PROMPTING ESSAYS

UPCOMING: 3/9 at 10 a.m. PST to 1 p.m. PST

One-day generative essay class, using food as a prompt and catalyst

My very first published essay was Eating to America. In it, I used my last meal in Iran and the foods of my new country as a natural scaffold for telling the story of my childhood immigration and assimilation. Since then, I’ve been keen on food essays — both as a reader and as a writer. Food gives us a great entry way into story by evoking memory. It’s tied to so many emotions from love to grief, and actions, from care to disorder. As such, it is a universally resonant subject.

In this one-day generative class, we’ll discuss different styles of food writing, which students will apply to focused writing periods during class. We’ll discuss points of entry and challenges, as well as opportunities for publication, and I’ll answer your questions!

This class is bigger than my usual 6 week courses, to give everyone a chance to participate, regardless of experience and skillset. My hope is that by the end of class you’ll not only be inspired but have the beginning of two essays you can expand.

This is a great class for anyone needing a little inspiration and community in these difficult times, whether you’re already published or brand new.

THE CLASS PRICE is a supported to supporting sliding:

$50 (supported)

$100 (class price)

$150 (supporting).

I ask that you choose the level that suits your personal financial abilities.

As always, the classes invite everyone, but are in particular a safe and nurturing space for queer and BIPOC participants.

TO SIGN UP (or if you have questions), please fill out this form.

(Below you’ll find info about my longer courses, testimonials and my bio)

ABOUT THE SIX WEEK CLASS

Prompting Essays is a course I developed to engage writers of all levels (really!!) with the two most essential tools to get you writing: Prompts and Deadlines.

Over the course of six weeks (on ZOOM), you’ll have the opportunity to write 5 personal essays, engage with inspiring literary works (assigned readings) and talk about all aspects of craft and career in a joyful, tender and supportive environment.

The classes, which primarily foster belonging, allow you to feel excited about your work and progress by taking out the pressure for perfection. Each writer is required to submit only a first, rough draft and the feedback you’ll receive will be encouraging, geared toward motivating further writing as opposed to shutting down the creative process with criticism.

In our sessions, you’ll engage in conversation around what you loved about each other’s work and discuss how you got into your own writing that week. In this process, we organically talk about craft. Additionally, we’ll often do a generative in-class writing exercise, giving you entry into an additional new piece.

This class is taught with an anti-racist, inclusive and community-building focus. I want you to feel comfortable and supported and have the opportunity to deeply connect with one another.

One of the writers who has taken this course several times has published two essays she worked on in class, another student submitted his first essay for publication and other writers have built accountability groups and writing groups beyond the class.

WRITER PROFILE

The class is open to all writers and usually has a great mix of BIPOC and queer writers in attendance. PEs sessions have included participants ranging in age from early 20s to late 60s and students have been based across the U.S., Europe, Central and South America and the Middle East.

LOVE FROM STUDENTS

“I love how Naz welcomes newbies and lifts up veterans of the craft. I found her to be one of the most wildly supportive creators. The entire world of writing is going to benefit from the community she is building.” — Leslie

“Prompting Essays transformed my relationship with writing and storytelling. Naz's nurturing yet direct approach emboldened me to explore my creativity after years of hesitation. Naz and the community we created together in class gave me the confidence to tell my story. Witnessing my classmates' vulnerability, humanity, and genius in their own creative process was a profound gift. Prompting Essays opened me up to a profound connection with myself through my own creative process.” — Caitlin

“The time spent in class feeds my soul and I think it’s the most important activity I do all week…Thank you, thank you, thank you!” — Victor

“Thank you so much for running such a great class the last 6 weeks! As a beginner, I really appreciated your gentle but constructive feedback every week and the community you created with everyone else taking the class! I was definitely coming from a place of "do I even know how to write/have anything to write about?" But I feel like the prompts and example essays were so hopeful in creating the right amount of structure to make it easier to just put pen to paper.” — Sarah

“Naz creates a warm, empowering atmosphere in her class that allows people to find their love for writing again. She is a great teacher and picks amazing readings that excited me throughout the week. I looked forward to every session. Recommended for any and all artists!” "— Pegah

“An absolute gem of a course, guided by a nurturing hand. Naz created the most supportive, enriching environment in the Prompting Essays class. Through her direction our group of writers found warmth, camaraderie, inspiration and kinship. I am in awe of Naz as a teacher and essayist and highly recommend this class for anyone looking to deepen their engagement with words, even if it feels scary at first. (This class) completely exceeded my wildest expectations — if only school had been this generative.” — Vera

“Prompting Essays with Naz gave me the courage to think of myself as a writer. In a short span of six classes, I learnt to tap deeper into myself than I had in years. It forced me to be honest and explore the creativity within myself. Watching my classmates be vulnerable, grow every week and share their stories with extreme honesty gave me the reassurance and support I needed. This class truly has the potential to change one’s life. “ — Neil

“I knew I wanted accountability and some guidance, what I got was 14 amazing , creative friends, 5 drafted essays, so much inspiration and learning. I would sign up again a million times over. Thank you Naz for building such a beautiful container for all of us.” — Payal

“Naz is the absolute best teacher. The class, the gathering of people from all over the world, Naz’s guidance and instruction, were a sanctuary.” "— Deb

“A true safe haven for writers of all kinds. Prompting Essays gave me permission to reclaim my own power and rediscover my voice.” — Devany

UPCOMING SESSIONS

on Zoom

Dates TBD (sign up to be on the list when classes are announced and released)

SIGNING UP

To sign up or if you have any questions, please fill out this form. Class sign up is first come first served. Once class fills up, you’ll be put on a wait list for openings and to be informed of future classes.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

My essays and stories have been published in Harper’s Bazaar, Longreads, Pipe Wrench, Food & Wine, Guernica, Los Angles Review of Books, Catapult and more. I was a finalist for the Best American Food Writing Anthology in 2020 and have received fellowships from Yaddo, the Jan Michalski Foundation and the Edward Albee Foundation. I have an MFA in Creative Writing from the New School. In addition, I’m an award-wining filmmaker and perform original works on stage. You can read my full bio here.