by Writing Workshops Staff
2 weeks ago

At WritingWorkshops.com, we take pride in sharing our alumni's successes. Today, we're delighted to highlight Michelle Tamara Cutler, who published two powerful personal essays following her participation in our Personal Essay Workshops.
Michelle, a narrative screenwriter with a visual arts background, joined both our Introductory and Advanced Personal Essay Workshops led by Diana Spechler. These experiences helped her refine her already considerable writing talents, leading to several notable publications.
Her essay "My Aunt Was Found Dead in Her Home. My Search to Find Out Why Led Me to a Tragic Truth," published in HuffPost Personal, represents a particularly significant achievement. This deeply moving piece explores themes that form the foundation of Michelle's memoir-in-progress. The impact of this work has been so substantial that HuffPost has invited Michelle to create TikTok content about the essay, helping her build momentum as she prepares to query agents with her nonfiction book proposal.
Another of Michelle's standout publications, "Michigan: A Divorce Story," appeared in Longridge Review. This piece holds special significance as her first published essay and earned recognition as a finalist for the Barnhill Prize for Creative Nonfiction, judged by acclaimed writer Sonja Livingston.
Michelle's impressive writing portfolio extends beyond these works, with additional pieces appearing in Business Insider and flash nonfiction features in Under the Gum Tree and Hunger Mountain Review.
With a diploma in Advanced Creative Writing: Nonfiction from Cambridge University and an MFA in Film from New York University, Michelle brings a unique perspective to her writing. She divides her time between Southern California and southern Spain, finding inspiration in both locations.
We're honored to have played a small role in Michelle's creative journey and look forward to following her continued success. To learn more about her work, visit her author website or connect with her on Instagram.
Have you participated in our workshops or retreats? Share your publishing journey with us for a chance to be featured in our alumni spotlight!