Live Lectures take place weekly on Mondays from 7–9pm Eastern via Zoom
Educating the public on aspects of death, dying, grief, loss and healing is vital. Writing with compassion and clarity can overcome the public's fear and negative presumptions about deathwork.
This 7-week writing course will focus on ways students can engage and educate the public through 12 different options: local news articles, feature pieces, opinion pieces, press releases, book reviews, public speaking, blog posts, website updates, interviews, columns, speeches and essays. Taught by journalist, syndicated columnist, and author Suzette Martinez Standring, students will learn from someone who’s done it before. Real-life examples illustrate unique aspects of writing for different outlets and in different forms. Classes will cover how to write compelling content for personal and professional purposes and how to pitch story ideas to editors. Gain insights into voice, viewpoint, and language. Receive feedback and enjoy the space to write. Participants can expect to leave with a confident grasp on how to create fact-based and engaging content. All experience levels welcome, and no writing background is required. Each live lecture includes a presentation, time to write and discussion. Lectures are recorded.
Participants can expect to leave with a confident grasp on how to create fact-based and engaging content. All experience levels welcome, and no writing background is required. Each live lecture includes a presentation, time to write, and discussion. Lectures are recorded so you can watch them later.
Meet Your Professor: Suzette Martinez Standring (she/her)
Welcome! A Note from Cole Imperi
About the School of American Thanatology
Where We're From
Course Syllabus - Writing for Death Educators - 7 Week Series
Live Lecture | Monday, July 11 from 7–9pm Eastern
Discussion: Introduce Yourself
About the Course Project - The Final Assignment
Lecture Topic: Websites, Blogs and Best Professional Practices, Advance Reading + Assignment Work
Personal Website Piece | Due before July 18
Week 1: Presentation Slides
Zoom Lecture Recording | July 11 | Websites, Blogs and "Putting Yourself Out There"
Live Lecture | Monday, July 18 from 7–9pm Eastern
Lecture Topic: Feature Writing + Advanced Reading + Assignment
Feature Article | Due before July 25
Week 2: Presentation Slides
Zoom Lecture Recording | July 18 | Feature Writing
Live Lecture | Monday, July 25 from 7–9pm Eastern
Class 3: Lecture Topic: Interview Techniques, Q&A, Profiles - Advance Reading + Assignment
Profile or Q&A | Due before August 1
Join Our Community!
Week 3: Presentation Slides
Zoom Lecture Recording | July 25 | Interview Techniques, Q&A Format Pieces, and Profiles
Live Lecture | Monday, August 1 from 7–9pm Eastern
Lecture Topic: Queries to Editors and How to Write a Press Release - Advance Reading + Assignment
Assignment | Due before August 8
Week 4: Presentation Slides
Zoom Lecture Recording | August 1 | Queries to Editors and How to Write a Press Release
Live Lecture | Monday, August 8 from 7–9pm Eastern
Lecture Topic: Book Reviews, How an Article You Write Could Lead to Book Authorship
Case Study: Cole Imperi
Assignment | Due before August 15
Week 5: Presentation Slides
Zoom Lecture Recording | August 8 | How to Write a Book Review, and How an Article You Write Could Lead To Book Authorship
Live Lecture | Monday, August 15 from 7–9pm Eastern
Lecture Topic: Public Speaking and Speech Writing - Advance Reading + Assignment
Assignment | Due before August 22
Week 6: Presentation Slides
Zoom Lecture Recording | August 15 | Speech Writing
Live Lecture | Monday, August 22 from 7–9pm Eastern
Lecture Topic: Personal Essays and Columns for Publication - Advance Reading
Week 7: Presentation Slides
Zoom Lecture Recording | August 22 | Personal Essays and Columns
Final Assignment due Monday, August 29, 2022 - No Extensions
Exit Survey
Read: A Final Note from Suzette
Students have the option to pay all at once or over 3 payments. Enrollment is limited. We look forward to having you in class!
$399.00
Regular price
3 x $133.00
Payment Plan
Syndicated Columnist and Published Author
Yes! Live Lectures with Suzette take place each Monday from 7–9pm Eastern via Zoom. If you miss one, that's ok! Lectures are recorded so you can watch them later.
Yes! There will be time during each live lecture for writing, and a one-page writing assignment is due at the end of the course. The writing assignment is optional: if you want Suzette's feedback, or you would like a course certificate of completion, you will want to turn this in! Each Monday, the class will include a presentation, writing time and time for discussion.
This course is appropriate for all levels and backgrounds. People who may be interested and benefit from this course include: • Content creators writing for national, local, specialty, and personal publications about death, dying, grief, loss, and healing. • Aspiring writers looking to expand their writing skills from a journalistic point of view. Healthcare and deathcare professionals looking to educate the public and their clientele on topics, expertise, and services pertinent to their work. • Writers who want to broaden their subject base to expand their business opportunities. The skills acquired in this course can translate to any industry. No prior experience needed.
Yes! Live Lectures take place via Zoom. There may be breakout sessions (small, intimate groups) where you can meet other classmates and talk about what you're working on. There is also a private school-community you will be invited to join.
Yes! Please see the course outline above which will give you insight into all the different tools and techniques Suzette will share with you.