Writing from Experience
AN INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE NONFICTION
As fall and winter settle in with their long, cozy evenings, we at America House have prepared a perfect opportunity to complement them. We invite you to an introductory, practice-based course exploring how we can turn personal experiences, memories, and observations into literary work. You will be introduced to different creative nonfiction forms and writing techniques through contemporary literary examples, discussions, and practical writing exercises. Grab a warm blanket, prepare your favorite hot drink, and apply for this program!
Who is this program for:
Emerging Ukrainian writers and anyone interested in contemporary literature, creative writing, or exploring different ways of writing about personal experiences. No previous Creative Writing education or publication experience is required.
When? The sessions will be held on Saturdays, with the first session scheduled for November 28. The detailed schedule will be sent to the selected participants. Please note that it's important to attend all sessions to get the most out of the program.
Where? Online.
What you will gain from this course:
An introduction to different creative nonfiction forms, including the lyric essay, braided essay, and hermit crab essay.
Practical writing techniques and opportunities to experiment with different literary forms.
Experience in a Creative Writing workshop, including sharing work and receiving feedback.
An opportunity to meet a contemporary American writer, learn about his creative process, and ask him questions.
An opportunity to develop and revise their own creative nonfiction piece.
Language of the course: The course will be conducted in English and will include reading, discussion, and writing activities. Make sure you feel comfortable participating in English.
Attendance and participation are free. Spots are limited, so apply by November 18, 2026. The selected participants will be notified via email.
Meet the course trainer:
Anastasiia Malakhova is a Ukrainian writer, translator, and educator, Fulbright alumna, and Edmund S. Muskie Fellow. She holds an MA in Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she was a member of Sigma Tau Delta and presented her fiction work. In summer 2025, she interned at the National Humanities Center in Durham, NC, working with its scholarly and marketing teams. Her poetry has appeared in Wandering Lights Literary Magazine. Her creative and academic interests center on literary creation and translation, with a particular focus on Appalachian and Ukrainian literary traditions. Originally from Eastern Ukraine, she currently resides in Athens, Greece. She is also interested in learning foreign languages and translating literary works across cultural contexts.
Guest speaker:
Jason Berthiaume Jr. is an American writer who holds an MA in Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He has worked as an editor on Stay With Me by Anna B. and Forest People by Jimmy Dilks. His first short story, Shooting for the Stars, was published in Opolis (2024). Outside of writing, Jason enjoys making music, reading fiction, and learning Spanish. Jason will join one of the course sessions.
About the organizers:
America House Kyiv
America House Kyiv is a cultural center and your main resource for American culture, education, and information in the Kyiv region. AHK organizes a wide range of activities, including English-language programs, skill-building workshops, cultural events, art exhibitions, concerts and more. America House operates also in Lviv and Odesa, and is a part of the overarching framework of American Spaces Network in Ukraine that include America House and Window on America programs.