Dr Lily Dunn reflects on when author and editor Marina Benjamin spoke to her undergrad students about the importance of research, and what she looks for in a personal essay
Thank you for sharing this. There’s a lot in here.
What struck me today (tomorrow my reading of the piece may well cast a different light, and one which is more attuned to the personal essay) is the point you and Marina Benjamin make about the author having a searching voice, rather than an expert voice, in straight non-fiction writing. As a reader, it is so much rewarding to read with some quality of searching, rather than to be spoken to by an expert voice that leaves one no room. I’m never good at being told.
Thank you for sharing this helpful piece. I love the idea of the essay as a search or a quest. As a side note, I've noticed the tendency for some TV documentaries to use 'I want to find out...etc, etc', as a framing device for a broadcasting 'personality' to front a programme. In that situation it can feel clunky and formulaic. But I think you're talking about something more authentic here, at once more rigourous and more subtle. Perhaps good writing should hold its quest lightly, allowing it to infuse a piece rather than overpower it. I'm wondering if you have any thoughts on the difference as you see it.
The vulnerability question in personal essays is interesting too. It's the first time I've seen the difference so clearly elucidated between personal exposure (revealing, oversharing) and vulnerability (uncertainty, difficulty, discomfort). I'm reminded of the writer (is it Jo Bell?) who says that 'A good poem should cost you something'.
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Yea I agree it can feel clunky in a documentary, and I think it’s exactly what you suggest. Either a piece of work, whether film or literature, is infused with it. The discovery is an integral part of the story and the quest of the narrator, or it feels forced. It can be made clunky in literature too. As a writer of personal narrative I need to find the reason why the thing I am writing about is asking to be better understood. It must matter and must be only part of what I know, so there is mystery there. That’s what gives it a natural energy
Certainly accept points to view from, from constructive critics; so few around. Thanks for standing up. Now, take break. Take time, laugh. You won’t regret it.
Thank you for sharing this. There’s a lot in here.
What struck me today (tomorrow my reading of the piece may well cast a different light, and one which is more attuned to the personal essay) is the point you and Marina Benjamin make about the author having a searching voice, rather than an expert voice, in straight non-fiction writing. As a reader, it is so much rewarding to read with some quality of searching, rather than to be spoken to by an expert voice that leaves one no room. I’m never good at being told.
This is absolutely how I feel. It leaves more to discovery, a more vibrant sense of aliveness in the text.
I greatly appreciate how you’ve articulated this Nicolas, thank you for your comment as much for this very interesting piece!
Very interesting, especially the discussion on the differences between personal and straight essays. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this helpful piece. I love the idea of the essay as a search or a quest. As a side note, I've noticed the tendency for some TV documentaries to use 'I want to find out...etc, etc', as a framing device for a broadcasting 'personality' to front a programme. In that situation it can feel clunky and formulaic. But I think you're talking about something more authentic here, at once more rigourous and more subtle. Perhaps good writing should hold its quest lightly, allowing it to infuse a piece rather than overpower it. I'm wondering if you have any thoughts on the difference as you see it.
The vulnerability question in personal essays is interesting too. It's the first time I've seen the difference so clearly elucidated between personal exposure (revealing, oversharing) and vulnerability (uncertainty, difficulty, discomfort). I'm reminded of the writer (is it Jo Bell?) who says that 'A good poem should cost you something'.
I've found this post super-useful and I'm going to subscribe for more!
Yea I agree it can feel clunky in a documentary, and I think it’s exactly what you suggest. Either a piece of work, whether film or literature, is infused with it. The discovery is an integral part of the story and the quest of the narrator, or it feels forced. It can be made clunky in literature too. As a writer of personal narrative I need to find the reason why the thing I am writing about is asking to be better understood. It must matter and must be only part of what I know, so there is mystery there. That’s what gives it a natural energy
Fantastic advice thanks for sharing. I love the idea of sidling up to a subject
Yes, I like that image too
This is a wonderful set of advice
Wise and true. Thank you
What riches ..will dig in …a great woman cave
Certainly accept points to view from, from constructive critics; so few around. Thanks for standing up. Now, take break. Take time, laugh. You won’t regret it.
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