The " figuring out how to get it all neatly back into the glass" definitely resonates. (Tbh, I'm not even sure if what I'm writing perfectly qualifies as "personal essays" as most of my experience to date has been short stories. But it's not fiction! And it's about me! So let's go with that!)
I suppose my question for you and other writers would be how do you decide (or do you) what's too personal when it comes to the pieces you submit? Do you find it's different from what you publish here? I suppose this question comes from feeling like I have a rapport with readers here, and each essay is part of a larger body of work that helps clarify a fuller picture. So when an essay is sent off to appear on its own, does that change the nature of it for you?
I think you can call that a form of personal essay! ;)
That's a great question! I think if you're hesitating because something feels too personal, it could A) be too personal or B) you're just feeling very vulnerable, and maybe you should push through that feeling to build a deeper connection with readers. That's just my 2 cents, though, from experience.
The point about each essay being part of a larger body of work is a great one, too. I hadn't really thought about that until lately, when I noticed that all my essays could sort of be linked together in some way to create a bigger story. I think, at least for me, I still treat them each as a one-off story, and if they somehow connect down the line, that's great/fine too. I guess it's inevitable that they will eventually, since they're all from my own life.
Yes, you're making perfect sense! It's interesting, thinking about where I draw the line between what's too personal, and what's vulnerability that could lead to a deeper connection. And then seeing what shape it all takes whether joining together or remaining single stories. Thanks for all that, Alexis.
Hi Alexis, I loved reading this and thank you for being so honest about your "cringy" feelings about legacy and wanting to leave something behind. I too feel very cringy saying it, but I can definitely relate to this - even if it's just something for my children to read/discover in years to come. We hold onto so much doubt and self-criticism don't we... maybe it's time we let that shit go! ❤️x
Yesssss… let that shit go! And I think that’s very sweet, to leave something for your kids to read and discover. I was actually thinking about writing some little notes for my niece to read later.
It's been my goal to write more personal essays and get them published too. One of mine was published in a lit mag some months ago. If you're looking for an accountability partner let me know :) I think these essays are great practice for writing the big thing (the book) but they def need lots of work.
Hi I have Altzheimers- so I’m replying as your post caught my attention. I’m in the Uk and must look up their website. So will keep an eye on your page topics. Cheers!
Hi Carol, thanks for your comment here! I’m sorry to hear you have Alzheimer’s. I honestly don’t even know what to say because I’ve seen how difficult it has been for my mom. I hope you have all the support and help you need. 💜 I’ve mainly written personal essays about my experience of losing her (so far).
The " figuring out how to get it all neatly back into the glass" definitely resonates. (Tbh, I'm not even sure if what I'm writing perfectly qualifies as "personal essays" as most of my experience to date has been short stories. But it's not fiction! And it's about me! So let's go with that!)
I suppose my question for you and other writers would be how do you decide (or do you) what's too personal when it comes to the pieces you submit? Do you find it's different from what you publish here? I suppose this question comes from feeling like I have a rapport with readers here, and each essay is part of a larger body of work that helps clarify a fuller picture. So when an essay is sent off to appear on its own, does that change the nature of it for you?
Thanks for the peek behind the scenes!
I think you can call that a form of personal essay! ;)
That's a great question! I think if you're hesitating because something feels too personal, it could A) be too personal or B) you're just feeling very vulnerable, and maybe you should push through that feeling to build a deeper connection with readers. That's just my 2 cents, though, from experience.
The point about each essay being part of a larger body of work is a great one, too. I hadn't really thought about that until lately, when I noticed that all my essays could sort of be linked together in some way to create a bigger story. I think, at least for me, I still treat them each as a one-off story, and if they somehow connect down the line, that's great/fine too. I guess it's inevitable that they will eventually, since they're all from my own life.
Am I making sense? hahaha
Appreciate your question and comment!
Yes, you're making perfect sense! It's interesting, thinking about where I draw the line between what's too personal, and what's vulnerability that could lead to a deeper connection. And then seeing what shape it all takes whether joining together or remaining single stories. Thanks for all that, Alexis.
Thanks for the behind-the-scenes look! Good luck with the essays that you have out on submission! Fingers crossed!
Thanks, Lee!
Hi Alexis, I loved reading this and thank you for being so honest about your "cringy" feelings about legacy and wanting to leave something behind. I too feel very cringy saying it, but I can definitely relate to this - even if it's just something for my children to read/discover in years to come. We hold onto so much doubt and self-criticism don't we... maybe it's time we let that shit go! ❤️x
Yesssss… let that shit go! And I think that’s very sweet, to leave something for your kids to read and discover. I was actually thinking about writing some little notes for my niece to read later.
It's been my goal to write more personal essays and get them published too. One of mine was published in a lit mag some months ago. If you're looking for an accountability partner let me know :) I think these essays are great practice for writing the big thing (the book) but they def need lots of work.
Congrats! That's awesome. Accountability buddy sounds like a good idea! How do you usually do that? Just share some updates each month or something?
Hi I have Altzheimers- so I’m replying as your post caught my attention. I’m in the Uk and must look up their website. So will keep an eye on your page topics. Cheers!
Hi Carol, thanks for your comment here! I’m sorry to hear you have Alzheimer’s. I honestly don’t even know what to say because I’ve seen how difficult it has been for my mom. I hope you have all the support and help you need. 💜 I’ve mainly written personal essays about my experience of losing her (so far).