WRITING 2100
Creative Nonfiction Writing 1
A course designed to introduce students to the fundamental craft elements involved in writing creative nonfiction. While the course will cover the major forms within the genre of creative nonfiction, including literary journalism, biography, profiles, nature writing and travel writing, special emphasis will be given to personal essay and memoir.
Instructors
Anton Disclafani, Frank, Heather McPherson, Kasey Grady, Kilcoyne, Maria Vertkin, Vertkin
Reviews
Super kind, super interesting class. The readings piqued my interests and I feel like came out of that class a better writer. Chill atmosphere and the whole class was able to crack jokes and have fun by the end of the semester. Writing assignments forced us to explore very cool topics (memory, truth, etc...). Totally 100% recommend taking CNF 1.
4/23/2025
Maria was great in CNF 1, the reading list they curated was interesting and never something I\'d read before. They encouraged everyone to write a ton and share with the weekly "flash" essays, which was scary at first, but I grew around and loved it. Their constant positivity and unique criticism made me think about my writing in ways I hadn\'t before
12/29/2023
Really amazing class with a really amazing professor. It felt like the focus wasn't on grades and instead on writing and learning, which is how it should be in every classroom. We read and analyzed moving pieces and created our own, and we were given really helpful feedback. She truly cares about each student and is very approachable.
5/27/2023
Syd is a grad student and was my absolute favorite teacher I have had at WashU. She shared some amazing writing pieces with us, we had the best conversations, and she gave amazing feedback. I loved the opportunity to write more and read some amazing pieces. I looked forward to her class so much that it got me out of bed for a 10 am!
1/9/2023
Heather is very helpful in her feedback and gives interesting readings, but gives a TON of writing assignments. I knew this was a writing class, but did not anticipate how much of a time commitment this class would be. She usually assigns an essay a week. Only take if you're willing to write a LOT.
6/23/2014
Fantastic professor. Extremely engaging, nice and funny. Her criticisms are always constructive, and tend to be extremely insightful. Couldn't ask much more of a writing professor.
4/23/2014