The blank page can be the most daunting obstacle in writing. In this course, aspiring writers will assemble a “starter kit” for approaching the blank page by developing constructive ways to think about the writing process as a whole. While subsequent courses in this series will focus on the mechanics of good writing, this course offers ways to think about the writer’s relationship to her material, and ultimately develop a writing style that is uniquely her own.
Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader
Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader
This course is part of Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself Specialization
Instructor: Greg Pardlo
26,618 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.3
(251 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 5 hours
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 4 modules in this course
This week you will learn to identify aspects of the writing process that experienced writers can afford to take for granted. We will address questions of structure, strategy, and methods—the necessary elements for any good blueprint for writing.
What's included
4 videos1 peer review
What's included
3 videos1 peer review
What's included
4 videos1 peer review
What's included
4 videos1 peer review
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.6 (112 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Music and Art
Wesleyan University
Wesleyan University
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.3
251 reviews
- 5 stars
61.75%
- 4 stars
19.52%
- 3 stars
8.76%
- 2 stars
3.58%
- 1 star
6.37%
Showing 3 of 251
JM
4
Reviewed on Aug 19, 2019
I enjoyed this course and found it very valuable. I thought some of the assignments were confusing and could be clarified.
LS
5
Reviewed on Feb 11, 2022
Greg Pardlo got the ideas across very well. He made me very aware of all the ways to position yourself - and the reader - in a story.
A
5
Reviewed on Jun 29, 2021
This course was recommended to me by a writer friend, and I enjoyed the guided learning to sharpen specific skills, particularly attention to perspective.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
More questions
Financial aid available,