On Essays

I’ve wanted to be an essayist since high school. Though the homework was a drag, reading this book for class gave me a new appreciation on the art of observation. There is something so alluring about authors who could summarize abstract or everyday ideas in a matter of a few pages, while still moving and connecting with their audience. Moreover, a good essay never failed to satisfy me; they constantly give me outlooks to mull over, new approaches to practice and even sometimes a hard-hitting, yet necessary, reality check. While, one could go on and on about how well-written essays are gifts that just keep on giving, one thing is for sure: There is a lot to be thankful about for the opportunity to learn from someone else’s insight.

So what exactly is an essay? Webster’s Dictionary calls it, “an analytic or interpretative literary composition usually dealing with its subject from a limited or personal point of view.” Aldous Huxley calls it, “a literary device for saying almost everything about almost anything, usually on a certain topic.” And of course our most trusty source, Wikipedia, calls it, ” a piece of writing which is often written from an author’s personal point of view.” An essay can be virtually about anything; it can be in prose or verse; it can be long or abrupt; it can take the form of any medium. In short, it is whatever you wish. Though an essay usually revolves around a certain idea, how far you stretch it, is entirely up to you.

This essay blog is less about learning about me, though I suspect if you venture through my posts, you inevitably will. In fact, you’ll probably know me better than those who see me on a regular basis. Why? Because essays cut out the small talk and they are the quickest way to illuminate the author’s perfectly unique perspective. So enter if you dare, for here is mine.

Please feel free ask me any questions. If there is something particular you would like me to write about, I welcome suggestions!

Warmly,
Rosemary