Instructor Jelisha Jones is a poet, spiritual writing guide, and intuitive teacher whose work explores the intersection of storytelling, emotional healing, and self-reclamation. After leaving a 9-year career in corporate leadership, she dedicated herself to helping writers uncover their truth and transform their lived experiences into powerful personal narratives. Her approach weaves together mindfulness, inner child connection, and intentional writing practices to support writers in accessing deeper emotional clarity and creative confidence. Jelisha is the author of F*ck Shame, Embrace Love! A 4-Step Guide to Healing from Heartbreak, a soulful and practical roadmap for navigating grief and returning to self-love. Her writing has appeared in publications such as HuffPost Personal, Midnight & Indigo, and more. 

Learn more about Jelisha in our Meet the Teaching Artist series. 

Limited to just eight students, The Sacred Essay is a 4-week generative workshop designed to help writers turn lived experience into powerful, publishable personal essays.

Whether you’re writing to heal, to be seen, or to sharpen your craft, this course offers a blend of structure, reflection, and intuitive practices to guide you from memory to meaning.

In Week 1, we define what a personal essay is, explore what literary publications are looking for, and analyze model essays to understand structure, voice, and emotional depth.

In Week 2, we turn inward: using breathwork and intuitive writing prompts to uncover a core story and begin drafting.

Week 3 is all about revision and community. You’ll receive supportive peer feedback and guidance on shaping your piece with clarity and purpose. 

In Week 4, we focus on publication—where to submit, how to pitch, and how to keep writing with courage.

You’ll leave this course with a working draft of a personal essay, editorial notes from your peers and instructor, a toolkit of prompts and techniques for future pieces, and a deeper trust in your voice.

This is a space where storytelling becomes self-return. All levels and identities are welcome. Jelisha’s workshops create space for vulnerability, spiritual grounding, and intuitive expression—ideal for writers working at the edge of transformation. She believes that writing is not only a craft, but a ceremony—and that every story we’re willing to face is a step toward freedom.

COURSE OUTLINE

Week 1: What Is a Personal Essay? - Define the personal essay: what it is and how it functions - What literary publications look for in personal essays - Break down structure, voice, and reflection using model texts - Analyze 1–2 published essays together - Set expectations for the coming weeks - Q&A + short reflection/journaling exercise.

Week 2: What Is Your Story? - Guided breathing + intuitive writing warm-up - Use generative prompts to identify your core story - Freewrite and explore voice, vulnerability, and perspective - Read and reflect on a published essay for structure - Begin drafting your personal essay.

Week 3: Review & Revise - Workshop day: students share their essay drafts with the group - Peer feedback in a supportive, constructive space - Focus on strengthening narrative arc, reflection, and clarity - Revision guidance and group discussion.

Week 4: Submit Your Work - Discuss literary publications and submission strategies - Where to find calls for submissions - Share additional prompts for future essay ideas - Final Q&A and encouragement for next steps - Space to read final essay drafts aloud (optional).

COURSE TAKEAWAYS:

• By the end of the course, students will leave with one substantial personal essay draft rooted in emotional truth and structured with care.
• Students will develop a deeper understanding of how to shape a narrative using voice, pacing, scene, and reflection.
• Through intuitive and reflective writing practices—including meditation and journaling—students will access emotionally resonant material with more clarity and intention.
• Each writer will receive live peer feedback in a supportive environment to help refine their drafts.
• Weekly readings of published essays will offer inspiration and concrete models for structure and voice.
• Most importantly, students will walk away with a sustainable, soulful writing practice and a creative process they can return to again and again.

ONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE: