braided essay examples

Nicole Walker

Braided Essays

I turned the talk I gave last year in Melbourne into an essay for Creative Nonfiction magazine . Now, I’m kind of obsessed with braided essays and am looking forward to working with my colleague, Gretchen Younghans, who teaches at Flag High. As part of the Alpine program, she and I and a few grad students are taking her Alpine students out to Clear Creek Reservoir to kayak and write.

I suggested we do a braided essay exercise where the students make observations about the tiny things, the mosquito hawks on the surface of the water, the kinds of graffiti on the rocks, the spinning leaves, the wind broken trees. Then, when we take a break for lunch, the students will use their observations as one thread of their essay. Then, they’ll switch to writing a personal narrative that uses scene and dialogue to really root us in their experience–they could write about their emotional experience being on the lake, they could write about a past memory of another lake, they could write about their childhood kitchen or the time they dropped their school lunch on the lunchroom floor and everyone laughed. After five minutes of personal narrative, we’ll ask them to return to their “research,” again dispassionately describing what they saw. Then, after five minutes, we’ll ask them to return to their personal story finishing, for now, this process.

In revision, what the students might discover is how certain word choices, images, or motifs appear in all four sections. To make those synchronicities stronger, the students can emphasize them by writing a little more, and a little more slowly, around those repeated moments. They can change some words so more words do repeat. And, they can see how, by putting these two seemingly random stories together, they learned more about themselves and the place they visited by pressing the two so closely together.

In order to give the students a sense of what these essays might finally look like, here are some examples.

Brenda Miller’s Swerve

Lee Ann Roripaugh’s The Wardrobe’s Best Dressed

Nicole Walker’s Superfluidity

Matthew Komatsu’s When We Played

The above essays show how moving from topic to topic between paragraphs can provide multiple perspectives on the same topic like a prism. The following essays, though longer, provide that true braid where the back and forth phenomenon leads to a new and integrated understanding of the subject.

Chelsea Biondolillo’s How to Skin a Bird

Nicole Walker’s Abundance and Scarcity

Joann Beard’s The Fourth State of Matter

Eula Biss’s Time and Distance Overcome

Braided Essay: Student Guidelines & Examples

Icon Calendar 15 September 2024
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As a literary form, a braided essay is unique for its distinctive ability to weave together multiple narrative strands or threads (from 2 to 4 on average), creating a new and complex piece of ideas and themes. Basically, this structure is crucial in academic writing for its ability to explore topics from various angles. In a braided essay, each strand or thread, such as a personal anecdote, historical analysis, or theoretical exploration, maintains its distinctive role and perspective, and it is connected to other elements, creating a harmonious and coherent whole work. Further on, such a writing method is effective in illustrating how different elements can be connected to each other, indicating new layers of meaning and understanding. By following a linear narrative style dominant in traditional academic essays, a braided writing structure enables a more holistic and reflective exploration of subjects. As a result, this form of writing also engages readers actively, compels them to draw connections between various strands or threads, and promotes a more engaged and critical approach to reading and interpretation.

What Is a Braided Essay and Its Purpose

According to its definition, a braided essay is a distinctive literary form of writing characterized by an interweaving of several narratives or threads of thought (from 2 to 4 on average), much like strands in a braid. For example, the main purpose of writing a braided essay is to allow an author to explore complex ideas and emotions in a non-linear fashion, offering different perspectives that converge to create a cohesive whole (Miller & Wade, 2021). Basically, each strand or thread in a braided essay stands as a self-contained narrative, claim, or argument. Further on, for authors, the purpose of using a braided narrative structure is to connect different themes from multiple perspectives, leading to a new understanding of topics under analysis (Girgensohn, 2023). In principle, a braided essay structure can follow not only a linear narrative writing format but also a more complex arrangement that reflects various connections to life experiences and ideas. Moreover, a braiding technique enables people to use personal anecdotes with scholarly research or historical events (Warburton, 2020). Essentially, this form of an entire synthesis of personal and external elements results in writing new insights and perspectives about storytelling and creative nonfiction. Finally, some examples of threads can be personal stories, research, historical events, or other types of content that might seem unrelated at first glance (Nisbet, 2024). In terms of pages and words, the length of a braided essay depends on academic levels, institutional expectations, and topic complexities, while general writing guidelines are:

High School

Length: 1–2 pages
Word Count: 250–500 words

College (Undergraduate)

Length: 2–4 pages
Word Count: 500–1,000 words

University (Advanced Undergraduate)

Length: 3–6 pages
Word Count: 750–1,500 words

Master’s

Length: 4–8 pages
Word Count: 1,000–2,000 words
Length: 5–12+ pages
Word Count: 1,250–3,000+ words

How to Write a Braided Essay: Easy Steps & Example

Section	Content
Title Page	Include a unique and captivating title for a braided essay.
	Add your name, course name, instructor’s name, and date (depending on format requirements).
	Make sure your title hints at a central theme or idea of a paper.
Introduction	Introduce a central theme or overarching topic of a braided essay.
	Briefly mention key narrative threads that will be explored.
	Establish tone and context to draw in a reader.
First Thread (Section 1)	Start with a first narrative strand (e.g., a personal story or a researched fact).
	Link this element to a central theme of a paper.
	Use descriptive details or vivid examples to engage readers.
Second Thread (Section 2)	Introduce a second narrative strand (e.g., another personal or external perspective).
	Provide a contrast or complement to a first thread.
	Continue to develop an essay’s central theme from a different angle.
Third Thread (Section 3)	Present a third narrative strand, expanding on a discussed theme with a new perspective.
	Highlight connections to earlier elements, building complexity.
	Move to a next body paragraph.
Other Threads (Sections X)	Follow the same structure when writing any other body paragraph.
	Continue alternating between strands, deepening key interconnections.
	Focus on how each strand adds to an overall understanding of a central theme.
Conclusion	Bring an entire narrative writing and threads together, offering a cohesive closing.
	Summarize crucial insights gained from weaving various strands.
	Reflect on an overall meaning or message of a braided essay.
List of References (Optional)	List any sources cited in a braided essay (if applicable).
	Use an appropriate citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, etc.).
	Ensure your reference list is organized alphabetically by authors’ last names.

Note: Some writing sections of a braided essay can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, depending on specific course requirements and topics authors want to share. For example, a standard braided essay format interweaves multiple narrative strands or perspectives, alternating between them to explore a central theme in a more complex and layered way (Miller & Wade, 2021). Basically, a braided style of writing intertwines multiple narrative threads or perspectives, alternating between them to explore different facets of a central theme, creating a more layered and dynamic narrative. Further on, a braided memoir is a type of autobiographical writing that interweaves multiple personal stories or themes, alternating between them to create a deeper, more layered narrative about an author’s life (Humble, 2023). In writing, an example of a braided narrative might be a story that alternates between some experiences of three characters from different time periods, each facing a similar struggle, with key threads eventually converging to reveal a shared theme or resolution. Finally, to start a braided essay, people introduce a central theme and briefly hint at different narrative threads they will explore, setting a stage for how these strands will connect throughout an entire paper.

How to Start in 5 Steps

Like any other type of paper, starting a braided essay requires a thoughtful approach to set a stage for a correct weaving of narratives. For example, people begin by introducing their central theme or question, which is an anchor that ties their strands together (Miller & Wade, 2021). Then, they focus on each narrative thread, writing about stories or ideas they plan to connect. Moreover, a strong start in a braided essay is like separating key strands before weaving them into a cohesive and beautiful whole (Warburton, 2020). In turn, some examples of sentence starters for beginning a braided essay are:

It began with a memory I cannot shake, one that ties together everything that came after … .
In a stillness of a morning, I often find myself thinking about … .
There is a story I have been meaning to tell, but it is more than just one story … .
When I first heard the news, I did not realize how it would connect to … .
The world around me shifted in ways I did not expect, leading me to … .
On that day, I did not understand how this moment fit into a larger pattern … .
An entire scent of rain on pavement always brings me back to … .
Sometimes, events that seem unrelated at first slowly begin to intertwine, like … .
It was not until years later that I noticed a thread linking these moments together … .
Important echoes of that moment still linger, resonating with everything that has followed … .

Step 1: Identify Distinctive Strands (2-4 Threads)

Students begin by identifying different strands or narratives they will intertwine in their braided essays. For example, these elements may include personal anecdotes, stories, historical events, research findings, or theoretical discussions (Humble, 2023). In writing, each thread should be distinctive and relevant to a central theme of a braided essay.

Step 2: Develop Each Strand Individually

Before intertwining strands, people need to develop each thread separately. For example, authors must ensure different body elements are coherent and complete in themselves (Fleckenstein et al., 2020). Moreover, this writing aspect involves fleshing out key details, arguments, or stories within each thread, ensuring they are engaging and well-articulated in a braided essay.

Step 3: Interweave Strands

Authors start braiding all chosen strands together. For example, such a process involves making connections between different narratives at critical points (Humble, 2023). In writing, an entire transition between threads should be smooth and logical, allowing readers to follow a logical flow of a braided essay without confusion.

Step 4: Highlight Connections and Contrasts

As people weave all chosen strands, they need to highlight their connections and contrasts. For example, this stage is crucial in writing a braided essay, as it improves an author’s understanding of a topic (Miller & Wade, 2021). Moreover, they should provide multiple perspectives and layers of meaning.

Step 5: Conclude With Synthesis

In the end of writing, students synthesize all the insights gained from interwoven narratives. For example, it does not necessarily mean providing a resolution but offering a reflective overview of how intertwined threads contribute to a deeper understanding of a braided essay’s central theme (Warburton, 2020). However, writing an entire composition must include a clear synthesis of ideas presented.

Steps on How to Write a Braided Essay

To write a braided essay, people alternate between multiple narrative threads, develop each one with depth, and gradually weave them together to explore and reflect on a central theme. For example, a braided narrative structure intertwines multiple storylines or perspectives, alternating between them to create a unified exploration of a central theme or concept (Miller & Wade, 2021). In writing, an example of a braided essay might be a piece that weaves together personal anecdotes about childhood, scientific research on memory, and historical events, alternating between these threads to explore a theme of how past experiences shape identity. As such, some basic writing steps include:

Choose a Central Theme: Identify a main topic or idea that will connect various narrative threads.
Select Multiple Narrative Strands: Choose at least two or three different perspectives, stories, or ideas to explore a central theme in writing.
Outline Each Thread Separately: Plan each narrative strand with its own introduction, key points, and conclusion.
Develop Each Element Individually: Write each narrative separately, ensuring each strand has depth and contributes to a central theme.
Alternate Between Threads: Begin braiding defined strands by alternating between them throughout an entire essay.
Use Transitions to Connect Strands: Ensure smooth transitions between each narrative to build connections between them.
Create Emotional and Thematic Tension: Contrast or complement different strands to add complexity and depth to a given theme.
Deepen Interconnections: As an essay progresses, emphasize how presented strands relate to each other and an overarching theme.
Conclude by Weaving Strands Together: End writing a braided essay by tying various threads into a cohesive and reflective conclusion.
Edit and Refine: Revise a braided essay and its writing for clarity, ensuring key connections between discussed strands are clear, while an entire narrative flows smoothly.

Braided Essay Topics

Climate Change: Personal Impact and Global Policies
Cultural Identity: Exploring Heritage and Modern Influences
The Intersection of Art and Science in Historical Contexts
Mental Health: Personal Experiences vs. Societal Perceptions
The Influence of Technology on Human Relationships
Journeys in Nature: Personal Adventures and Environmental Conservation
Food Culture: Family Traditions and Global Cuisines
The Role of Music in Personal Development and Cultural Expression
Education Systems: Personal Learning Experiences and Theoretical Frameworks
Migration Stories: Personal Narratives and Political Contexts
Urban vs. Rural Living: A Personal and Sociological Perspective
Fitness and Wellness: Personal Goals and Healthcare Systems
The Evolution of Communication: From Letters to Digital Media
Fashion Trends: Personal Style and Historical Influences
Language and Identity: Personal Linguistic Journey and Sociolinguistics
Travel and Discovery: Personal Expeditions and Historical Explorers
Parenting Styles: Personal Experiences and Psychological Theories
Social Media: Personal Use and Its Impact on Society
Work-Life Balance: Personal Strategies and Corporate Policies
Volunteering: Personal Motivations and Community Benefits
The Changing Landscape of News Consumption: From Print to Digital
Gender Roles: Personal Experiences and Societal Expectations
Space Exploration: Personal Fascination and Scientific Endeavors
Reading Habits: Personal Literary Journeys and Evolving Publishing Trends
Sustainable Living: Personal Practices and Global Environmental Policies
The Evolution of Gaming: Personal Experiences and Technological Advances
Historical Events: Personal Family Stories and Their Place in World History
The Influence of Cinema: Personal Impressions and Film Industry Changes
Entrepreneurship: Personal Business Ventures and Economic Theories
Spirituality and Religion: Personal Beliefs and Cultural Practices

Outline and Template

Organizing a 5-Paragraph Structure of 3 Threads

Title: Unique Topic

I. Introduction

Introduce a central theme or question of a braided essay.
Briefly present 3 threads (narratives or ideas) that will be braided for writing your essay.
Thesis statement: Summarize the main point or insight that emerges from intertwining these elements.

II. Body Paragraph 1: Introduction of Thread A

Introduce a first narrative or idea (Thread A).
Provide background information or context.
Explain how Thread A relates to a central theme.

III. Body Paragraph 2: Introduction and Weaving of Thread B

Introduce a second narrative or idea (Thread B).
Weave Thread B with aspects of Thread A introduced previously.
Highlight connections or contrasts between Threads A and B.

IV. Body Paragraph 3: Introduction and Weaving of Thread C

Introduce a third narrative or idea (Thread C).
Weave Thread C with aspects of Threads A and B.
Emphasize how Thread C adds meaning and depth or a new perspective to a braided narrative.

V. Conclusion

Provide a summary of how 3 strands are interwoven and what this new perspective reveals about a central theme.
Reiterate a central thesis in a light of 3 braided narratives.
Offer final reflections or implications of some insights gained from writing a braided essay.

List of References (Optional)

Mention all academic sources used for writing a braided essay and follow a required citation style, such as APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, or any other format.

Note: People can add or remove body paragraphs depending on a specific number of strands to write about. However, a central logic of a braided essay must be followed for 2 or more threads. For example, a standard structure will depend on a number of critical points between 2 or more threads (Miller & Wade, 2021). Hence, there can be more than 2 paragraphs in each body section of a braided essay.

Braided Essay Example

Topic: The Evolution of Communication (Critical Point): Traditional Letters, Telephony, and Digital Media (3 Threads)

Introduction

The evolution and development of communication is a historical reflection of human intelligence and societal progress. In this case, it is fantastic to see how far people have come from the simple act of writing handwritten letters to the introduction of the Internet. With each mode of communication, they see how different changes happen in all aspects of their lives. In particular, traditional letters, telephony, and digital media reflect speed, style, and societal changes, which is evidence of human progress.

Body Paragraphs

The Era of Letters

In the era of letters, communication was a deliberate, reflective process. For example, handwritten letters, crafted with care, were imbued with personal touch and emotional depth (Hinks, 2020). This mode of communication shaped a sense of intimacy and patience between a sender and a recipient, as people wrote their thoughts and feelings in physical papers, often waiting days or weeks for a response. As a result, the physical features of letters, with individualized handwriting and paper, created a personal connection between many people who could not meet together due to long distances but wanted to share their feelings and thoughts.

Emergence and Impact of Telephony

The invention and mass introduction of telephony as a communicational technology marked a significant shift in the human world. For example, with the telephone, conversations that once took weeks for letters could occur in real-time, bridging distances with the sound of a human voice (Behrendt, 2021). Basically, this revolution in communication changed not just how people communicated but also social dynamics. Telephone conversations offered a new form of connection, one that was more direct and personal than letters, but it lacked their intimacy and patience nature. In turn, this era of telephones saw the beginning of the transformation of communication from writing letters to private conversations.

The Digital Media Age

Nowadays, with the help of the Internet, digital media has taken a dominant position in all human societies, and it is characterized by its speed, diversity, and popularity. For example, emails, social media, and instant messaging via smartphones have changed people’s interactions, allowing global connectivity in one second (Balbi et al., 2021). Moreover, digital communication has a universal format because it supports text, audio, and video channels, improving the ways in which people connect. In this case, digital media has become a modern form of communication among its users, and it has replaced traditional letters and telephones in full. Hence, even if people are far away from each other, they can write letters or call their family members, friends, colleagues, or anyone they want.

The historical evolution from letters to digital media is real evidence of a dramatic shift in communication styles and human interactions that people have today. While letters suggested depth and emotional connection between senders and recipients, telephony allowed them to hear each other irrespective of distance. Furthermore, digital media helps people connect with each other anywhere in the world. In turn, each stage in the evolution of communication reflects changes in trends, values, and technologies. As a result, a better understanding of this evolution can provide new ideas into not just how people communicate but also the changing nature of social interactions and human relationships.

List of References

Balbi, G., Ribeiro, N., Schafer, V., & Schwarzenegger, C. (2021). Digital roots: Historicizing media and communication concepts of the digital age . De Gruyter Oldenbourg.

Behrendt, F. (2021). Telephones, music and history: From the invention era to the early smartphone days. Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies , 27 (6), 1678–1695. https://doi.org/10.1177/13548565211028810

Hinks, J. (2020). The history of printing and print culture: Contexts and controversies. Midland History , 45 (2), 134–144. https://doi.org/10.1080/0047729x.2020.1767970

When writing a braided essay, it is essential to intertwine different narratives harmoniously. For example, to write a braided story, people alternate between multiple interconnected storylines or perspectives, allowing each one to develop while gradually weaving them together to reveal a unified theme or message (Miller & Wade, 2021). In this case, selecting correct strands that are distinctive and share a thematic connection at the same time allows authors to connect and contrast each other meaningfully. Hence, people should think about these 10 dos and 10 don’ts when writing their braided essays.

10 Dos Include:

Choose complementary strands.
Maintain clarity in each strand.
Use smooth transitions between threads.
Balance strands in a braided essay.
Highlight connections and contrasts.
Write about varied critical points.
Keep your audience in mind.
Reflect on a bigger picture.
Revise for cohesion.
Experiment with structure.

10 Don’ts Include:

Overcomplicating strands.
Neglecting transitions.
Losing a focus on a central theme in writing.
Using unrelated strands.
Disregarding a specific purpose of each strand.
Missing a balance between strands.
Providing non-connected critical points.
Repeating the information in a braided essay.
Forgetting to proofread.
Ignoring a braided narrative structure.

What to Include

Element	Description
Personal Narrative	A personal story or experience that offers insight into a braided essay’s central theme.
Historical Event	A significant event from history that parallels or contrasts with essay’s other strands.
Scientific Fact/Research	Factual information or research that provides a grounded perspective on an assigned topic.
Cultural Reference	A reference to cultural elements (e.g., literature, art, music) that connects to a central theme.
Reflection	Author’s thoughts or internal reflections on a subject, adding depth and insight.
Interview or Dialogue	Conversations or quotes from others that add an external viewpoint or support a presented theme.
Imagery or Description	Vivid sensory details that paint a picture for readers and create a stronger emotional connection.
Metaphor or Symbolism	A recurring image or symbol that ties together different strands thematically.
Philosophical Idea	An abstract or philosophical concept that enriches a content’s exploration of its central theme.
Contrasting Perspectives	Two opposing viewpoints or ideas that create tension and highlight complexity within a given theme.

Common Mistakes

Lack of a Clear Theme: Failing to establish a central theme can make a braided essay feel disjointed and confusing.
Weak Transitions Between Threads: Without smooth transitions, writing an entire paper can become fragmented and make connections between strands unclear.
Overloading Too Many Strands: Using too many narrative threads can overwhelm readers and dilute a paper’s focus.
Underdeveloped Strands: Not giving enough depth to each narrative can make individual elements feel shallow or incomplete.
Inconsistent Tone: Shifting between tones in different strands without purpose can disrupt an overall flow and coherence of a composition.
Forcing Connections: Trying too hard to link unrelated threads can feel contrived and weaken an impact of an entire writing.
Neglecting a Strong Conclusion: Not tying key points together at the end can leave a whole paper feeling unfinished or unresolved.
Ignoring Reader Engagement: Failing to create intrigue or curiosity can make an entire writing lack emotional or intellectual appeal.
Disregarding a Balance of Threads: Giving too much focus to one element over others can cause imbalance and make a paper feel uneven.
Poor Editing and Revision: Skipping thorough editing can lead to unclear ideas, grammatical errors, and disjointed flow between discussed strands.

A braided essay weaves together multiple narrative threads, each offering a unique perspective on a central theme. Basically, people use this structure in writing to explore complex ideas, blending personal stories with research, historical events, or philosophical insights. In principle, each strand is developed individually and alternated throughout an entire paper, with smooth transitions highlighting connections or contrasts. Further on, a braided structure deepens a reader’s understanding by covering different angles, ultimately creating a cohesive reflection. Moreover, concluding with a correct synthesis, an entire composition reveals how these intertwined narratives contribute to a deeper exploration of a given topic. In turn, some writing takeaways to remember include:

Select Interconnected Strands: Choose narrative threads that are distinct yet thematically linked, allowing for writing a rich and meaningful braided essay.
Develop Each Strand Fully: Focus on each narrative with enough detail and depth, ensuring each thread stands strong on its own while contributing to an overall theme of a paper.
Provide Smooth Transitions: Seamlessly intertwine your narratives, using thoughtful transitions to maintain a logical order of ideas and coherence of an overall essay.
Maintain a Balanced Approach: Give equal weight to each narrative strand, avoiding a dominance of one strand over others.
Highlight Connections and Contrasts: Use connections of different narratives to draw out and emphasize both similarities and differences, enriching a reader’s understanding.
Engage Readers Emotionally and Intellectually: Strive to connect with your readers on both an emotional and intellectual level, making your braided essay writing both thought-provoking and relatable.
Keep a Central Theme in Your Focus: Ensure that all narrative strands correspond to each other and explore a central theme of your paper.
Revise for Cohesion and Clarity: Use your time to revise your braided essay, focusing on improving its coherence, unity, and clarity.
Incorporate Personal and Analytical Elements: Blend personal narratives with analytical insights or research, suggesting a well-detailed argument or story.
End With a Reflective Conclusion: Conclude by connecting together various strands, offering a final synthesis that covers a central theme and leaves a lasting impact on readers.

Fleckenstein, J., Meyer, J., Jansen, T., Keller, S., & Köller, O. (2020). Is a long essay always a good essay? The effect of text length on writing assessment. Frontiers in Psychology , 11 , 1–10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.562462

Girgensohn, K. (2023). Flickers of hidden meaning – Braiding essays as creative experience for academic writers. Journal of Academic Writing , 13 (2), 66–72. https://doi.org/10.18552/joaw.v13i2.802

Humble, R. K. (2023). The humble essay: A readable introduction to college writing . Chemeketa Press.

Miller, B., & Wade, J. M. (2021). A braided heart: Essays on writing and form . University Of Michigan Press.

Nisbet, G. (2024). Objects as armour; objects as container: Form and thing-writing as means of balancing disclosure in life writing. Life Writing , 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/14484528.2024.2375648

Warburton, N. (2020). The basics of essay writing . Routledge.

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Writing the Braided Essay

Deadline December 27, 2024
Format Online
Tuition $675
Next Start Date January 7, 2025

Course Description

In her Creative Nonfiction essay “The Braided Essay as Social Justice,” Nicole Walker argues: “The braided essay isn’t a new form. In fact, I think nearly every essay uses a kind of braiding…perhaps,” she continues, “the braided form is most effective when the political and the personal are trying to explain and understand each other. Among personal essays, braided essays are a form particularly welcoming to the vast array of ways—our obsessions, expertise, and contexts–that each of us uses to try to explain the personal. How distinct do the threads in a braided essay need to be and how regular does the movement between strands need to remain in order to guide readers through the piece?

Available Course Sections

There’s nothing better than to read with a group of people and share in rational discourse about great ideas, and it’s even better to do it with an instructor as your guide in the conversation. Jeffrey Dougherty CER ’23 (Basic Program)

Here I was introduced to perspectives from the humanities and social sciences that challenged me to approach things from different angles and become more tolerant to differences. Enrolling in Graham is the best decision I ever made. Alvaro Iriarte MLA‘23

Once you start, there is a thirst within you for more. The desire for new knowledge and understanding never ends. Rosemarie Mitchell MLA’12

The Graham School has been a wonderful addition to my life. It is a great privilege to read and spend time with my fellow students. The Graham School faculty are all varied and excellent in different ways. What they share in common is their great breadth of knowledge and their generosity as teachers. Trish Gerber CER’12 (Basic Program)

Armed with a foundation of the Classics, we can continue our intellectual journey, driven by our relentless curiosity and passion for lifelong learning. George Perez CER’24 (Basic Program)

This has been so valuable to me. The instructors are truly committed; you make new friends and get new views. It’s been a real plus in my life. Virginia Tobiason CER’02 (Basic Program)

Frequently Asked Questions

Review common questions about our courses. You can also contact us for more information.

Graham School non-credit courses are not graded and therefore have no tests. They focus on nourishing a love of learning, allowing you to immerse yourself in topics and discussions you find interesting.

Complete any assigned reading and come prepared to participate actively in classroom discussion. While not required, we offer an optional course to prepare students to engage with challenging works: How to Read Classic Texts . While this is presented as an introductory course for the Basic Program, students in other programs or open enrollment courses are also welcome to participate and grow their skills.

Applications are not required for our open enrollment courses.

Anyone who is interested in immersing themselves in these topics and engaging in deep discovery with others is welcome to take part in this course.

Yes. Our non-credit courses are built for adults who have life experience and want to learn. Our instructors create an inclusive learning environment by encouraging all students to participate, regardless of their academic background.

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The Graham School offers both online and in-person class experiences. The description for each course section specifies whether it will be offered online through Canvas or in person at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago.

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Writing Disruptive Scenes

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Kathryn Winograd

Writer@ 9600 ft

How to Write a Braided Essay: Case Study

At a recent residency for the Regis University’s Mile High MFA program, I presented a craft seminar on the process of creating a braided essay, a beautiful form of the essay that weaves different “threads” together. I used as a case study one writer’s revision process that focused on framing and metaphor-patterning and turned a rough compilation of “this happened and then that” into a beautiful meditation on personal and universal “black holes.” River Teeth: A Journal of Narrative Nonfiction picked up this essay within a couple of weeks of the writer (okay, he’s my husband) submitting it.

After presenting my craft seminar, I had enough students and fellow faculty come up to me after the presentation saying how much they had learned about revision, framing, and metaphor in the braided essay that I asked Essay Daily if I could publish a write-up of the seminar with them. They said, yes! And here it is:

Kathryn Winograd On the Intimacies of Revision.

Leonard Winograd’s essay,” The Physics of Sorrow,” appears in River Teeth Journal: A Journal of Nonfiction Narrative, Issue 21. For readers with access to Project Muse, you can read it here . Or, even better, subscribe to River Teeth here .

Published by Kathryn Winograd

Kathryn Winograd is a Colorado poet, essayist, and photographer. Her work includes Air Into Breath, a Colorado Book Award winner and alternate for the Yale Series, Flying Beneath the Dog Star: Poems from the Pandemic, a semi-finalist for the Finishing Line Press 2020 Open Chapbook Contest, and Slow Arrow: Unearthing the Frail Children, a Bronze Medalist in Essay for the 2020 Independent Publisher Book Awards, and her newest book, This Visible Speaking: Catching Light Through The Camera’s Eye. Her essays have been published in numerous journals including River Teeth and Terrain.org and her poetry in places as diverse as The New Yorker and Cricket Magazine for Children. View all posts by Kathryn Winograd

I think that you already know how impressed Tom and I are with Leonard’s essay! And thanks for your recent comment!

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