Ethan Joella is the author of the novels A Little Hope (Scribner, 2021), which was a Read with Jenna Bonus Selection, A Quiet Life (Scribner, 2022), and The Same Bright Stars (Scribner, 2024). His books have been featured in The New York Times, People, and Good Housekeeping.  Ethan teaches English and psychology at the University of Delaware and specializes in community writing workshops. He lives in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware with his family.

Read an Interview with Ethan on Mastering the List-Making Method.

In this class, students will learn how lists can enhance fiction, nonfiction, and poetry writing.

Are you struggling to make your characters feel authentic or your settings come alive? Finding it difficult to structure your stories, essays or poems in a way that resonates with readers? Most writers hit creative roadblocks that standard writing advice simply doesn't solve.

What if you're overlooking one of the most powerful techniques used by literary legends like Susan Sontag, Ray Bradbury, Kim Addonizio, and Elizabeth Strout?

The List-Making Method is a transformative approach that accomplished writers have quietly relied on for decades to:

• Reveal complex character psychology in a single paragraph.
• Create immersive settings that readers can't forget.
• Structure poems and essays with unexpected resonance.
• Break through creative blocks when you're stuck.

In this intimate, interactive Zoom workshop, celebrated author Ethan Joella reveals the exact list-making techniques that have revolutionized his own writing process and those of his most successful students.

What you'll experience:

• Analyze rarely-discussed list techniques from contemporary masterworks.
• Create your own transformative lists through guided exercises.
• Receive personalized feedback in a supportive environment.
• Apply these methods immediately to your current projects.

Whether you're developing existing work or starting something new, join us to unlock a technique that can instantly elevate your writing across all genres.

Reserve your spot now before this session fills – and bring a current project that's ready for transformation.

Can't Make It Live?

No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.

• Ethan will share examples of lists in various genres.
• Students will discuss lists and do response exercises.
• Students will come away with new ideas to enhance character or setting, try different structures, or add conflict or resolution via lists.

TESTIMONIALS:

"I really appreciated how the weekly feedback that was specific to my work. I would recommend this to any writer looking to take their work to the next level." - Tara K.

"This class exceeded my expectations. The assignments were well-defined, and Ethan's thoughtful feedback pushed me out of my comfort zone. I felt that the class was really well-scoped. I'd love to take further classes with Ethan, especially anything around character interiority and expressing a character's needs/wants." -Lizz H.

"Ethan is such a thoughtful teacher. I really enjoyed this class and hope he teaches more classes soon!" -former student

"This class exceeded my expectations and now I have a new tool in my writing toolbox!" -former student

ONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:

This class will meet live via Zoom. If you can't attend live, a recording will be provided.

• Instructor: Ethan Joella
  

• Monday, July 14th, 2025

• The class will meet via Zoom, 6:00PM - 8:00PM EST
  

Contact us HERE if you have any questions about this class.