Writing the Story of You
A 9-month program
Beginning February 10, 2026
Online
With Lauren Chambliss and Trebbe Johnson
Personal narrative, whether written for family and friends or a broad audience, requires creating content that delights the senses and highlights the most compelling threads of the story.
Lauren Chambliss and Trebbe Johnson are two widely-published authors who have mastered the art of taking writing from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
With their personalized slate of tips, techniques, and tools, you will access your creativity and upgrade your writing skills to turn your ideas and drafts into publishable work, whether in the form of an article, essay, or book. Optional nature-based practices between sessions will help you deepen into your unfolding story.
We will cover:
• Finding your focus, including identifying your audience
• Using dynamic, evocative and active language
• Embedding pacing, flow and rhythm, including transitions
• Punchy titles and subtitles
• Effective use of literary devices, such as symbolism, imagery, metaphor, and personification
• How-tos of traditional or self-publishing, including writing proposals
• Editing your own work
• Engaging with your content; recognizing the up-and-downs of your particular creative process
• Understanding the pros and cons of using AI
• and more
Program includes:
• Nine, two-hour online sessions, the second Tuesday of every month, starting February 10, 2026.
• Recorded online sessions, in case you miss one.
• Each of the nine experiential sessions will be devoted to learning and practicing a different skill, with handouts and activities to expand your experience between sessions.
• Two individualized editing sessions with Trebbe or Lauren
Cost:
$1,200.00
Send a $200 non-refundable deposit required to hold a space. Payment plans are available. Contact Trebbe or Lauren for further information. Venmo @ELChambliss or if you would prefer to write a check, contact elc55@cornell.edu for address. Balance due January 10, 2026
Facilitators
Lauren Chambliss is a lifelong published journalist, creative nonfiction writer, soul explorer, and compassionate guide who finds deep joy in helping others bring their stories to life. She recently retired from teaching writing at Cornell University and now devotes her time to creating rich, accessible resources that empower people to shape their lived experiences—whether rooted in family history, soulful reflection, or personal journey—into meaningful, publishable work.
Trebbe Johnson is the author of many articles and essays and five books, most recently Fierce Consciousness: Surviving the Sorrows of Earth and Self. Trebbe has camped alone in the Arctic wilderness; studied classical Indian dance; and worked as an artist’s model, a street sweeper in an English village, and an award-winning multimedia producer. She has led contemplative journeys in a clear-cut forest, at Ground Zero in New York City, and with military veterans.