When most people hear the word "essay," they think of the horrors of school exams. But this week's guest shows us that essays can be as expressive as poetry and a whole lot of fun.

Please join Sheila Bender and host Paula B. as they probe:

What a personal essay is, and why you might want to write one

What you should and shouldn't do when writing a personal essay

What sorts of obstacles confront writers of personal essays

Whether writing personal essays is self-indulgent

How to publish personal essays

How to overcome fears associated with writing personal essays.