Tell it in 400 Words (with Oregon Humanities)

What makes a mini essay truly compelling? How do you distill an important memory or life experience into just 400 words while keeping the narrative arc, stakes, and emotional resonance intact?

Join Write Around Portland and Oregon Humanities for a free 90-minute writing circle on writing short-form personal narrative. Oregon Humanities' Posts section is dedicated to short, narrative essays built around personal stories and anecdotes. Guided by Write Around Portland facilitator and Oregon Humanities editor Alexandra Silvester, we'll explore this economical form and how a tight word limit can help to sharpen focus and heighten emotional impact.

We'll analyze examples of past successful Posts, use creative writing prompts, and draft original work. Following the circle, participants will have the opportunity to submit a draft for consideration in the Winter issue of Oregon Humanities magazine, centered on the theme "Passage."

This program is free to attend, but advanced registration is required.

Facilitated by Alexandra Silvester

Creative Writing for All

The hardest part about writing is simply getting started. Join us to get some writing done!

Get delightfully messy

No writing experience required! Led by a Write Around Portland volunteer facilitator, Freewrite consists of freewriting to a set time limit inspired by prompts, with an opportunity to share. (Sharing is optional!)

Unlock Your Creativity

Freewrite sessions are 90 minutes long. Your facilitator will give you prompts to inspire your work, but feel free to write whatever you want!

Contact the host of Freewrite In-Person Writing Circle: Tell it in 400 Words (with Oregon Humanities)