John, @sparksfromculture, @jennzuko These are some of my favorite stacks, too, just because they combine the personal with wit and vulnerability and keen observations of the world – well, not "just." But I have to add that Montaigne was fiddling and writing and editing his personal essays right up to his death, and that is the way to think of this most human form of writing. It always risks getting too personal or leaping away from what needs to be said. And yet, I don't think any writer should stop themselves from giving it a try out of fear of "how much to say about myself." Say a little bit, say too much, but speak of the self, especially in these times of profound uncertainty. I gain hope and strength and the spark of specific life when I read essays by David and Jen and many other writers here and elsewhere, including Montaigne. I like the mistakes, too, the questions, the "what do I know?" And I'll admit that I missed the reference about the cat. Darn, I'm not perfect, but what do I know – really? :-)
Hey, I think I have the cat thing now - as in when he experimented with what his dog was thinking/feeling/smelling? Tried looking at the world from different perspectives? It’s been awhile since I’ve read the Essay Master 😉
Good guesses and closely related. It’s from “The Apology for Raymond Sebond,” when he says something like: “When I am playing with my cat, how do I know that it is not she who is playing with me?”
How uncanny that I am just now drafting an essay for Tuesday on this topic: "...these are the questions that generally prevent me from writing personal essays. It’s not that I’m an intensely private person, but rather, I have no idea which parts of myself may be of interest to anyone else." My assumption is that when we talk about writer's block we're really talking about self-doubt. Perhaps you'll tune in on Tuesday and let me know if I've helped you see a path forward in the personal essay!
Hi John, wonderful to discover you through Sparks from Culture!
I probably don't think about this enough, and share too much. Though I'm very clear on some things I will not share, the rest is kind of nebulous, so thank you for these questions to contemplate.
Writing personal essays is an extension of processing for me. As I write I say the things I need to hear, but perhaps don't listen to as much, because, you know, it's me talking to me. Writing for someone other than myself creates the space and distance to see it through someone else’s eyes. Then, I might have my own light bulb moment!
As far as having value to others, that audience of unknown size and make up, is pretty much out of my hands. I write what has value to me, what rings true, and what I feel someone at an earlier stage of a similar journey might appreciate to have now. But whether other people or how many find value in it can’t be at the starting point of my writing, or the brakes to it.
Lots to think about. Thank you for laying out this good food for thought.
Hello, good to have you aboard! That's a good way to think about the process. I suppose that since I come from the academic world, I've been trained to keep myself out of my writing, and so I've never developed that instinct (except in a journal, which is another animal, and occasionally in poetry).
Oh, poetry! Do you ever share yours? I know some people don't because it is that personal for them. Writing personally is one thing. Sharing it is another. If you felt inclined to explore in this direction, it might be easier to initially write in a format where you're not expected to keep yourself out, and share that. In that sharing, the comfort distance between poetry and essay might eventually become less. Just a thought.
And I just discovered "Enchanted in America", which I'm delighted! So thanks for recommending her!
It is SO tricky - the personal essay - and I think your own comfort with the practice is central. I started adding personal that somehow connected to the texts a while back and really enjoyed it. I’m sure you have interesting personal things to share - but only if you want to. Even your experience in your classroom is interesting to us I think. ☺️
I’ll also add you never know what people will find fascinating / funny. I recently threw in the offhand comment of “briefly marrying a French man” as a part of my essay on texts to the great delight of my readers. I didn’t know it was funny, and then it really gave me a laugh!
Thanks for these, John. David's piece was very compelling. I think I *liked* it when I read it, David. Forgive me, if I neglected. And Jen had me at "Popinations of yore type pos.t"
John, @sparksfromculture, @jennzuko These are some of my favorite stacks, too, just because they combine the personal with wit and vulnerability and keen observations of the world – well, not "just." But I have to add that Montaigne was fiddling and writing and editing his personal essays right up to his death, and that is the way to think of this most human form of writing. It always risks getting too personal or leaping away from what needs to be said. And yet, I don't think any writer should stop themselves from giving it a try out of fear of "how much to say about myself." Say a little bit, say too much, but speak of the self, especially in these times of profound uncertainty. I gain hope and strength and the spark of specific life when I read essays by David and Jen and many other writers here and elsewhere, including Montaigne. I like the mistakes, too, the questions, the "what do I know?" And I'll admit that I missed the reference about the cat. Darn, I'm not perfect, but what do I know – really? :-)
Thanks, Martha. Yes, I’m inspired by these writers too--and by Montaigne! I’ve let myself sneak into my writing a bit more lately.
Hey, I think I have the cat thing now - as in when he experimented with what his dog was thinking/feeling/smelling? Tried looking at the world from different perspectives? It’s been awhile since I’ve read the Essay Master 😉
Good guesses and closely related. It’s from “The Apology for Raymond Sebond,” when he says something like: “When I am playing with my cat, how do I know that it is not she who is playing with me?”
How uncanny that I am just now drafting an essay for Tuesday on this topic: "...these are the questions that generally prevent me from writing personal essays. It’s not that I’m an intensely private person, but rather, I have no idea which parts of myself may be of interest to anyone else." My assumption is that when we talk about writer's block we're really talking about self-doubt. Perhaps you'll tune in on Tuesday and let me know if I've helped you see a path forward in the personal essay!
Thanks, Josh! I’ll look forward to reading that.
Hi John, wonderful to discover you through Sparks from Culture!
I probably don't think about this enough, and share too much. Though I'm very clear on some things I will not share, the rest is kind of nebulous, so thank you for these questions to contemplate.
Writing personal essays is an extension of processing for me. As I write I say the things I need to hear, but perhaps don't listen to as much, because, you know, it's me talking to me. Writing for someone other than myself creates the space and distance to see it through someone else’s eyes. Then, I might have my own light bulb moment!
As far as having value to others, that audience of unknown size and make up, is pretty much out of my hands. I write what has value to me, what rings true, and what I feel someone at an earlier stage of a similar journey might appreciate to have now. But whether other people or how many find value in it can’t be at the starting point of my writing, or the brakes to it.
Lots to think about. Thank you for laying out this good food for thought.
Hello, good to have you aboard! That's a good way to think about the process. I suppose that since I come from the academic world, I've been trained to keep myself out of my writing, and so I've never developed that instinct (except in a journal, which is another animal, and occasionally in poetry).
Oh, poetry! Do you ever share yours? I know some people don't because it is that personal for them. Writing personally is one thing. Sharing it is another. If you felt inclined to explore in this direction, it might be easier to initially write in a format where you're not expected to keep yourself out, and share that. In that sharing, the comfort distance between poetry and essay might eventually become less. Just a thought.
And I just discovered "Enchanted in America", which I'm delighted! So thanks for recommending her!
Yes, I’ve posted a few poems here--still to be found in the archive :)
Thank you! I got distracted (a lovely distraction) by one of your essays about poetry as I was looking last night. I shall explore further :)
It is SO tricky - the personal essay - and I think your own comfort with the practice is central. I started adding personal that somehow connected to the texts a while back and really enjoyed it. I’m sure you have interesting personal things to share - but only if you want to. Even your experience in your classroom is interesting to us I think. ☺️
I’ll also add you never know what people will find fascinating / funny. I recently threw in the offhand comment of “briefly marrying a French man” as a part of my essay on texts to the great delight of my readers. I didn’t know it was funny, and then it really gave me a laugh!
That is funny! I think it’s about tone. I “briefly stopped for a taco.”
Ha. Probably! Tacos and marriages, same thing.
Thanks for these, John. David's piece was very compelling. I think I *liked* it when I read it, David. Forgive me, if I neglected. And Jen had me at "Popinations of yore type pos.t"