Narratively Academy | Substack

I Wrote About Religious Trauma Before I Knew What That Was. Here’s What I’ve Learned.

Many writers explore shame, family conflict and loss without realizing they're also writing about religious trauma. Here's what I learned when I finally…

2 hrs ago • Sara Moslener

Recent posts

Last Call to Join "From Journal to Memoir"

In this four-part workshop, writers will explore methods and concepts to help shift their journals and notebooks into incredible writing tools.

Jun 3 • Narratively Academy

30:46

WATCH: Melissa Petro on How to Write a Hybrid Memoir

The prolific writer and first-time book author tells us how she finds the strength to write about her most vulnerable experiences—and how she reframed…

Jun 2 • Melissa Petro and Brendan Spiegel

This Week: "How to Report on Family Secrets" with NYT Contributor Susan Saulny

Happy June, writers!

Jun 1 • Brendan Spiegel

Newsletters

StoryCraft 🛠️

Pitch breakdowns, writing guides, publishing insights and advice.

Results-driven classes, seminars and writing critiques taught by Narratively’s editors, contributors and storytelling heroes.

Writers' Room ✍🏽

Every Wednesday morning at 8am ET, join us to work on your own writing projects—alongside a supportive group of peers.

Classes 🎓

Last Call to Join "30 Days, 30 Essay Prompts"

Make June the most you break out of procrastination and generate tons of inspiration for your first-person writing.

May 29 • Brendan Spiegel

The Best Way to Kickstart Your Essay Writing This Summer Is Here

We've got 91 of them on tap this summer! Grab a spot in one of our three self-guided prompts classes today.

May 22 • Narratively Academy

31 Days, 31 Essay Prompts: A Month of Writing about Family and Relationships

Paid Narratively Academy members get 20% off all classes, including this one.

May 15 • Narratively Academy

Last Call to Join "The Socratic AI Intensive: Your Personal Trainer for Writing"

Next week, kickstart your latest work-in-progress using AI as your coach, not your ghostwriter.

May 14 • Narratively Academy

Last Call to Join "From Journal to Memoir"

In this four-part workshop, writers will explore methods and concepts to help shift their journals and notebooks into incredible writing tools.

Jun 3 • Narratively Academy

Sign up now to join our bold new writer community

Open Book 🎥

30:46

WATCH: Melissa Petro on How to Write a Hybrid Memoir

The prolific writer and first-time book author tells us how she finds the strength to write about her most vulnerable experiences—and how she reframed…

Jun 2 • Melissa Petro and Brendan Spiegel

25:24

Writing + Publishing My Memoir at 75

First-time author Laurie Garnier on the decision that changed her entire life...and how she finally found a way to write about it.

May 30 • Laurie Garnier and Brendan Spiegel

35:33

Inside the Book Launch: How Hybrid Publishing Works

First-time memoir author Amy Gabrielle opens up about how this increasingly popular publishing model works—and how she sold 700 copies in her first few…

May 26 • Amy Gabrielle and Brendan Spiegel

57:02

WATCH: The Secret Life of an Obit Writer

New York Times staff writer Michael Roswenwald opens up on what one of the most fascinating jobs in journalism is really like.

May 5 • Brendan Spiegel

40:23

How to Be a Successful Freelancer With Amelia Edelman

In an Open Book chat, we asked one of our favorite veteran writers to share her top tips, from the importance of having an anchor client to the joys of…

Apr 26 • Jesse Sposato and Amelia Edelman

This Week, 200+ Writers Gathered to Talk AI. It Sparked a Real Conversation.

In this recording of his free workshop — a preview to our upcoming masterclass — Jay Dixit rails against "AI-generated slop" and advocates for chatbots…

Apr 24 • Noah Rosenberg

41:37

'A Better Literary World Is Possible': How to Get a Book Deal Without an Agent

Fresh off their AWP chat on the same subject, authors Bonnie Chau and Kristi D. Osorio joined us for an Open Book convo about how they both secured book…

Mar 22 • Jesse Sposato, bonnie, and Kristi D. Osorio

31:20

How to Write for "The Personals" at Narratively.com

The Personals is a Narratively.com series of sharply focused first-person stories that capture a single surprising unforgettable moment or event.

Mar 2 • Jesse Sposato and Brendan Spiegel

StoryCraft 🛠️

I Wrote About Religious Trauma Before I Knew What That Was. Here’s What I’ve Learned.

Many writers explore shame, family conflict and loss without realizing they're also writing about religious trauma. Here's what I learned when I finally…

2 hrs ago • Sara Moslener

How Street Photography Teaches Me to See the World More Clearly

For writers and artists alike, taking the time to slow down and observe the world around us can be a truly eye-opening experience.

May 20 • Ben Fractenberg

How I Turned My 35-Year-Old Journals Into a Memoir

When it comes to honest, reflective first-person writing, there’s nothing more valuable than your own in-the-moment thoughts.

May 15 • Rebecca Evans

How to Start an Artist Residency

Casey Scieszka, founder of the Spruceton Inn, spills the beans on why she decided to open up a "bed and bar" in the Catskills and use it to give back to…

May 13 • Ashley Rubell

Narratively Academy

A community for writers to hone your craft and develop all the tools to pursue your writing and publishing dreams.

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