How to write about yourself and connect emotionally: SFJ award winners share tips at virtual event on Dec. 12
Photo collage from left: Alexandra Rain, Théoden Janes and Janelle Harris Dixon
From left: Alexandra Rain, Théoden Janes and Janelle Harris Dixon will join SFJ board member Stefanie Loh in a virtual conversation about writing in first person on Dec. 12.
The Society for Features Journalism launched a new contest category in 2023 for “Best First-Person Narrative or Essay,” and now we’re celebrating it at a special free virtual event.
Please join us for an hourlong conversation with three of our winning essay writers — Théoden Janes of The Charlotte Observer, Alexandra Rain of Deseret News and Janelle Harris Dixon of Shondaland — about why they chose to go personal, how they made their winning works so effective and what you stand to gain by giving it a try. Details:
DATE: Tuesday, Dec. 12
TIME: 2 p.m. ET; 1 p.m. CT; 11 a.m. PT
ZOOM LINK:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89934476389?pwd=M0RDeC8vNWd2T042d3JVYm84ck0rZz09
Here are our panelists’ winning essays:
As a baby, I was left on a street by ... someone. As an adult, I tried to figure out why, by Théoden Janes. (First place winner, Division 2 for publications with circulation between 90,000 and 199,999)
The prodigal mother: Amid the detritus of her mother’s addiction, the author finds solace in the life she lost, by Alexandra Rain. (First place winner, Division 1 for publications with circulation up to 90,000)
Love Stories: Our Love Taught Me Anything Is Possible, by Janelle Harris Dixon. (Honorable mention, Division 3 for publications with circulation of 200,000 and up and for digital-only organizations)
The discussion will be moderated by SFJ board member Stefanie Loh, the assistant managing editor overseeing features at The Seattle Times.
The conversation will cover questions such as:
When does an essay make sense, and what can it accomplish that a reported story can’t?
How can essay writers make their stories universal and not just about themselves?
How scary is it to craft a first-person essay and share a deeply personal story with a world of strangers?
If you're feeling fear, does that mean you're on the right track?
Please save the date, time and Zoom link and join us for this event. We can’t wait to see you on Dec. 12!