This fall, Christopher Eckman will return to Rosemont College as the instructor for Voice Into Meaning: Writing the Personal Essay. Offered through the Writer’s Studio Workshops and Masterclasses, this course runs on Mondays from 6:00 – 8:00pm, beginning September 22 and ending October 27, 2025. The workshop meets live on Zoom, making it accessible to writers across locations.
Christopher Eckman Brings Creative Insight
A respected lyric essayist, Christopher Eckman has published work in Cobalt Review, december, Entropy, and several other literary journals. Notably, december magazine named one of his essays a finalist for the 2022 Curt Johnson Prose Award in Nonfiction.
Eckman earned his MFA in Creative Writing from Rosemont College, where he received the Presidential Medal and served as managing editor of Rathalla Review. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from MSU Denver. Over the years, he has drawn creative inspiration from the places he has lived, including Philadelphia, Summit County, and Palm Springs.
Currently, he lives with his husband, Tim, and enjoys cooking, writing, singing, and playing piano. These personal passions often inform his teaching and creative work.
What Students Can Expect from the Course
In Voice Into Meaning, students will explore how to transform memory into meaningful narrative. Each week, they will engage in close reading, guided discussion, and original writing exercises. These activities help students examine how form and voice shape the reader’s experience.
Moreover, the course encourages writers to take creative risks. According to Eckman, compelling essays do not require dramatic events. Instead, strong voice, thoughtful reflection, and honest observation form the foundation of powerful storytelling. By the end of the workshop, each student will complete a personal essay and receive detailed feedback.
Join a Supportive & Focused Writing Community
The Writer’s Studio offers noncredit courses affiliated with Rosemont College’s Creative Writing MFA Program. These workshops welcome graduate students, alumni, and members of the broader writing community. Because enrollment is limited to 12 students, each participant receives individualized attention and a supportive space to grow. Take this opportunity to write your story, find your voice, and grow as a creative nonfiction writer this fall.
