Our Lives, Our Stories

Turn family stories and life experiences into fiction with this generative class.

Jimin Han
$470

  • April 30 to May 28, 2025 (5 weeks)
  • Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00 PM EDT
  • On Zoom
  • Students: 12

    Our lives are rich with stories passed on from families and friends. How do you decide what's material for a short story or a novel that anyone outside your family will want to read? How do you decide which details to keep and which to discard? How do you shape your narrative into fiction that lasts?

    In this generative writing course we'll engage in writing exercises that help us explore these questions, read excerpts of contemporary fiction to examine choices authors have made, and share our writing.

    What You Will Learn

    Weekly writing prompts and select readings will serve as inspiration for turning true stories into fiction. Writers can expect to generate new pieces in a supportive environment.

    Who Should Take This Class?

    Writers who are interested in the craft of fiction and how to turn real life stories into novels or short stories. Beginner writers welcome!

      Instructor

      Jimin Han

      Writing Institute Instructor

      Jimin Han is the author of The Apology, a Barnes and Noble Discover Pick; named a best audiobook of the year by Booklist, a best book of the summer by the LA Times, Vanity Fair, Shondaland, Apple Books and more. She is also the author of A Small Revolution. Additional writing of hers can be found at American Public Media's Weekend America, Poets & Writers, and other media outlets. She teaches at The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College, Pace University, and community writing centers. Born in Seoul, South Korea, she grew up in Providence, Rhode Island; Dayton, Ohio; and Jamestown, New York. Her work has been supported by the New York State Council on the Arts.

      Register for $470
      Working with Jimin Han changed the way I think. She was always brilliant, good natured, and delightful to work with. Her positive approach to novel writing gave me the courage to find my voice. I will always be grateful.
      Former Student
      The expertise and wisdom of instructors like Jimin Han helped demystify the publishing industry so I could confidently send my work out into the world.
      Former Student
      The novel writing workshops with Jimin Han were not just instructive, they lit a fire under me to produce work, move my story forward, complete my first draft (and many others), and open myself up to improving the quality of my work in ways I could not have done on my own.
      Former Student