Anna, I love how you start (at least in this example) with bullet points; I'm going to try that. And this line is gold: "Aboutness is something universal that can be drawn from the particular." I've understood the distinction between a mainstream and a literary essay, but I never thought about it so clearly as this: "One major difference between popular and literary essays is the degree to which the aboutness is explicit." This post is going in my "keeper" file!
Anna, I love how you break down your work so we can take away valuable lessons about your process. I always learn something from these posts and come away inspired. Thank you! I remember your Salon piece well. Such a powerful tribute.
Thanks for sharing this! I struggle with how literary or explicit to make a piece. Explicit feels too straight forward sometimes. I don't feel like I can capture the emotional weight of something when I'm writing like that. But I'm trying to learn because I want those bylines! 😂
Absolutely -- explicit takeaways will always make me cringe a little bit. I view adapting my writing for various outlets as a skill, though, and thinking of it that way -- as flexibility rather than "selling out" -- has been helpful for me. Thanks for always being such an encouragement, Heidi!
Anna, as I read this I thought, This is exactly what I’ve been looking for, exactly what I’ve been saying someone should offer a workshop on or write about—literary vs commercial and where to pitch particular types of essays. In fact that’s precisely what I’m struggling with now, with four essays I’d like to place as companions to my memoir. You are a gift! 💝
This post was SO helpful — thank you for giving clarity to my previously fuzzy vision for how to think about actually getting nonfiction essays placed!! I've always thought I needed to start with a thesis but that's not often how my brain works.
I have always felt a bit lost when it comes to creative nonfiction and essays of this nature, and seeing this type of behind-the-scenes is really unlocking some things for me! Thank you!
I am so glad that I skimmed the "Substack Reads" email that landed in my inbox this morning and led me to THIS golden nugget! I'm going to be printing off a copy to highlight and refer back to. Truly, thank you. I'm so glad that you wrote and shared this, it made me realize something very important about my writing process and why some pieces work and others don't! Solid advice, and I'm glad to have found your work. I have been writing for a long time but finally got the confidence up to start submitting essays/poems in June of this year so reading your background is very helpful and inspiring.
Anna, I love how you start (at least in this example) with bullet points; I'm going to try that. And this line is gold: "Aboutness is something universal that can be drawn from the particular." I've understood the distinction between a mainstream and a literary essay, but I never thought about it so clearly as this: "One major difference between popular and literary essays is the degree to which the aboutness is explicit." This post is going in my "keeper" file!
You are such an encouragement to me, Karen! Thank you for sharing what resonated with you and what was helpful in this post.
Anna, I love how you break down your work so we can take away valuable lessons about your process. I always learn something from these posts and come away inspired. Thank you! I remember your Salon piece well. Such a powerful tribute.
Your feedback on that Salon piece was a gamechanger for me -- I will always be so grateful!
Thank you for this thoughtful piece. I've grappled with the aboutness of most everything I've written, but didn't know its name.
I appreciate you reading so much, Eileen -- thank you!
Awesome writing advice as usual, Anna! Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experiences.
Thank you, Heather! Your encouragement means so much to me!
Thanks for sharing this! I struggle with how literary or explicit to make a piece. Explicit feels too straight forward sometimes. I don't feel like I can capture the emotional weight of something when I'm writing like that. But I'm trying to learn because I want those bylines! 😂
Absolutely -- explicit takeaways will always make me cringe a little bit. I view adapting my writing for various outlets as a skill, though, and thinking of it that way -- as flexibility rather than "selling out" -- has been helpful for me. Thanks for always being such an encouragement, Heidi!
Excellent, clear advice anyone can apply immediately.
This means so much to me! Thank you, Rona.
This is your best one in thiss series yet. So completely relatable.
Ah, thank you, Amy! This is so kind!
Anna, thank you as always.
Thank you so much, Nancy!
Anna, as I read this I thought, This is exactly what I’ve been looking for, exactly what I’ve been saying someone should offer a workshop on or write about—literary vs commercial and where to pitch particular types of essays. In fact that’s precisely what I’m struggling with now, with four essays I’d like to place as companions to my memoir. You are a gift! 💝
I can't wait to read and see those companion pieces to your incredible memoir, Casey! Thanks for always being such an encouragement.
Agreed. She is such a great resource.
I appreciate your kindness so much, Nancy!
This post was SO helpful — thank you for giving clarity to my previously fuzzy vision for how to think about actually getting nonfiction essays placed!! I've always thought I needed to start with a thesis but that's not often how my brain works.
I’m so glad this was helpful! Thank you so much for reading.
Loved how you stated this: Aboutness is something universal that can be drawn from the particular.
Thank you for reading and for your encouragement!
I have always felt a bit lost when it comes to creative nonfiction and essays of this nature, and seeing this type of behind-the-scenes is really unlocking some things for me! Thank you!
I'm so glad this was helpful, Sarah! Thank you for your encouragement!
Thank you, Anna! And congratulations on your success.
Thank you so much, Christiana!
the beauty lies in subtlety
Yes! That's good!
This was so good, and exactly what I needed. Thank you, and thank you for acknowledging how difficult it is to write like this!
I'm so grateful to you for reading and for your encouragement, Gemini!
I am so glad that I skimmed the "Substack Reads" email that landed in my inbox this morning and led me to THIS golden nugget! I'm going to be printing off a copy to highlight and refer back to. Truly, thank you. I'm so glad that you wrote and shared this, it made me realize something very important about my writing process and why some pieces work and others don't! Solid advice, and I'm glad to have found your work. I have been writing for a long time but finally got the confidence up to start submitting essays/poems in June of this year so reading your background is very helpful and inspiring.
This means so much to me! Thank you, Gina. I'm so glad this was helpful to you!