Led by Mira Ptacin, the author of the award-winning memoir Poor Your Soul (Soho Press, 2016), which was named a best book of the year by Kirkus Books, where it received a rare “starred” review. She’s also the author of the genre-blending book of feminist history, memoir, and ethnography, The In-Betweens: The Spiritualists, Mediums, and Legends of Camp Etna (Liveright-W.W. Norton, 2019), which the New York Times lauded as the best book to read during a pandemic. Mira’s writing frequently appears in the New York Times, New York Times Book Review, Vogue, Poets and Writers, Harper’s, Tin House, LitHub, and more. She received her MFA from Sarah Lawrence College, where she was editor-at-large of their literary magazine, LUMINA. Mira lives on Peaks Island, Maine, and is currently working on her next book. 

Read an Interview with Mira on The Geography of Loss and Writing Through Grief's Terrain.

Grief is a journey without a map. It shifts and changes shape, often defying words—but writing can help us navigate its terrain. Through storytelling, we can honor what we have lost, hold space for our emotions, and begin to understand the many ways love and longing intertwine.

This four-week workshop is a space for those carrying grief, whether from the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or another life-altering transition. Guided by Mira Ptacin, we will use creative expression to explore memory, absence, and healing. There is no right or wrong way to write about grief—only a willingness to put thoughts to paper in whatever form feels true.

Each week, we will read a short nonfiction piece that explores loss from a unique perspective, followed by discussions and flash nonfiction writing prompts. Each session will center around a distinct theme, focusing on both craft techniques and emotional depth.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Week 1: Finding Words for What We Carry: Grief is deeply personal, yet universally felt. This week, we will explore how writers have captured the intangible weight of loss and reflect on our own experiences through writing.

Reading: "The Fourth State of Matter" by Jo Ann Beard, "Letter from Home" by Kiese Laymon

Week 2: The Shape of Absence: What remains when something—or someone—is gone? This week, we will examine how grief reshapes our lives, memories, and identities, and how writing can give form to what feels like a giant blobfish.

Reading: "Now We Are Five" by David Sedaris,  "Kindness and Sorrow"  by Laurie Easter

Week 3: Conversations with the Past: Grief is not only about endings—it is also about the continuing presence of what has been lost. This week, we will explore how memory, reflection, and even imagined conversations can help us connect with our past.

Reading: excerpt from "Time is a Mother" by Ocean Vuong,

Week 4: Writing Toward Healing: While grief never fully leaves us, creative expression can help us move forward with greater understanding and compassion. This final week, we will reflect on the role of storytelling in healing and transformation.

Reading: "The Limit" by Christian Wiman

COURSE TAKEAWAYS:

By the end of our time together, you will have written up to five flash nonfiction pieces on grief and memory, gained insight from others who have walked a similar path, and discovered how writing can serve as both a vessel for sorrow and a source of solace. This workshop is not about fixing or moving on—it’s about honoring what we feel, giving it space, words, and meaning.

REQUIREMENTS:

This class will be a mixture of lectures, readings, discussions, and critique and will require active engagement in all of the above.

TESTIMONIALS:

“I encourage writers of all levels to take class with Mira. Our class had writers with MFAs and dozens of books as well as writers who simply wanted help trying to find the right words. Mira’s thoughtfully designed coursework, readings and assignments, combined with her warmth, encouragement, and enthusiasm, made our class a place where students felt a sense of belonging, and where everyone could take risks. Our class has ended, but everyone wants to stay together and keep writing. Mira’s magic fosters that sense of community. Her expertise elevates everyone’s work.” —Jennie Burke

"I met Mira while taking her Flash Nonfiction class and was immediately taken with her approach. She balanced fun and warmth with soft honesty and thoughtful guidance. She was responsive to one-on-one outreach and was more than happy to meet with me again after class had ended. What's more, she introduced me to some of her publishing contacts. I can't wait for the next opportunity to take one of Mira's classes." -Jennifer C.

“Mira’s skill at creating a safe and open space for writing and sharing is unlike any class I have taken. She has an arsenal of unique, generative prompts; endless source material; and unlimited inspiration from her own life (and our lives!). I come away from each class with a flowering list of things to write, research, and read. Mira understands how to appreciate and talk about details in writing and to guide the class in sequence with generous and helpful critique. She is an ace at leading discussions which never feel rushed. She manages the class time so that everyone is heard and encouraged. I highly recommend this empathetic and whip smart teacher. Happy bonus: she is as cool as heck. As a professional writer, I was looking for an awakening about my craft and my career. I got more than I bargained for: a gentle nudge, a kick in the pants, and a warm embrace. Writers at any level would be lucky to attend one of Mira’s workshops.” —Laura Dower, author of more than 150 children’s books from Penguin, Capstone, Macmillan, Scholastic, Disney, and other publishers

“Mira’s micro-memoir class is powerful and empowering! Mira’s teaching has consistently helped me access my most true creative voice. Her prompts are pitch perfect—just the right balance of open-ended and focused. I come away from my time with her a wiser writer and full of inspiration. Mira’s feedback is encouraging and thoughtful; she’s authentically respectful, erudite, and has an infectious passion for the mot juste." —Polly Duff Kertis, writer and teacher.

“Mira is magical. I’ve taken a number of her workshops, and even had the fabulous good luck to study with her in Paris last year. I continue to be blown away by her effervescence, creativity, and the absolute joy she brings to each workshop. Her prompts are thoughtful and imaginative, and her insights are invaluable. Plus, she is simply the warmest, most encouraging and talented writer and teacher I have ever known. You will walk away from her class with renewed enthusiasm and love for the craft of writing. I cannot wait to take another workshop with her!” —Kristin Perpignano, writer and graphic designer

“It’s rare to come across a short writing class that leaves a long mark on my soul, but Mira’s did. Her prompts during class were unique, ones I’d not heard or written around before. And her gentle invitation for each of us to read aloud (if we wanted) led us to a place of unexpected closeness as a group of otherwise strangers. By the end of two hours, I couldn’t wait to read more of my classmates’ words, to give more time to the essay-lets I generated in class, and to sign up for more Mira. Time and money very, very well spent.” —Nikki Campo, writer.

"If you want to improve your writing, follow these steps: sign up for a class with Mira Ptacin, then do what she says. It’s that simple. Before enrolling in Mira’s class, I struggled to write anything personal, whether a short paragraph or a ten-page essay. I was timid, reserved, and uncomfortable sharing in public. Thankfully, Mira’s teaching completely changed my mindset. Through her technical skill, knowledge of the memoir genre, and unyielding empathy, she helped me break from my cocoon and share my story with the world. She is, without a doubt, the best writing teacher I’ve ever had. I can’t recommend her classes highly enough." —Matt Rocha, journalist

“I will read anything Mira writes. Her words have the same effect as stepping into a hot bath, after standing under a spotlight — she calls attention to what ails us (often before other writers have dared to do so) and then says, here is how I am healing myself; how we can heal ourselves. She is also the rare writer who is as good a teacher (and finds teaching to be a calling) as she is a writer. She will forever be your champion and cheerleader and sounding board, and you will leave her classes feeling seen and invigorated and a little more sure of your creative worth. She’s a gift.” —Michelle Koufopoulos, writer and former Riverhead Books editor 

"I so enjoyed Mira Ptacin's Writing as Catharsis: Flash Memoir workshop. Mira is a fabulous leader/teacher/moderator for the group. The community of writers we had was an amazing group. And Mira's writing prompts were excellent." -former student

"Mira Ptacin's Micro-Memoir workshop was great. The readings and the prompts were excellent, and Mira's energy and enthusiasm really added to the class. One of my favorite classes!" -former student

ONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:

This class meets weekly via Zoom. Come prepared for a super fun class with live interaction on Zoom each week and plenty of writing, reading, and talking.

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Tuition is $299. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.

• Instructor: Mira Ptacin
  
• Begins Monday, June 2nd, 2025
• Class will meet weekly via Zoom for 2 Hours on Mondays starting at 6:00PM - 8:00PM Eastern
• Tuition is $299.

Contact us HERE if you have any questions about this class.