[SOLD OUT] Write Your Essay Collection In 6 Months!

‘All writing is about seeing new things and investigating them. Sometimes it’s about seeing new things in old things.”

 – Deborah Levy, Real Estate

Are you ready to take your ideas or a collection of unfinished essays and transform them into a polished and completed essay collection?

Throughout my life, I have relied on essays as a means of discovering my own thoughts and beliefs. There is something captivating about the essay form that continually draws me back. I am enamored by their fluidity, the way they allow me to confront conflicts on the page, and the opportunity to explore new and experimental structures. Each time I complete a book of essays, I am genuinely amazed by the knowledge I have gained: not only about writing and craftsmanship but also about myself and the unforeseen journey that the essays have taken me on.

I offer an alternative approach to compiling an essay collection that is not only more effective but also provides a sense of community. My 6-month essay writing course is designed to assist writers to generate and refine a draft that is ready for submission, all within a supportive and encouraging environment. 

By working alongside a group of talented peers and under my guidance as a published essayist and experienced mentor, you will spend 6 months delving deep into the process of constructing your story from the ground up.

In addition to comprehensive lessons on the technical aspects of essay writing, such as structure, theme, voice, and point of view, this course will include interactive workshops that actively engage you and address any questions you may have. 

Together, we will meticulously examine remarkable published works by esteemed authors like Deborah Levy, Joan Didion, Lydia Davis, Olivia Laing, and Jia Tolentino, studying the creation of some of the most original and renowned essay collections.

Throughout the course, you will also gain valuable insights into the world of publishing, offering you accessible information that is crucial for success. I will provide you with a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to create an essay collection, equipping you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the publishing industry with confidence.

Embark on this transformative journey with me as we bring your vision to life and share your essays with the world. 

Together, we will craft an extraordinary essay collection that showcases your unique voice and perspective.

DATES: 

Monthly Writing Sessions

18.02.2024 4-6PM 

17.03.2024  4-6PM 

14.04.2024 4-6PM 

12.05.2024  4-6PM  

02.06.2024  4-6PM 

07.07.2024  4-6PM 

PLUS: 

Two 30 minute individual feedback sessions, appointments booked with the instructor (Sophia Hembeck). 

The instructor: 

Sophia Hembeck is a writer and visual artist based in Edinburgh. She has published two books of essays called:  Things I Have Noticed, 2020 & Things I Have Loved, 2023 and currently working on her 3rd to conclude the Things-Trilogy. Her bestselling substack 'The Muse Letter' is published every month, where she wonders about the meanderings of life.  She holds a M.A. in Playwriting (Szenisches Schreiben, UdK Berlin) and is teaching creative writing classes since 2020. She is represented by Zoe Martin from JE Literary Agency in Berlin.

Testimonials: 

“Sophia's class is a breath of fresh air. The sessions are inspiring, nurturing and informative, and her advice is broad (and highly knowledgable) yet tailored to the individual and their specific writing goals. Her enthusiasm for her craft is infectious, and she genuinely wants to see us succeed with our writing. I highly recommend it!”

(Lucy Siddall, currently enrolled in the English autumn/winter class)

“This writing class not only provides a great structure, but also accompanies you in a step-by-step approach through the process of writing. Above all, it helps you to take your ideas and writing plans seriously.”

(Fabian Hartje, currently enrolled in the German autumn/winter class)

“The essay class is a great way to motivate yourself, find a sense of community and get some invaluable insights into the writing process and how others deal with its challenges. I'm glad I am a part of it. Getting to know so many other inspiring writers, each with their own stories to tell, is probably the best bit. I can't wait to read the end result of everyone's labour.”

(Tun de Jong, currently enrolled in the English autumn/winter class)

“I came to Sophia's workshop by way of Instagram and her memoir "Things I have loved", which was a thing I loved! So, I jumped at the chance to join her workshop. I found the first session super informative and generative, particularly the breakdown of different essay structures and ideas for prompts. The second session was amazing; hearing the submissions from the other participants and giving and receiving feedback - was pretty inspiring. I enjoyed the experience so much that I signed up for the June Session: "Writing Our Hearts Out", and June cannot come fast enough. I'd recommend Sophia's workshops to anyone curious about starting a writing practice or to more established writers looking for a welcoming place to exchange ideas.”

(Becky Cawley-Hassall, former student)