Anaylitcal, or ‘real-life writing’, is a form of creative nonfiction that allows the writer to explore their experience of real life, whether it’s a love affair, an educational journey, or a job search. It can be about anything that the writer chooses, so long as it relates to their personal experience. This form of writing often incorporates elements of fiction and memoir, but the central focus is on the truthfulness of the written word.
An individual may write anaylitcal essays for a variety of reasons. Some do so as a way to explore their experience of life, whilst others may use it to find their voice as a writer and give shape to their ideas. Regardless of the reason, the end product is often a candid insight into someone’s life that is both intimate and honest.
The Craft of Writing Anaylitcal
Whilst there are no specific guidelines that you must follow to write anaylitcal essays, there are a number of tips and tricks that can help you to elevate your writing to a higher level.
Firstly, try to keep your writing to a minimum, as extended written documents often struggle to pull readers into the story. The more you write, the more you will begin to sound like a machine, lacking the human touch that makes a great writer great. Keep your writing tight, snappy, and to the point, but make sure that you introduce enough detail that the reader can form a picture in their head of what the experience was like. You may want to consider using a few short phrases here and there to paint a clearer picture – ‘I walked into the room, and all I could think about was your smile,’ or ‘The air was hot, and heavy with tension,’ are just a couple of examples.
Secondly, try to write from a place of honesty and real-life emotion. Whilst it is important to impart information to the reader, you should never, ever write simply to inform – no one wants to read an informative piece, they want to read something that makes them feel. Remember: literature is supposed to make them feel something, and that is exactly what you are aiming to do. If you want to impress your reader, write from the heart.
Thirdly, try to avoid using ‘literary’ terms in your writing. The more you try to imitate traditional literary styles, the more you will end up looking like a machine. Always remember, the goal is to write something that is personal and unique to you, so do not be afraid to use your own language and to express yourself in your own way. Just make sure that you are always honest with your reader.
The Difference in Tone
As previously stated, one of the principal differences between an anaylitcal essay and a more traditional piece of creative nonfiction is its lack of concern for literary conventions. Whilst you should still adhere to basic structures like the introductory paragraph, anaylitcal writers often dispense with the formalities that can sometimes numb an unfocussed reader.
Whilst the formalities may vary from one genre to another, the underlying structure is usually the same. Consider the following:
- Introduction – sets the scene
- Body – presents the argument
- Conclusion – draws the connection
In anaylitcal essays, you will often find the introduction made up of short phrases, whilst the body contains extended sentences and paragraphs. This structure allows the writer to paint a clearer picture of their experience, using language that is both vivid and engaging.
The Need For Verisimilitude
As the name suggests, verisimilitude refers to the idea that the writing must appear to be ‘real’ or ‘true to life’. That is, the writing should attempt to depict events, situations, and conversations as accurately as possible. Naturally, this may mean that you have to consult with people who are familiar with the topic, but you should still write as if you were the one who had actually lived through the experience. Remember, you are writing for a ‘real’ audience and you must ensure that they believe that what they are reading is an accurate depiction of events that occurred in reality.
Familiarity With The Topic
If you are writing about a subject that you are not familiar with, it may be a good idea to do some research. Familiarity with the topic is important, but without it, you may find that your writing appears forced and unengaging. When you are writing about a topic that you are not familiar with, it is important to remember that you are writing for an audience that is not necessarily familiar with the topic – make sure that what you are writing about is something that would be of interest to them.
The Importance Of Clarity
Clarity is important in all forms of writing, but it is even more vital in creative nonfiction. If you want your writing to be understood and you want your reader to ‘get’ what you are trying to say, then make sure that they understand exactly what it is that you are saying. If you use language that is unclear, it will make your meaning more difficult to determine. In order to achieve clarity, you may want to perform some word-clearing exercises or even read the piece aloud – both will help you to pinpoint any issues that you have and enable you to fix them.
How To Write A Brilliant Anaylitcal Essay
To write a brilliant anaylitcal essay, you need to make sure that you observe the above listed tips and tricks, whilst also considering a number of important factors. To begin with, you must have an idea of what you are going to write about – think about the last event, experience, or conversation that you had and use that as a starting point for your writing. Remember: it is better to have an outline, rather than to wing it, and the outline will certainly help you to pull the whole piece together. Additionally, consider the genre of the piece and the target audience – what would make your essay stand out in the crowd?
Where To Publish Your Work?
Once you have completed the above steps and taken into account all of the relevant factors, it is time to determine where you should publish your work. Whilst there are no hard and fast rules, a good place to start would be a university or community newsletter, as most publications and audiences within those realms will be familiar with the academic context and the terminology that you are using. If, at a later date, you decide that you want to explore other options, there will be plenty of publishers who will be only too happy to take on your work. Just remember to approach them with an idea that is both original and well-executed.