SUNDAY ESSAY CLUB JANUARY

Each session centers around one iconic essay.

The first hour begins with a brief lecture introducing the author and contextualizing the work. We read closely and discuss technique — structure, tone, movement, voice — to understand what makes the piece work and how it can inform our own practice.

In the second hour, we write.

You’ll be guided through focused exercises and prompts designed to help you apply what we’ve discussed — whether you're working on personal essays, narrative nonfiction, or developing your voice on the page. Prompts are generative, flexible, and rooted in craft.

Reading material is provided one week in advance.

All levels welcome.

The Sunday Essay Club is hosted by bilingual writer and visual artist Sophia Hembeck. She has published three books of essays called:  Things I Have Noticed, 2020 & Things I Have Loved, 2023 & Things That Are Different Now, 2025. Her bestselling substack 'The Muse Letter' is published every week, where she wonders about the meanderings of life.  She holds a M.A. in Playwriting (Szenisches Schreiben, UdK Berlin) and has been teaching creative writing classes since 2020. She is represented by Zoe Martin from JE Literary Agency in Berlin.

📅 Upcoming Dates (2026):

Sunday, January 25, 4–6 PM

Joan Didion

Essay: “On Self-Respect”

Sunday, February 22, 4–6 PM

Robin Wall Kimmerer

Essay: “The Serviceberry”

Sunday, March 29, 4–6 PM

Jia Tolentino

Essay: “Trick Mirror”

Sunday, April 26, 4–6 PM

Cheryl Strayed

Essay: “Tiny Beautiful Things”

Sunday, May 31, 4–6 PM

Heather Havrilesky

Essay: “Ask Polly”

Sunday, June 28, 4–6 PM

Deirdre Coyle

Essay: “Men Recommend David Foster Wallace to Me”