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Hello, everyone! Welcome to this edition of the For Authors newsletter.  This week's topic is focused on writing personal essays, but first off, I'd like to share a few quotes with you. Enjoy!
Quotes:
"The essays are different because ultimately it's things I'm interested in, and I'm really just writing about myself and using those subjects as a prism."
~ Chuck Klosterman
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"I won't say ours was a tough school, but we had our own coroner. We used to write essays like: What I'm going to be if I grow up."
~ Lenny Bruce
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"I undertake the same project as Montaigne, but with an aim contrary to his own: for he wrote his Essays only for others, and I write my reveries only for myself. "
~ Jean-Jacques Rousseau |
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Tips for Writing Personal Essays
A personal essay allows the reader to take a peek at a specific part of your life. It's much like journal writing except it has structure; it usually begins with a question or grabbing sentence, goes through observations concerning the topic, and ends with a reflection. Many essays are circular.
Here are a few things to consider while working on your personal essay:
 Try to focus on one specific incident. It's okay to include a few others, as long as they are related to your main story. But be careful not to stray off.
Draw the reader in with the first sentence or two. Make them want to read more!
Remember... you are taking the reader through your own observations and reflections. Be sure your writing is clear. Don't leave out an important detail you took for granted others would know.
Dialogue should not be ruled out of an essay. By all means, include it. It will not only break up monotony, but add flavor to your story. Becareful, however, not to let it take over.
Are you being honest with the reader? Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth! Once you make something up, it is no longer a personal essay because you have fictionalized it.
Use your own voice. Don't try to be funny if you're not. Don't try to sound smarter than you are. Just be yourself.
You don't need to explain or apology for what you write. A personal essay is communicating your true thoughts, observations, and feelings..
Proofread after you've completed your draft. Then put it away for a few days and reread it.
An essay is basically an examination of something the author has experienced, wonders about, or has a strong opinion of. It can be serious, silly, or thoughtful. Points to remember:
 The beginning engages the reader right away.
The middle explores, builds, and grows.
The ending tells the reader that the author has come to an understanding through his/her observations and reflections.
 Now for a fun prompt... Challenge yourself to write your own personal essay, if you have not already done so. 
May you have an inspiring week and...
Keep on Writing!
Cubby ") |
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~FEEDBACK~
sarahreed
I have been submitting one story every other month or so. It was very difficult to send the first and still hard because I want to polish my work and make it the best I can, but then I end up missing deadlines. The one I submitted this month is not at its best, but I wanted to make the deadline. So we'll see what happens...
~ I know when I send something out, I often wonder Is this good enough? Should I keep it a little longer to make sure? It's a hard call to make, but if you are missing deadlines, you might want to submit earlier. By not submitting, you'll never know. If it comes back rejected, you've had enough time to look at it from a refreshed perspective.
{user:the kindred}
I am just curious. I have sent my MS to be edited. Is it okay to sent out the first 2 chapters? Do I mention that the MS in being professionally edited by someone who had had a number of her edited works published? Including one of my previous works?
~ Read the Writer's Guidelines carefully. Some publishers want to see the first few chapters while others only ask for a query letter. And some won't accept anything unless it is through an agent. Keep unnecessary details out. As far as your manuscript being professionally edited, I don't thing it will matter because the piece will speak for itself, no matter who edits it. If you've been published, yes... be sure to include that!
afineline
Oh, I accept your challenge! I'm definitely trying to finish my manuscript and get it sent out. Now we just have to see if I can do it.
~ YAY!!!!! And the best of luck!
Raine 
It is hard to let go of your baby, that wonderful piece of work that you've slaved over for months or even years. To send it out into a harsh, uncaring world... But, like children, you have to let them go. To hold onto the manuscript is to keep it a dream. Send it out, it becomes a goal and goals are workable and become reality far more often than dreams.
~ Oh, I like your response very much, especially: "Goals are workable and become reality far more often than dreams."
pammierose
Hi Cubby,
I agree 100% with what you have here and patience is the key. I remember when my first book was published it was exciting and exhilarating. The wait for it to happen seemed to vanish into obscurity. The waiting is minimal after you can finally say, "Hey, look at me, I am an author..Wow"
I am in the middle of negotiations for my newest book right now. I do not even think about it and as you say, I just continue to write and stay occupied. I will get an email eventually one way or the other. The Internet certainly, instead of all the mailing, you can generally send your manuscript via email as an attachment.
Hugs,
Pammierose
~ Congratulations! Your response is very inspiring. I only wish more publishers would except online manuscripts. Yes, patience. I'm struggling with that right now. Good luck with your negotiations! 
lotto
Cubby,
So true. How many of us build up stables of work but don't submit our stories? I submitted a story this month and I thank you for the extra push to do so.
~ Good for you! It's exciting, isn't it?
LJPC - the tortoise
Hi Cubby!
You're absolutely right about keeping track of submissions. When I first joined WDC, I submitted stories to different contests and forgot which ones!
A great way to keep a record of your submissions (to real publishers, not WDC contests!) is to use Duotrope, an online site.
Thanks for your personal reflections in this newsletter.
Laura
~ Thanks for the great tip. I will check Duotrope out. Yeah, it's easy to get confused what was sent where when, etc., especially when you hit your 50s. 
Catherine Hall
Thank you for the newsletter about sending to publishers. Years ago, I did send out a few items but then my writing had to take a back seat and I forgot to treat it like a job. Thanks for reminding me, and others, why we write. Best wishes.
~ You are very welcome! It's happened to many writers, including myself. The important thing is, it's not too late to begin again.
 Thank all of you for the wonderful feedback!
As always...
Have a wonderful week!
AND KEEP ON WRITING!!!
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For Authors: November 11, 2009 Issue [#3380]
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