Section 1.1: Establish a Clear Theme

When crafting a personal essay, it’s essential to hone in on a distinct theme or central event. A frequent pitfall is trying to cover too much ground, leading to a scattered narrative that obscures the main message.

While reminiscing, many writers start with a memory, mistakenly believing that it alone is sufficient for an essay. However, you must also consider your reader's perspective: "Why should I care?" Readers trade their time for information, persuasion, or entertainment.

Begin by jotting down your memory, but remember, this is merely a first draft. Take a break, perhaps by washing dishes or going for a walk, then return to your writing.

Recently, I've focused on 'I' statements, which often reveal deeper insights. A personal essay should indeed be rich in 'I' and 'me' reflections.

For illustration, I can reference moments from an early essay titled Does the Ouija Board Know Our Family Secrets?

My two sisters and I leaned forward, eager to catch every word. I envisioned soldiers in cold trenches, grateful I wasn't there. My sister Sharon and I exchanged glances, both longing for our fortunes to be told.

Recalling such moments can unveil significant meanings. I close my eyes to visualize the scene, smelling, hearing, and feeling the emotions intertwined with those memories.

Reflecting on my mother's childhood stories, I remember her as softer and happier, contrasting with the often angry person she became. We were always on edge, fearing that the slightest disruption would shatter that moment, bringing back her manic side.

Now, as a more refined storyteller, I recognize that these emotions are what I wish to convey to my readers. Including sensory details, like the warmth of the kitchen woodstove or the smell of baking cookies, helps create a rich atmosphere.

Is this essay about a specific day, or does it delve into a more pervasive feeling of unease that lingered in my childhood and in many families’ lives?

Section 1.2: Start with a Hook

A common mistake in essay submissions is beginning with tedious backstory. Often, the captivating part of the story lies buried in subsequent paragraphs. One critical lesson I've learned is to open with a bang.

Allison K. Williams, an author and educator, advises: “Start your narrative with SUCK: something that is Simple, Unexpected, Concrete & Kicks off the plot. You can always weave in the backstory later!”

In her book Seven Drafts: Self-edit Like a Pro from Blank Page to Book, Williams emphasizes using action and voice to launch your narrative effectively.

For example, I once began an essay with, "Give me all your money!"—definitely Simple and Unexpected. It immediately thrusts the reader into an action-packed scenario.

I used to start with phrases like, "It began like any other day." How dull! Instead, I learned to dive straight into the action.

Notice how often writers 'bury the lede'—a term from journalism reminding us to keep the main point upfront. You can start with compelling action even in reflective essays. For instance, instead of a reflective opening about loss, you could start with, "Today my best friend died."

One of my favorite opening lines is from The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls:

I was sitting in a taxi, wondering if I had overdressed for the evening, when I looked out the window and saw Mom rooting through a Dumpster.

This vivid, unexpected scene hooks the reader and piques curiosity.

Section 2.1: Mix Past and Present

While it might seem logical to narrate your story chronologically, this approach can lead to predictability. Instead, consider blending past and present to focus on the emotional journey rather than just the sequence of events.

You can start at any point in time, as long as you orient the reader with subtle cues. For example, in the earlier essay, I continued:

My older brother looked up from across the room, engaged with the story of Uncle Charlie and the war.

This establishes the presence of family members and signals that this part of the narrative occurs in the past.

Utilizing phrases such as "I remember" or "back then" can help maintain the reader's sense of time. When shifting back to the present, phrases like "years later" or "as time passed" can signal the transition.

Some writers even use double spacing between paragraphs to indicate a time shift.

Section 2.2: Build Characters with Depth

Writers often forget that readers are unfamiliar with their life stories. It’s crucial to provide enough context without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.

For instance, I wrote: "It was late at night, or at least so dark it seemed to be midnight." This sets the scene and mood effectively.

In personal essays, remember that the people in your life are characters too. Failing to fully develop these characters can make them feel one-dimensional, disengaging readers from the narrative.

For example, I could enhance a description by saying, "My mother's auburn hair shone in the light of the kerosene lamp as she leaned forward, her voice rising."

Look for opportunities to create vivid imagery that helps readers visualize your scenes.

Section 2.3: Embrace Vulnerability and Reflection

The power of memoir lies in its ability to expose vulnerability. Writers often shy away from exploring complex emotions, which can result in a superficial narrative.

A compelling memoir should not only tell a story but also offer reflection and insight. Instead of merely recounting events, consider their significance and how they shaped you.

Ask yourself: Are you presenting a series of events, or are you exploring cause and effect? How did your experiences lead to personal growth?

Not every reflection needs to be profound, but it should be present. For instance, I ponder, "Now my siblings and I look at albums of unnamed ancestors and wish we had answers. Or are some questions best left a mystery?"

Looking back, I see more opportunities for reflection. What emotions surfaced when I thought of my Uncle Charlie during the war? Did those experiences contribute to the bitterness I later encountered?

Section 2.4: Master the Craft of Writing

Although personal stories are often the focus, writers must also pay attention to the craft of writing. Elements like narrative structure, pacing, tone, and word choice are crucial.

Varying sentence length and choosing impactful verbs can elevate your writing. Read your essay aloud to identify areas for improvement.

For example, instead of saying, "I cried quietly," consider using "sniffled." Replace "he walked angrily" with "stomped."

Utilizing AI proofreading tools like Grammarly can help catch errors and enhance your writing. While not all suggestions will resonate, these tools can improve punctuation and clarity.

Proper grammar, punctuation, and formatting are essential for making a positive impression on editors.

Implementing these techniques can transform a personal essay from a missed opportunity into a narrative that resonates deeply with readers, offering them insights into your life and their own.

The second video, How Writing Protects Your Mind and Builds Memory with Essay Founder Julian Peterson, highlights the cognitive benefits of writing, emphasizing its role in mental health and memory enhancement.

Cindy is currently penning a memoir about her experiences growing up on a homestead in Alaska, farming in the Southwest, and her journey through various bookstores. Access exclusive family photos here.