Sheila Bender’s step-by-step lessons are imbued with her trademark warmth and clarity, as are her techniques for giving effective feedback and overcoming self-doubt. A book this good repairs the damages of a lot of bad teaching and should be a staple in every writer’s library. –Susan Bono, Publisher of Tiny Lights and Board Member of the Mendocino Writers’ Conference In this sensitive, sensible and clear-eyed book, Sheila Bender demystifies the art of the personal essay by breaking it down into lucid, learnable techniques. She invites both beginning and practiced writers to think carefully and consciously about what they do, why they do it and how they can do it more effectively. – Steven Winn, Author of Come Back, Winning the Heart of a Reluctant Dog In this newest edition of Sheila Bender’s classic work on writing the personal essay, she continues to share secrets that have given so many of her students the skills to become confident writers. Writing and Sharing Personal Essays • Powerful encouragement to write • Instructions for writing eight different kinds of personal essays • Special techniques for giving, receiving, and using first reader responses • Proven tips for getting your writing published Discover why new and experienced writers alike have named Sheila Bender one of the best writing teachers today.