This was not a typical writing course, and thank goodness for that! The emphasis was not on the technical aspects of writing, but rather on capturing the small moments in family life that hold meaning and are at the core of memorable family history. It takes a special person to create the kind of safe atmosphere in which stories can emerge comfortably through conversation. Thank you, Anita!”
– Peggy M.
Private Classes
Gather four or more of your friends, and Anita will teach a private class for your group. Classes can be taught on Zoom or in person at Anita’s home, located in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Private one-on-one classes are also available.
To arrange a class, contact Anita at anita@anitakulina.com.
From Memory to Story: Family History
This course will change the way you think about writing family history. Open to writers and non-writers, the class explores what it really means to write a family history. In a relaxed, small group setting, you will be driven by memories and curiosity to explore the world you came from and the world you’ve created throughout your life. This is not a traditional writing class. There are no critiques. You’ll have homework, but you’ll never be required to read your work in class. Instead, through conversation and writing exercises, you’ll discover and share what makes your family and its stories unique and unforgettable.
This is a 12-hour course, and can be taught in person (6 two-hour sessions) or on Zoom (6 weekly two-hour sessions or 12 twice-weekly one-hour sessions). Tuition is $160 for the 12-hour course.
In Winter 2024, this course will be offered through Carnegie Mellon University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. https://www.cmu.edu/osher/
From Memory to Story: The Fearless Memoir
This class is intended as a companion course for the memoir writer. It is not a traditional writing class; you will not read your work in the classroom, and there are no critiques. Instead, in conversational form, we will explore the stories that develop through memories we uncover. Whether you have already begun writing your memoir or haven’t yet put pen to paper, you are welcome in this class.
Each week, you will be challenged with a question that reaches deep into your life. The question could make you uncomfortable at first, because it might reach somewhere you haven’t yet dared to go. But after spending time alone to ponder the question, you will come to class, where you will first put your thoughts to paper, and then, in a warm, supportive group setting, explore the stories behind your memories.
This is a 7-hour course (7 one-hour sessions) and can be taught in person or on Zoom. Tuition is $150.
From Memory to Story: Deep Dives
In this course, we use writing exercises to explore our memories. We do not read our work in the classroom, and there are no critiques. Instead, in a relaxed, group setting, we share the stories we uncover. If you are writing a memoir or a family history, this course can be a companion to that endeavor. It can also provide a way to simply reflect on the life you’ve led. Writers and non-writers are equally welcome.
This is a 6-hour course (four 90-minute sessions) and can be taught in person or on Zoom. Tuition is $120.