What is it like working with teacher Erin Jourdan?
Here are some testimonials from my previous students and some that I am still working with…
“I’ve been writing personal essays, and performing them onstage, and this is the first class that I ever had where not only did I feel total freedom to explore what I want to explore, but also Erin has given me ideas, prompts and exercises that have pushed me farther than I have ever been pushed in class, and it has been exquisite.”
–Bill Ratner, one of Hollywood’s most successful voice actors, 8-time winner The Moth Story Slams, stories featured on NPR, “BEST OF HOLLYWOOD FRINGE 2012 & 2013”
“Erin’s class gave me the guts to write from my heart and to not let the voices that tell me I sound stupid or that I’m not “a real writer” creep in. She gives solid foundational and practical writing techniques as well as creative processes and writing exercises that helped me to get out of what I already knew and open up to explore what I didn’t know. Her guidance and advice is always loving, yet direct and truthful. If you want to know what you’re capable of as a writer, you won’t find a more daring yet gentle-on-the-ego journey as this. This is for those ready to take risks and live and write to their fullest potential.”
—Stella Cheung, owner, YogaGals
“The environment in Erin’s class is that ideal balance: completely safe and trusting, but one which encourages reflection, self-critique, and a desire to keep exploring. I was surprised to learn how much writing is like the visual arts. You need a space where you can feel safe and open to explore without judgment. And you also need to develop the capacity for self-reflection and critical thinking. Erin’s class provides both in spades. And she does it without any agenda, only a sincere desire to help you get more out of your writing. Erin’s class is part detective story, part experiment, and all adventure.”
–Melissa Gorman, Student
“Erin Jourdan is a magical teacher. While improving your writing skills, she makes the whole process an adventure that makes you a better writer and a more inquisitive person. I learned so much in this class, from how to look at situations I want to write about, to how to find the juiciest part of a piece, to what I should be reading to keep myself inspired. Erin Jourdan is a gem. You’re in good hands.”
–Caroline Donohue, Student
“I’ve taken 2 classes from Erin and from the time I started until the end of the second round of classes, I feel a lot more comfortable and confident with my writing. I’m still learning, however, I’ve begun to uncover ‘my style’ and to accept that how I write is distinct from everyone else. This is important to me because I used to judge my writing and would feel inadequate because since “I don’t write like everyone else” what I wanted to express wasn’t worthy of the ink and paper it would require. That all changed when a friend of mine invited me to register for Erin’s class. The most important thing I learned during my exploration process while taking Erin’s classes is how valuable of getting my thoughts, ideas, experiences down on paper. I learned that there is so much inherent meaning in expression, no matter how I do it. It’s artistic, creative, beautiful and that I, and everyone have something to contribute through our writing. I’ve always wanted to write, but it wasn’t until I started Erin’s class that I felt comfortable doing so. I honestly believe anyone would benefit from taking her class. I’m not an expert at writing, nor do I have a degree in literature, however, I have some things I want to share and express, whether it’s for others to read or just for myself. I feel like writing is one way that we can allow ourselves to discover who we truly are and be whoever that is. I’ve learned so much and am excited to continue my writing practices and I’m grateful that I have Erin as my mentor.”
—Michelle Andrada, Student
“Erin is a renegade, she is real, she is fearless and she will make you go there with your writing.”
–Elizabeth MacDonald, owner, Brazilian Yoga and Pilates
“Thank you! You’ve inspired me today to pick up my writing again in a whole new way, something I’ve had in the back of my mind for a while now.”
—Kris Cahill, Psychic Everyday
“Erin’s class is hands down the best writing class I have taken in a long time. I didn’t know I would like memoir writing, but coming through the experience I have to say with Erin’s encouragement, insight, experience, humor and love of the written word — and the people who write them I feel ready to take the next step with my own writing.”
–Claire, Student
“Erin is very welcoming and very, very smart and intelligent about writing which is important for a novice, who as getting ready and comfortable with writing something that seems to difficult and hard to do she makes seem easy!”
–Pilar, Student