Blog
Alumni Spotlight: Anesce Dremen's Journey from Writing Workshop to Longreads Publication
by Writing Workshops Staff
2 weeks ago
Join us in celebrating the recent success of WritingWorkshops.com alumna Anesce Dremen, whose powerful essay "Fleeing Family: A Reading List on Estrangement" was published by Longreads. The piece explores the complex and often misunderstood topic of family estrangement through a carefully curated reading list and personal reflection.
What makes this publication particularly special is its direct connection to Anesce's experience in our Writing About Languages & Travels 6-Week Zoom Workshop with Jenna Tang. The compelling coin analogy that anchors her Longreads essay was first drafted during this class, demonstrating how workshop environments can spark ideas that evolve into published work.
From Classroom to Publication
Anesce's essay poses a profound question that emerged during her workshop experience: "If every story had two sides, why had the bereaved parents' side been polished while the second face of the estrangement coin remained blank?" This metaphor, refined through workshop feedback and revision, became central to her published piece examining the media's bias toward familial reconciliation.
Since taking Jenna Tang's class, Anesce has achieved remarkable milestones. She's currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Nevada - Las Vegas, has spoken at AWP as a moderator and panelist on the intersection of trauma, travel, and writing, published multiple memoir excerpts, and returned to India on assignment to write about tea tourism. Her memoir, which explores themes of estrangement, domestic violence, and international education, is now in its seventh draft with five excerpts published and three more on submission.
A Writer's Evolution
Anesce's work spans diverse topics, including estrangement, international education, budget travel, languages, and tea culture—all informed by her five years living in Asia and her experiences as a first-generation, low-income college student who became estranged from her abusive family. As she powerfully states, "Writing ethically means acknowledging abuse."
Her writing draws inspiration from authors like Lisa See, Amy Tan, and Stephanie Foo, while her lived experiences in China and India, combined with her work as a Fulbright fellow, continue to shape her unique voice. Beyond her Longreads publication, Anesce's work has appeared in Stillhouse Press, Gordon Square Review, Tea Journey, and ProFellow.
Continuing the Journey
This September, Anesce will join us for our 2025 Workshop in Tuscany with Nonfiction Instructor Diana Spechler, marking her first visit to Italy. She describes this opportunity as "a humbling dream to know that my writing is carrying me to a new continent."
Reflecting on her experience with WritingWorkshops.com, Anesce particularly values the supportive environment created by instructor Jenna Tang. When faced with challenging classroom dynamics, Tang's sensitivity and care stood out: "I felt supported and safe. Many other students in the class also reached out privately to ensure I was okay. And if this is any indication of the quality of workshops at Writing Workshops, then I'm especially excited to take my next class."
Join Our Writing Community
Anesce Dremen's journey from workshop participant to published author in Longreads exemplifies the transformative power of dedicated writing instruction and supportive creative communities. Whether you're working on memoir, fiction, poetry, or exploring new genres, our experienced instructors can help you develop your voice and achieve your publishing goals. Ready to start your own writing journey? Explore our diverse selection of online creative writing workshops and join a community of writers committed to craft and growth.
