I'll get straight to it: I like writing essays.
I enjoy them.
Yes, you heard that right — I enjoy essays, and I enjoy writing them.
Understandably, there is so much stress and anxiety attached to the idea of writing an essay. Mostly due to the fact that often our first introduction to essays is through school and academics. Many people can empathise with that feeling of dread when they are tasked with the writing of a random essay that their grade depends on.
There's undoubtedly a lot of words (that's exhausting in itself), it's a lot to think about — a lot to process and in a short time-frame. The speed at which someone can do something, does not indicate their knowledge. As well as understanding that nobody is good at everything.
There are many ways for someone to express their knowledge. Some people would be much better with the creative task. I know, for example, that I'm better at articulating my ideas through writing, than I am through talking — in the same way that some people are much more comfortable creating something like a poster, than writing out an essay.
It wasn't always that way…
BUT! Let me drop a bombshell: I found most creative writing, or any writing in fact, more stressful in school than I ever have done since. This is because there is such a focus on ‘getting it right’, and ‘getting it right’ for the exam. There is not so much focus, if at all, on what is actually being written, why it is being written. For me, writing is about allowing ourselves to become absorbed by a subject.
It's only since I began writing creatively and for myself, that I have discovered that essays — and similar forms of writing — are a vehicle for me to express, articulate, and explore my ideas in a structured manner. This can then be ‘translated’ from thought to word in a way that is accessible to people that don't inherently understand my thought process (basically anyone else on the planet). Though some may not realise it, this is the crux of any essay that is being written, or has been written. Writing for me, and writing creatively, has allowed me to let go and process that fear — that judgement — of essays. An essay is literally a beginning, middle, and end. Away from that structure, an essay can be whatever we want it to be. Unless, of course, there is a specific type you need to write, such as an academic essay. There are conventions that we must follow.
However, the essays that I write can vary: some are personal essays, literary essays, some are observational and insightful. Part of that insight and deliberation is allowing the muse to — to a certain extent — to go where it feels most necessary, and see where each thought takes me. That's partly why I find essays so interesting: I can plan an idea in minute detail, but then, as I start writing, my ideas expand and crystallise.
It is quite wonderful to see what we can produce, after our brain has taken in and processed information — and then how we relate that to our own experiences
What do I like about writing essays?
That's a good question! Arguably, because I write a lot of them, I like everything about them. I can take joy in every stage, as sad as that may sound a lot of you. I would say I like most the point where I am physically writing the words onto the page, because — as I mentioned before — I can see my thoughts materialising onto the page; how they are all connected — how it's all starting to flow. I also like the sound of typing, and the repetitive fluency — if you like.
I have to say, though, I do like the research aspect of essays. A personal essay, or a blog such as this, doesn't require the same amount of research that is likely needed for an academic essay. All the ideas are taken from my own experiences, insights, and perspectives — therefore, it's easier to slot the pieces together. Having said that, if there is any research required — in any type of essay — I like the idea that, as I'm researching what I think I know and solidifying my ideas, I'm also discovering new theories. All these come together to inform and reinforce my understanding. Just as some of the insight from this blog post may resonate with you.
As with any writing, I do not expect essays to be everyone's cup of tea. However, I do hope that this reflective post encourages you to think about essays in a more freeing and creative way. Hopefully, we can replace these bad thoughts and negative associations with something more optimistic.
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