You write to communicate to the hearts and minds of others what’s burning inside you. And we edit to let the fire show through the smoke. ~Arthur Polotnik
There are essays that have been in my head for years but when I sit down to write them I don’t know where to begin. I have thought about writing an outline first, but I have never been good at writing outlines; it seems like too much work.Yesterday’s post about reading applies here. The best way I have found to start is by reading essays that work. What is it about a good essay that speaks to you?
Some personal essay sites:
Fresh Yarn
Common Ties
The Sun
NPR
Today, brainstorm on some personal essays you could write, just start a list of topics you would like to write about. Set it aside for now. Keep it near your writing area, many literary journals use themes could one of your topics fit a theme? Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag