Writing Women’s Lives
with Rachel Sherman
In this intimate, generative workshop, we’ll create space to reflect on our lived experiences as women—emotionally, culturally, politically—and learn how to shape those stories into powerful personal narratives. Together, we’ll look at how other women have written about their lives through memoir, biography, and fiction, so you can begin to unlock your own voice on the page.
In the first four weeks, we’ll explore published works, write together, and reflect on the themes, structures, and challenges of writing about womanhood. You’ll receive verbal feedback during class discussions and writing exercises, and be encouraged to draw connections between your life and the lives of other women, past and present. In the second half of the course, we’ll shift into a workshop format where you’ll share a longer piece for written feedback from me and in-depth discussion with your peers.
By the end of the course, you’ll leave with a polished personal narrative or biographical work-in-progress—and a deeper sense of the art of writing about your and other women’s experiences, with voice, empathy, and purpose.
Who This Course is For
This course is designed for anyone who identifies as a woman and wants to explore or refine their storytelling craft. It is ideal for writers working in memoir, personal essay, or fiction who are interested in telling women’s stories with honesty and nuance.
Learning and Writing Goals
Learning Goals
- Analyze and interpret storytelling techniques used in writing about women’s experiences.
- Develop confidence in giving and receiving constructive feedback in a workshop environment.
- Deepen your voice and storytelling skills through regular writing practice and revision.
- Explore the boundaries between personal truth and narrative craft.
Writing Goals
- Produce a collection of short writing pieces and one longer, polished personal narrative or biographical piece.
- Experiment with new narrative techniques, structures, and points of view.
- Practice meaningful revision based on instructor and peer feedback.
Zoom Schedule
We will meet on Zoom each week on Wednesdays from 7-9PM Eastern.
Weekly Syllabus
Week 1: Entering the Conversation
Introduction to the course and themes of writing women’s lives. We will read short excerpts and begin writing exercises to explore our identities and storytelling instincts.
Assignment: Write a 500-word narrative about a moment when you first realized you were seen (or not seen) as a woman.
Week 2: The Body as Story
How do we write about the body—its strength, pain, change, and memory? We’ll explore physicality and embodiment in writing.
Assignment: A personal vignette that centers on the body as a character or site of conflict (750 words)
Week 3: Inheritance and Lineage
We examine how family, culture, and legacy shape our identities and our stories. Who do we write for—and against?
Assignment: Create a short piece inspired by a family photograph or inherited object (750 words)
Week 4: Voice and Vulnerability
How do we balance vulnerability with power in our storytelling? What makes a voice compelling, authentic, and brave?
Assignment: Draft a 1,000-word personal essay or fictionalized memoir piece exploring a moment of transformation.
Week 5: Workshop I – Building the Longer Narrative
We transition into workshop mode. Students submit their first drafts for feedback and discussion. Focus is on structure, clarity, and emotional resonance.
Assignment: Submit a 1,200–1,500 word piece for workshop by the end of Week 4.
Week 6: Workshop II – Expanding the Frame
We continue with workshop. Discussion will include questions of pacing, character development, and layering of narrative.
Assignment: Revise your piece based on feedback or begin a second submission (1,200–1,800 words)
Week 7: Workshop III – Revisiting Form and Feedback
Exploration of experimental structures or alternate points of view. Emphasis on revision and deeper emotional layers.
Assignment: Submit a second revision or a new piece (if desired). Prepare a short reflection (250 words) on your writing process so far.
Week 8: Celebration and Reflection
Final workshop, reflection, and next steps. Students will share excerpts and discuss what they’ve learned and where their work might go from here.
Assignment: Submit a final, revised personal narrative or biographical piece (1,500–2,000 words). Write a one-page author’s note discussing your revisions and discoveries.
$545.00Enroll Now
Student Feedback for Rachel Sherman:
Rachel Sherman is an incredible editor and book consultant. She helped me shape my memoir, Replacement Child, and I am grateful that I found her at exactly the right time in my writing process. Rachel is proficient at taking a broad brush view of a story as well as digging in to the technical fine-points of writing. On top of that, she is a pleasure to work with and ever sensitive to our writers thin skin. Judy Mandel
When I completed the first draft of my debut novel, The Takeaway Men (SparkPress, August 2020), I hired Rachel Sherman to take a look at my work. Of course, I was very nervous, since this was uncharted territory for me. My experience with Rachel overcame my trepidation and exceeded my expectations. I was so delighted the way she offered constructive criticism in a kind and supportive way. Her edits, comments and suggestions — from dialogue, to description, to character and plot — all helped me to craft a better book. At all times, she was kind, considerate, and encouraging. Her assistance and support empowered and inspired me. Meryl Ain
My debut story collection Last of Her Name would not have been possible without Rachel’s early encouragement and guidance. She gave invaluable feedback on individual stories and helped me form what would be the first iteration of my manuscript. Her notes were always succinct and insightful, and made me excited—and hopeful!—about my writing. Mimi Lok
August 13, 2025
Length: 8 Weeks
Open to AllText and Live Video
Zoom sessions Wednesdays 7-9PM Eastern
$545.00
$545.00Enroll Now
