Writing Essays

"Many people succeed when others do not believe in them.
But rarely does a person succeed when he does not believe in himself."
--Herb True

This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending Skyline Writer's Conference in Peninsula, Ohio. Once again they presented an amazing variety of speakers who addressed a potpourri of topics in the field of writing. It's also a great source of encouragement and motivation to meet and speak with other writers from different backgrounds and levels of experience.

My one big take away was a sentence from John Ettore:
"Don't FIND time to write. MAKE time to write."

One of my favorite sessions was Essay Writing by Nancy Christie, author of the inspirational book, "The Gifts of Change."
Now one might think this topic would be boring, reminiscing on high school composition classes, but on the contrary this talk was stimulating and motivating. Allow me to relay just a few points she shared that might help you get started in writing a vibrant essay.

The most important thing is to choose a topic or theme. This can come from a variety of sources such as life experiences, movies, newspapers, emotions, beliefs and values, anecdotes, or life experiences. Then be sure there is a universal truth......not one that you will outright tell them but that they will discover for themselves as they read and reflect on your article.

Remember 3 parts of the structure for a good essay:

#1 Introduction........this is the lead or hook to bring the reader in. It could be a story, dialog, universal truth, joke, video from youtube etc.


#2 Body......this includes what the essay is about. What is it you realize? What is the universal truth? What are the connections? What is the take away? This is where you develop and flesh out your message.


#3 Conclusion.........come back around again. Tie things up nicely.


Now, you begin! Don't worry about perfection because part of a writer's life is rewriting and editing. Just write and learn to enjoy the experience. I believe writing is like piano practice....the more you write, the better you become. It's the old axiom: "Practice makes perfect."

Suggestions:

• Write about a recent vacation that changed your life
• Write about a struggle that taught you an amazing lesson
• Write about a funny incident from your childhood
• Write about a job that you desperately wanted but didn't get
• Write about the value of friendships
  
• Write about a snowy night
• Write about a new career path
• Write about the birth of your first child
• Write about something that is your passion

"Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending."
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

MOVING ON

" The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not to react."
-- Gloria Anzaldua

Previously I shared some writing tools and prompts to help you get into a daily writing routine. I know it was a challenge and I hope that many of you were able to stick with it and move through it. Accepting a challenge and reaching a goal gives one a sense of wonder and accomplishment. How great is it to say to yourself, " I did it!" Wow!

Today I'd like to encourage you to write about Moving On...
Think about your life and your present circumstances:

• Where are you stuck?
  
• Where do you need to go?
• What do you need to leave behind?
• How will you move on?

This is a wonderful exercise for free flow writing.
Set a timer for 10 min. for each question.
Pick up your pen and start writing.
Do not stop or lift up your pen.
Don't worry about grammar.
Don't even think about what you are writing...just write.

When you are finished with all four questions, read your writing out loud.
Celebrate what you have written.
At another time you can rewrite this exercise in a clear organized fashion using good grammar, punctuation, and creativity.

This exercise will prove to be enlightening, motivating, and energizing.
This may be a catalyst to help you make some major or minor changes in your life or to help you move forward to reach your dreams and goals.

GOD'S BLESSING ON YOUR HEART, MIND AND PEN!

"It is good to have an end to journey forward;
but it is the JOURNEY that matters in the end."
--Ursula K Leguin