Shape Your Stories: Write Five Styles of the Personal Essay

Student Feedback for Susan Pohlman:

Susan’s classes taught me to identify and analyze story elements and scenes.  I now understand how to write an effective scene and how to improve the scenes I’ve previously written. I am in control of my storytelling in a new and wonderful way and have the tools and confidence to write the next draft of my novel. Windy Lynn Harris

It’s been delightful taking your class these past several weeks!  I have learned so much about various aspects of writing, especially dialogue, characterization, and overall technique, and how to clean up and tighten up my writing, just to mention a few things.  Your knowledge and wisdom are priceless.  I appreciate how you are able to take a group of strangers, with a myriad of writing backgrounds, ranging from little to no experience, to seasoned writers, and create an environment that is inviting and non-threatening. I know you made it very easy for me to let my guard down from the very beginning. Frank L.

This was one of the most helpful writing classes I’ve ever taken. Susan Pohlman clarified just exactly what a scene should do. I was very pleased with the class, and will look for opportunities to work with her again! Joan Sampieri

This was my first writing class. As a novice, I was concerned about others in the class being more knowledgeable and I might feel out of place. Those concerns quickly disappeared as I felt embraced by the warmth of Susan’s smile and the camaraderie she created. Her teaching style is just as warm. She has the ability to deliver a large amount of information in a clear, concise and fun way. The exercises dump you into the deep end of the pool without fear of drowning and you soon realize you are not just swimming but making progress. Give yourself a gift and take this class. I am so glad I did. Barbara Desman

Susan was both very professional and well organized, with excellent class materials and assignments, on the one hand; on the other hand, she provided personalized feedback that was both supportive and critical. I would take another class from her without hesitation. Nicholas Lapham

This course opened my mind to how deep and technical the art of constructing scenes is. Susan was a deeply knowledgeable, passionate and extremely kind and open teacher who you could tell was invested in students. Amazing course! Saif Nizam

Susan Pohlman is very encouraging and her critiques of our work (not just suggestions but reasons for them) were most helpful. She’s warm, welcoming and obviously very knowledgeable and experienced in the writing field, as well as very talented. Her enthusiasm and love of sharing that knowledge is palpable and encouraging in itself. Chris Peterson

This class was great. Susan went above and beyond what I expected. Her feedback and workshopping with the other students was extremely helpful. Susan is a gem! Maria Warner

Susan is a gifted teacher. She created an atmosphere of safety to express ourselves. Use of strongly written scenes along with lecture on technique was very helpful as a set up for our assignments. I especially enjoyed the break out sessions in class which allowed for time to meet classmates more intimately. I learned quite a bit! Lori Posdal

“I learned so much from this class. There were so many concepts that I was struggling with in my memoir and this class not only made sense of them, but made them seem so simple. I’m so glad I took this class, it gave me so much confidence to move forward with my book.”  Julia Halls

“I really feel like this is the hardest course I’ve ever taken in writing, you have very high standards and that is exactly what I need as a novice. I look forward to sending you my second draft with all the recommendations from you and the class.” Becky S.

“Susan masterfully presents writing technique. I loved her class.”  Meg Smeck

“I loved taking Susan’s class — it’s great for all types of writers, whether you’re starting out or you just need to refresh your writing soul! It was wonderful to meet like-minded writing women and to feel the energy of people who love to share their stories. I wish she held this class weekly because I would definitely be there all the time — Thank you for re-energizing me Susan, I got my writing mojo back!”  Stephanie Elliot

“Susan Pohlman’s “Scene Study Class” was informative and instructional. She walked the class through the elements of scene writing as she exposed us to excellent pieces of short story fiction. Her teaching style is direct and positive. I look forward to taking many more classes with her.” Marie Derminio

“Susan teaches with passion and humor. Great for writers at any level.”  Mary McDermott Slawsby

“For anyone interested in opening the door to that writer that lives in us all, I highly recommend Susan Pohlman’s writing classes. The weekly topics and organizational breakdown of memoir writing techniques, from getting started to getting published, were easy to understand. Sue’s encouraging words and positive outlook on life motivated everyone in the class.”  Pricilla Bertling

“As a person who has worked in the administration of training for over 20 years, I want to say that Susan is a great trainer. She knows her audience, has great pacing, effective balance of formal to informal with ease, respectful and delightfully human. Susan is very relatable and authentic as well as knowledgeable.” Mary O.

“Susan has a way of blending inspiration and spirituality with the technical aspects of writing to help evoke the emotion our readers crave. The curriculum and coaching has pushed me to take honing my craft much more seriously.”  Suzy D.

“Susan presents both craft knowledge and creative skills training in her curriculum. I left understanding my own voice and appreciating the work of others.” WH

“Susan is a wealth of information and really cares about her students.”  Julie O.