A braided essay is a powerful form of creative non-fiction. Think of a plait or braid such as a braided leather bracelet, lock of hair, or rug. Many materials can be used to create a braid—including stories. 

Imagine three (or more) scenes or stories that are different yet related. You then present your story by weaving sections related to the central theme or storyline. A braided essay is challenging yet fun to write and an effective way to share our stories.

Participants will learn a ‘clustering’ technique to generate story threads you will then weave together. You’ll also receive sample braided essays, discover how to create concepts, research specific aspects of your story to add depth and scope, and determine the best way to structure your stories. Each week will build on the previous week.

Note: the last hour of the last class will focus on market information—where and how to submit your stories!

Workshop dates and times:

Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. March 15, 22, 29 via Zoom

About Sandra

(photo credit: Sue Hutchins)

Sandra Phinney’s stories have appeared in over 70 publications, including Nature Canada, Canadian Geographic, and the Toronto Star, and she is a regular columnist for JourneyWoman.com.  Phinney has four non-fiction books. Currently, she is weaning away from writing for magazines and newspapers to focus on teaching, writing personal essays, and completing a book of essays, From Stillwaters to Floating Truths (Pottersfield Press, Spring 2025.) She has three more non-fiction books on the back burner.

In 2021, Phinney was the Literary Artist In Residence for four weeks at Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO site. During the winter of 2024, she mentored an emerging writer through the WFNS Alistair MacLeod Mentorship Program. Phinney lives off-grid on the Tusket River outside of Yarmouth, NS. In her spare time, you’ll find her paddling in the wilderness.

We gratefully acknowledge the sponsorship of: