Reading for Writers: James Baldwin

Most writers read a lot. But reading isn’t enough; you need to study great writing. This workshop is a chance to analyze and understand how he does it. What’s the structure of the workshop? The specific essay we'll be reading will be shared close to the date! Together, we'll break down the storytelling structure, the literary techniques, and the format. We’ll reverse-engineering what turns a good idea into a piece of writing people can't stop reading and sharing. You'll leave with: A clearer sense of what makes a great personal essay A method for using personal stories to carry a broader message An understanding of how to shape a personal essay for Substack and online readers Who is this for? Anyone who writes personal essays Writers on Substack or anywhere online Anyone who wants to get better at nonfiction writing Details This is an in-person workshop in NYC. We're keeping it intimate at 15 people. Spots are limited. If you're serious about your writing, you won’t want to miss this! About the Facilitator James Q is a former computer engineer turned writer and community organizer. He left his job in tech to pursue writing and community full-time. He’s been writing online since 2020 and now writes personal essays about becoming, relationships, and creativity on his Substack. Through Olive Tree Writing Club, the community he founded, he's hosted over 100+ writing events in New York City. Personal Website | Substack What's OTWC? Olive Tree Writing Club is a New York City-based writing community founded on the belief that writing is thinking. Since 2022, they've hosted 100+ events for 1,000+ writers, spanning weekly writing sessions, workshops, retreats, and community gatherings. Website | Substack | Instagram *By signing up for the event you will also be subscribed OTWC's weekly newsletter for future event updates.