The Art of Turning Your Most Difficult Stories into Prose

For those writing a novel or memoir, this course delves into the art and craft of writing about hard things.

You are invited to participate in Writing About Hard Things with David Rocklin.

During this course, you’ll explore the craft of turning difficult stories into meaningful work that connects deeply with readers. You’ll also get extensive personal feedback on your writing. 

In addition to the personal feedback on your work, David Rocklin will also introduce you to the techniques and craft elements integral to writing meaningful stories about hard things, including:

  • How the structure of your story can support the "weight" of a difficult topic, while also making it easier to connect with your readers
  • How (and when) to fully inhabit the moments you are writing about, and when to step back and observe them from a distance. (So your writing can have clarity and impact.)
  • How context profoundly affects your own experience as a writer and the experience you’re sharing with readers

You’ll also learn from examples by authors of acclaimed memoir and fiction, including Stephanie Foo, Ursula Leguin, Anne Patchett, and Sandra Cisneros, among many others.

This course is about the power and importance of your voice. It's about giving you clarity and confidence in your work. It's about helping you – if you choose – to bring your story out into the world.

You'll work with David closely throughout the course, getting extensive feedback on your writing as you move through the process of turning your story into a manuscript. Each week, you will have the opportunity to share your writing with David. He'll then respond with detailed feedback, and you'll be encouraged to engage in a discussion by replying with your thoughts and questions.

Each week includes feedback on a different aspect of your story, including your main character, two different scenes, and, in the final week, ten pages from your manuscript.

The course starts on Monday, October 26th and ends on Friday, November 20th, 2026. For those who need extra time, you will have a full six months to submit work for feedback. You will also be welcome to attend office hours and live events with our alumni community after the course is officially over, so you can stay part of our community and get support as you continue to write your story.

Because of the extensive personal feedback in this course, enrollment is strictly limited to 20 students. Once the course is filled, we will immediately close enrollment.

If you are planning on joining this course, I urge you to enroll right away.

Enroll Now for $625 $525 (Early Bird Tuition)

About David Rocklin

David Rocklin is the author of the novels The Luminist and Foreword award-winning The Night Language. His latest novel, The Electric Love Song of Fleischl Berger, was published in May 2024.

He is also the author of The Write Formula: 12 Weeks from Concept to Completion, a comprehensive craft book offering guidance, inspiration and practical advice on all aspects of fiction writing, including the generation and expansion of ideas, character and plot structure, setting and POV choices, outlining and revision strategy, and navigating criticism and rejection.

David's Los Angeles-based reading series, Roar Shack, is one of the city's longest running and is considered an inclusive hub within the L.A. literary community. David has led workshops, spoken on panels, and been interviewed in numerous publications. He's looking forward to buying your book!

David Rocklin Author Photo

FAQ

  • Is this course appropriate for memoir? What about fiction?

    This course is designed with both fiction and memoir in mind. Many authors spend significant time thinking about the best way to present their story, and choosing between memoir and fiction is often part of the process.

  • How is the course structured?

    The course is designed to be flexible, to fit a wide variety of schedules and timezones.

    Each week during the course, you will gain access to five lessons you can complete on your own time. Each lesson comes with optional discussion with David and the class.

    At the end of each week, you can also send one "assignment" for feedback from David. He will send his feedback via email, and you're encouraged to reply with any questions you have.

    For those who need extra time, you are allowed a full six months to complete the course and send your work for feedback.

  • How many students will be allowed to enroll?

    Because of the intense level of personal feedback offered by David, we are limiting enrollment to 20 participants. As soon as we reach that number, we will immediately close enrollment.

What Writers Say About Working with David

“David's thoughtful and incisive editing work, including deep thematic and structural guidance lifted my manuscript from a teetering new draft to a polished, well-developed one. David is the perfect editor who lasers in on areas that need clarification and development, but is also respectful of the author's intentions. ”

Sandra Hunter, author of Trip Wires, Small Change, and Losing Touch

“David Rocklin was everything I hoped for and more. He teaches and inspires. He challenges and supports. His method strikes the perfect balance of preparation and intuition, yet somehow feels designed specifically for you. I left with new confidence in my craft and the writing rhythm I’d always imagined was possible. And I have been writing away ever since.”

Sarah Martin

“I wholeheartedly recommend David Rocklin's editorial services. He provides deep thematic and structural feedback on your process and gives valuable direction to your efforts. His compassionate guidance on how your work communicates to the reader is vital to both beginning and seasoned writers alike. ”

Aruni Wijesinghe, author of 2 Revere Place

Enroll Now

Enrollment is strictly limited to 20 participants.
The Early Bird Tuition is available until October 19th or until the course fills.