Public Workshops > Online Series > On the Page
Finding Your Story: The art of writing personal essays
Workshop Dates: Saturdays | July 18, July 25, August 1, and August 8, 2026
Time: 1:30 pm - 3 pm (WIB / GMT +7)
Duration: 4 sessions x 90 minutes
Instructor: Maggie Tiojakin
Investment: IDR 1,150,000 net
Platform: Live online via Zoom
About The Workshop
Personal essays are not simply stories about what happened. They are explorations of experience, memory, and meaning. The challenge is not finding something to write about, but discovering what a personal experience might reveal about ourselves, others, or the world around us.
This workshop introduces the foundations of personal essay writing through reflection, observation, and inquiry. Participants will learn how to identify meaningful experiences, uncover the questions beneath them, and shape those experiences into essays that resonate with readers.
Designed for aspiring writers, professionals, creatives, and curious thinkers, the workshop focuses on finding stories worth telling and understanding why they matter.
Workshop Syllabus
Session 1: Not every experience can become an essay
Saturday | July 18, 2026
Topics:
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What makes personal essays different from opinion pieces
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Experience vs. expertise
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Why some moments stay with us
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Identify potential essay materials
Output:
A collection of possible essay ideas
Session 3: Shaping the story
Saturday | August 1, 2026
Topics:
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Scene and reflection
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Narrative movement
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Choosing what belongs and what doesn’t
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Finding a beginning and an ending
Output:
A working outline for an essay
Session 2: Finding the burning question
Saturday | July 25, 2026
Topics:
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Writing as inquiry
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Finding tension and contradiction
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Moving beyond lessons and conclusions
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Asking better questions
Output:
Develop a central essay-esque question
Session 4: Writing for publication
Saturday | August 8, 2026
Topics:
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Balancing storytelling and insight
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Writing with vulnerability
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Avoiding over-explanation
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Know how to pitch your story
Output:
A rough draft or substantial section of a personal essay
Key Takeaways
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
01
Identify personal experiences with strong essay potential.
03
Develop personal essays that combine narrative and reflection.
05
Write more confidently about personal experience in ways that connect with readers.
02
Discover the deeper questions beneath memories and life events.
04
Structure essays around curiosity, tension, and meaning.
Public Workshop > Finding Your Story
Registration Form
Thank you for your interest in our workshop. Please complete all the necessary details and attach your payment receipt.
Terms & Conditions
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Registration Deadline: July 15, 2026, at 2 pm
Please note that we cannot accept new registrations after this date to ensure a high-quality experience and proper onboarding for all participants.
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Registration Confirmation
After submitting your registration form and payment receipt, you should receive a confirmation email.
If you do not receive this email within 24 hours, please contact us at ask@bndlstudios.co with the subject line "Registration Confirmation: Finding Your Story"
In your email, please include your Full Name and reattach your payment receipt so we can ensure your spot is secured.
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Cancellation and Refund Policy
To request a withdrawal, please email learning@bndlstudios.co with the subject line "Request a refund". A full refund is available for requests submitted at least 7 (seven) working days before the class starts. Requests submitted after this period will be eligible for a 50% refund.
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Class Postponement or Cancellation
If the class is postponed or canceled due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, a full refund will be issued.
Once your registration is confirmed, you’re all set! We’ll be sending out final workshop details as we get closer to the date. We are so excited to have you join us!
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