Please Check out my Essay, I am One of the Millions, published on Angie’s Diary. It is a very personal essay on a matter close to my heart. I’d love to hear what your thoughts are on this topic. Comments & feedback are welcome, both here and on Angie’s Diary in the comment section.
Photo Courtesy of funnymama.com
Besides writing flash fiction, and working on my novel, I’ve been exploring personal essays. For those of you interested in writing essays and don’t want the frustration of college days, here are a few pointers I’ve learned along the way.
“Narrative” means a written account of connected events; a story. Written in first person and most often in the past tense, a narrative essay tells the story of an experience and the significance of that event to the writer.
Structure: A personal essay includes three essential parts: 1) the opening statement or introduction. 2) Body of the essay, and 3) Conclusion.
1. Introduction: Basic components of the introduction include: Opening statement, scene, and theme.
Opening: The opening is the hook and can consist of a statement of facts, a pertinent quote, or a question. A strong, engaging opening will entice the reader and keep them interested in what you have to say.
Scene: In order for the reader to stay engaged, every essay should include the three W’s: Who, what and where. Set the stage: Who are the characters? What happened and where did the event take place? In addition, clarify whether the story happened to you, someone you know or is fiction.
Theme: Essays can begin with the event itself: The crowd, waiting to board the train, pushed me over the edge of the platform.
Lessons learned: I will never stand close to the platform’s edge again.
How the experience changed your life: When waiting to ride the metro, I stay well behind the safety line, and ta the rowdy crowds of anxious passengers.
Or to share something more universal: The metro is stressful and dangerous if you aren’t aware of your surroundings.
2. Body:
The body of the essay is where your story begins. Place the readers in your experience by using details and vivid descriptions; show don’t tell. Use all five senses, not just your sight. What sounds were amplified? What did you feel?
I heard the screeching sound of metal on metal, felt the vibrations and tasted bile as I stumbled toward the edge.
In other types of essays, corroborating evidence is needed to support your position. But, in a narrative essay, your experience is the supporting evidence. Your story and the lessons learned may be unique, but the events in your essay should support the significance of that experience to you.
The most common narrative format is from beginning to end: first, next and last or, in chronological order with new paragraphs showing a change in action. Either way, transition words are necessary to make sure the reader understands how the event occurred.
Transition words help connect not only the sequence of events, but also the end of one paragraph to the start of the next. Examples include: before, after, when, finally, suddenly and therefore.
Suddenly, the crowd surged, knocking me off-balance and I fell forward toward the tracks as the train entered the tunnel.
3. Conclusion:
Your story ends here by evaluating the event, its significance, how the experience changed you, and the universal message or the moral of the story you want to share.
A stranger saved me when he grabbed the strap of my handbag and pulled me to safety. After my near miss, I approached riding the metro with greater respect and caution. I focused on being aware of my surroundings, staying well behind the safety line, and mindful of other passengers.
The metro, although convenient, is a stressful and crowded form of transportation. Showing respect for others and their personal space reduces anxiety, aggression, and accidents.
Photo Courtesy of immediacy.newschool.com
Want more information on writing essays, check out:
Longreads.com Best of Essay Writing.
Writer’s Digest: How to Write a Reader Friendly Essay by Rachel Scheller ay
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Blogging 101 Challenge : publish a post for your dream reader, and include a new-to-you element in it (Post 3 of 3 in this series).
I pushed away the doctor’s recommendations. “It isn’t time,” I said. I couldn’t bring myself to accept the truth of what my eyes were seeing. I did everything. Then you said, 
“No more.” You refused your medications, and soon there was no denying the truth.
I held on because I couldn’t let go.
Six months after our last conversation with the doctor, I made the call. You were always most at rest in my arms even on the worse days and I wanted to be there holding you. I wanted you to feel loved as you finally found the peace your body sought.
I had no idea what it would be like. It was not peaceful. The sedation confused and frightened you. Things happened as if in slow motion. I was in a hell of my own making. Unable to stop the suffocating avalanche bearing down on us, all I could do was hold you. Try to calm and comfort you as best I could, and let you know you were loved and not alone.
I hope you remember my arms around you, the stroke of my hand against your face, the loving touch of your dad, and my voice as I sang softly to you. I pray those are the last things you remember from that day. I pray the memories of me, your dad, and our family are with you now and that your days are filled with joy. I hope the sounds of the laughter remind you of us.
Above all other gifts, you sweet, sweet Cooper were the most precious I ever received.
I always tried doing what was best for you. I realize on that day, I failed and I will forever regret my actions. It should have been on your terms, when you decided. Curled up together on the sofa, I could’ve held you, sung softly, and you would’ve known peace, love and gentle parting.
I will never make that mistake again. Your precious sister, who misses you terribly, is well, happy, and safe.
Things will be different for Piper. When the time comes, she will tell me. I will wrap my arms around her in love, and remember you, I promise.
Saying I’m sorry isn’t enough, but you deserved at least that much. We loved you more than these few words can say, and I want you to know Cooper, you were, a delight to have in our lives. We will never forget the way you hated to have your picture taken, loved boating and fishing, or the excitement you brought to Christmas.
For twelve years you gave us unconditional love and more joy than I’ve ever known. I am forever grateful and humbled to have had the privilege to be your human mom.
I will love you always,
Mom
Blogging 101 Challenge : publish a post for your dream reader, and include a new-to-you element in it (Post 2 of 3 in this series).
My Dearest Coop,
I visited our favorite place this weekend. The weather is turning cooler, the fall leaves are beginning to fall, and the boat glided silently through the morning dew. The surface of the water rippled with reflection and stillness.
I tried to remember the good times. The joy our trips here brought you. But everywhere I turn, I see or find something of yours tucked away and I feel the aching hole left by your absence.
I was not prepared. It happened too fast. I should have said, “No, Not now.” I betrayed you in the worst way, and I am externally sorry.
(To Be Continued)
COW PASTURE CHRONICLES 