Which part of me came first, the analytic mind or the writer? I do not know the answer to this question but one thing I do know is that I tend to analyze things to death. I once had a colleague who told me to stop thinking. "Some things just are!" she said, "You don't need to think about things so much!" But I can't help it. Nothing and no one is just as they appear-not even God (or should I say, especially not God?).
So I analyze and I dissect, chew it up and nurse the thoughts until I have a nugget. I do this with every kind of writing. I'm still trying to find my niche but meanwhile I write about everything that crosses my mind (well, almost).
As a writer, I've been dabbling in just about every type of writing and genre, loving every minute of it and wondering when and in which slot I will eventually settle down.
I find much of my online writing falls under the essay category. Much of my life experience sets me up to do just that. I think that this aspect of writing is where I can be truest to my heart's cry as it is a more direct approach then poetry and fiction seem to be for me.
I met a new friend, Melinda, at my critique group. She is an essayist, who, as far as I can see, has a similar outlook and background to me-- though there are many differences that could be pointed out between our viewpoints and style. She is very sweet and yet has a skill for being direct and poignant. I think I have found another kindred spirit. (I've been blessed to meet several of those this year.) I look forward to reading her essays. So far, I've been blessed and surprised.
There are many places that essays can be used. Of course, you have online forums, magazines, newspapers or Christian publications. I blog most of my essays. What makes a good essay? How do you cater it for the market in which you wish to publish it?
Here are some links to help you get started. Leave me a comment on how you write essays and what your cause and motive are for writing them.
http://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Essay
http://www.writersdigest.com/article/Tips_to_Help_You_Publish_Your_Personal_Essays/
http://members.tripod.com/~lklivingston/essay/
http://www2.actden.com/writ_den/tips/essay/index.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_2040634_write-an-essay.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art
Enjoy visiting the links BUT don't forget to come back here and leave me a comment with your ideas and opinions on essay writing! Some of my readers are good at this topic!
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7 comments:
I don't write essays but I can relate to writing about everything and anything. I do that. Some things get turned into an article, some a book, some sit half finished and some just have a skeleton. Some article pieces eventually get used in a book and some books get absorbed by others, gobbled up by a similar topic that struck my fancy or caught my attention.
Keep at it! You'll find your niche!
I write essays when I feel very strongly about an issue. Usually it's a parenting/women/life issue.
I rarely write researched articles with sources on these subjects, and essays serve as an outlet for me to express my views.
Damaria, that tends to be how I write essays as well. Once in a while, a word prompt will spark an essay but usually it is motivated by a personal or morality issue. But you do express your views well--at least in the venues I have seen. You reflect power and poise in your presentation, which is my opinion is a good combination.
JoJo, you do write just about everything, from comedy to practical advice, parenting help, and your area of expertise-communication. I admire your capability. I wanna be just like you when I grow up. LOL.
@BeckyJoie- thanks for the compliment.
I don't really write essays, but I enjoyed writing them in university way back when. Don't you think most writers have a "favourite" genre, one in which they feel comfortable working and the form of which resonates somehow? I always admired Erma Bombeck for her ability to bring humour and philosophy to the most mundane situations, but then life is one long chain of mundane situations that taken together are the fabric of most of our lives. Not quite measuring it out in coffee spoons, more like metres of cloth, some of which are more colourful and comfortable than others.
Quite profound statements, Ms. Lona-Lee. They leave one with much on which to meditate.
I also enjoy Erma Bombeck. she has brought me much laughter and cheer along the way.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you come back soon.
I have to agree with you I think about things to much, or better yet I double think.
that can be fatal for a writer sometimes.
But, essay writing gives me a freedom to think better than the others. I still enjoy writing in many geners so it's still down to the thought process.
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