As a writer, I am well aware that one of the most difficult things about the writing process is getting started.
As a writer, I am well aware that one of the most difficult things about the writing process is getting started. Staring at a blank open document on the computer screen or facing down a blank sheet of paper staring up at you from your desk can be daunting for anyone—even the most veteran writers out there. So for those of you who don’t have a natural knack for writing, it’s understandable why you might feel intimidated, overwhelmed, or just plain uninspired.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to get inspired to start writing. The bad news is that you’re going to have to start writing sometime, whether you’re proactive about it and get started early, or whether you procrastinate until the night before your college application deadline, only leaving time to type out a few hurried, garbled paragraphs. I’d suggest the first option: why not carve out a little time one afternoon or weekend, try out some of my tips for getting inspired, and put pen to paper to see what you come up with? You never know, you might just surprise yourself once you get the process underway. And at the very least, you’ll have a (very) rough draft to work from. Having a few ideas jotted down on paper is much better than having to start from scratch a month or two from now when the heat is really on.
So, how does one get inspired to write? Well, we all have our own sources of inspiration, and one size does not fit all, but it’s likely that one or two of my tips just might strike a chord with you. Give it a try—what’s the worst that could happen?!
Sources to help you find your voice:
– Your journal/diary: One of the hardest things about the personal essay is that it often times forces you to remember key moments or experiences in your life that you might have trouble identifying at first. It’s understandable that the achievements or setbacks you faced earlier in life might not be fresh in your mind, so turning to a source that will help jog your memory is not a bad idea. Now, not everyone keeps a diary or journal, but that doesn’t mean you didn’t keep one when you were younger. For a lot of us, journaling was part of our homework in elementary or junior high, and it’s possible that your parents encouraged you to journal also. So dust off those boxes of old schoolwork and see what you find—you just might stumble upon the gem of a story that you’ve been looking for. Whether it was a performance that you were in, a science fair prize that you won, or even something you failed at but learned from, these are all unique experiences that will help you tell your story.
– Personal blog/social media profile(s): So maybe you prefer to record your life online rather than with pen and paper. That’s fine too. The great thing about the internet is that it records and saves everything, so it will be a breeze to look back over your Facebook timeline to see what key moments or events you shared with friends and family a few years ago. Or if you happen to have your own blog (Tumblr, for example), scroll back through those entries to early posts that you uploaded a year or two ago. What were you talking about? Did you attend an art exhibit that inspired you? Or did you finally achieve your goal of learning how to snowboard (surf/paddleboard/wakeboard/waterski, etc.)? Perhaps you met one of your role models (your favourite author, the inventor of your favourite video game, your sports idol, or favourite musician). What was your reaction? How did you describe that moment?
– Photos/videos: Your social media accounts might come in handy here too. Think Instagram, YouTube, Vine, Pinterest, etc. What photos did you share with friends last year? Is there a funny (or serious) video you uploaded to YouTube? Maybe even a school project (documentary, video autobiography, ethnography, etc.)? Or, if you want to go back even further, have your parents pull out your childhood photo albums and browse through them. Does a specific image pop out at you? Maybe a family event like your grandmother’s 90th birthday, or your older sister’s wedding? Or perhaps a snapshot from your family trip to Europe a couple of years ago? Does it bring to mind a strong memory or evoke a certain emotion in you? Allow yourself to explore your reactions as you view these pictures and videos, and get in touch with the moments that have the most meaning to you. That’s where your focus in the personal essay should be: a moment that speaks to who you are and what is important to you.
– Phone a friend (or sibling, or parent): Who better to help you brainstorm important moments from your past than those who have been with you every step of the way?! Many students who I counsel during the college application process turn to their parents, brother(s), or sister(s) for help thinking of what to write about for the personal essay. While they might get on your nerves every once in a while, your mom or big bro knows you well, and might come up with an idea or remember an experience that you hadn’t thought of. Plus, it’s also a fun opportunity to reminisce with your family about the good times you’ve shared together. It will mean a lot to your mom or dad if you seek their assistance with this, trust me. Whether you realize it or not, they are cherishing every last moment they get with you before you go away to college.
There are plenty of other potential sources of information (a favourite book, movie, or song; a scrapbook or memento/souvenir from a trip; even your most prized fashion or streetwear article), but these first four should at least get you started on that search for inspiration. What’s most important in this process is that you allow yourself the time and space to focus on you: what are your dreams, what has been your defining moment thus far in life, what is your greatest strength or weakness? Even though it’s always great to get the insight of others, don’t let them put words in your mouth or pressure you to misrepresent yourself in any way. The college of your dreams wants to know the real you – the one behind the straight A’s on your report card and never-ending list of extracurriculars. Make sure that your own, authentic voice comes through in your personal essay. It’s your story, so own it!
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Keep Writing!
