The Difference Between Essays, Creative Nonfiction & Memoir with Jocelyn Jane Cox (Zoom)

Prose writers drawing from their personal experiences have a variety of structures to choose from: Personal Essays, Creative Nonfiction (CNF), Memoir, and even Autofiction. This class will explore the nuanced differences between these genres and how they also overlap. We will discuss both longform and shorter structures, including micro, flash, and hermit crab. Participants will come away with a better understanding of how these types of personal writing overlap, and what publications accept these kinds of submissions. Writing exercises/prompts that engage various forms will be provided. This generative class is designed for seasoned writers, writers trying to get unstuck, and those who are getting started.

BIO

Jocelyn Jane Cox is the author of the award-winning memoir MOTION DAZZLE (Vine Leaves Press, 2025). Her personal essays, creative nonfiction, and humor have appeared in publications like The New York Times, Slate, Boston Globe, Newsweek, The Offing, The Colorado Review, and Belladonna Comedy. Her nonfiction…