to follow. Andrea uses her own life as an example of why she fell in love with the story spine and why you will too. Witness the creation of these stories as you learn a new (old) way to structure your own. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Thank you to Tobi Ash and Alejandro Santiago for help on this episode. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We pay! If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, please go to<a href=
S1 E6 · Thu, December 03, 2015
Wendi Tells the Story of her Ex-husband’s Murder. Writing Is an Exercise in Trust.
Today we give you Wendi Adelson the way she revealed herself in the first semester. Andrea talks about hot topic, cold prose, a writing technique where the narrator pares down the writing in a difficult moment. The story is told without sentiment. It’s just reported. Two weeks into the semester, Wendi came back with some of the answers to students’ questions. In her first story she hinted at not feeling like she can publicly express how she really feels, a theme she repeated in the next story. In her writing though, she seems to express how she really feels. Wendi responds to the prompt: What is the story you tell about your relationship with your mom? Sometimes prompts bring up memories we don’t consciously realize are still affecting us. In response to the prompt Lies, Wendi realizes people think she’s happy even when she’s not. And later in the same class Wendi responds to the prompt: Your last intimate moment. Andrea says, “I think Wendi’s working on a bigger story. More than just what happened, which was that her ex-husband was murdered. Her bigger story is about what it means for her to be authentic. Wendi writes a lot about how people react when they hear her story. She also writes about her own reactions--how she wishes she could be as true in person as she is in her writing.” Andrea spoke to Wendi about her experience in class. Wendi said she felt good about the classes’ reaction. She says she felt empowered to tell her side of the story. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Thank you to Tobi Ash and Alejandro Santiago for your help on this episode. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and <a href="https:
S1 E5 · Wed, November 11, 2015
The Lies We Tell
Danny and Bo reveal the lies they've told, especially to themselves. And then the fallout. Danny falls in love with two women but neither knows about the other. Everyone is happy, until he hears a knock at the door. Bo admits to his many sexual encounters with women, sometimes in the same day; all an attempt to cure himself from being gay. Andrea talks about the importance of feedback and encourages the listener to find a writing group. She says feedback can be delicate, especially with any new writing and reveals her own difficulty receiving feedback, especially positive feedback as it poured in about this podcast. She talks about how important it is for students to resist the urge to comment on student's lives--as much as we want to say, "Dude, don't have sex with women who aren't your girlfriend!"--and to keep the feedback specific to the writing. And she encourages you to go to writingclassradio.com, or our Twitter or FB page and pick a daily prompt, set a timer and write. If you like what you wrote, Andrea says, "Keep going with that." Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the <a href="http://www.writingclassradio.com/submissions" target="_blank
S1 E4 · Tue, October 13, 2015
Field Trip to the Fertility Clinic. Freezing Eggs at 6 a.m.
Andrea follows Inessa to the fertility clinic early one morning as she goes through the process of harvesting her eggs, an undertaking not entirely of her doing. We heard in the second episode that Mama put down $10,000 toward the procedure. Inessa paid the remaining $2,000. Turns out Inessa is not the only one in class who has or is currently going about having children without getting knocked up. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We pay! If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, please go to writingclassradio.com and hit the DONATE button . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-n
S1 E3 · Sun, October 11, 2015
What Is the Story You Tell about Your Relationship with Your Mother?
Hear what Inessa, Danny, Bo, Jahn, Allison and Andrea confess about their relationships with their moms and how those relationships have shaped their lives. We all tell stories, including to ourselves. The truth is, you never know how the people you love will respond to what you write about them. You may be surprised. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We pay! If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, please go to writingclassradio.com and hit the DONATE button . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
S1 E2 · Sat, October 10, 2015
How Are You? Really?
In our first class of the semester, we got the writing prompt, "How are you? Really?" Danny and Inessa are two students in the class who share exactly how they are. Danny's story involves underwear. Inessa's involves stabbing hormones into her belly to create eggs that may become her future children. Both stories are about how they are influenced by their parents. Aren't we all? Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We pay! If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, please go to writingclassradio.com and hit the DONATE button . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
S1 E1 · Fri, October 09, 2015
The Pilot: The Hardest Thing To Write About
Allison Langer and Andrea Askowitz created a podcast of their writing class. On this episode you'll hear what qualifies Andrea to be the teacher. And why Allison insisted the world needs this podcast. We believe that once you write about the thing you don't want to write about, that thing has less emotional power over you. Allison reveals the hardest thing in the world to write about. Content warning: this episode contains a story about the loss of a child. Writing Class Radio is a podcast where you’ll hear true personal stories and learn a little about how to write your own stories. Writing Class Radio is equal parts heart and art. By heart we mean the truth in a story. By art we mean the craft of writing. No matter what’s going on in our lives, writing class is where we tell the truth. It’s where we work out our shit, and figure out who we are. There’s no place in the world like writing class and we want to bring you in. Writing Class Radio is co-hosted by Allison Langer (www.allisonlanger.com) and Andrea Askowitz (www.andreaaskowitz.com). Writing Class Radio is produced by Diego Saldana-Rojas, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer. Visit our musicians page to learn about the talented and generous people who allowed us to use their songs. There’s more writing class on our website (www.writingclassradio.com), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/writingclassradio/ ) and Twitter (@wrtgclassradio). If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series. $20 for one part or $50 for the series. Click on Video Classes on our website. Writing Class Radio is now open to submissions from our listeners. Go to the submissions page on our website for guidelines. We pay! If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, please go to writingclassradio.com and hit the DONATE button . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopene
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