Your Life Story Is an Essay

. . . So Tell Us “What” and “Why”

In an October 20, 2021 publication, Medium Creators asked “What Goes Into an Award-Winning Essay?”

I’ve spent decades coaching small business owners and individuals on brand development. For just as long, I’ve coached clients on effective writing.

Reflecting on our past, and what’s happened, is as important for essay writers as it is for anyone in business.

This makes these five principles of essay writing equally pertinent to the development and application of a brand and voice.

“1. A great essay centers on a key moment if not the key moment of one’s life or relationship.”

• Very few people realize that a key moment of their life occurred when they were very young. It can be recalled as their happiest early memory.
• You still remember it today because it reflects core values, strengths and perspectives you’ve treasured over the years.
• This personal brand also points you toward your most genuine and sustainable decisions and choices.
• The more vividly and pointedly you remember that moment in time, the better equipped you’ll be to make good decisions and live with consistency.

“2. A writer might need a good long time to process a life event before being able to write about it.”

• Even if you haven’t consciously revisited that happy event or situation over the years, it has been shaping how you think and what you do to this day.
• Once you’ve clearly identified it, you can tap into it as a coherent and actionable personal resource.

“3. Powerful essays combine a couple different layers of narration, often connecting to a larger topic or conversation in the world.”

• Identify patterns and underlying themes in your life story.
• Focus on where these layers of narration connect.
• Which connecting point is most relevant to your story and brand?

“4. Essays have to take the reader somewhere when we read, we want some sort of movement, some new knowledge to be revealed.”

• The best story, like the most fulfilled life, is moved by challenges and transformation.
• In a story or a life with weak and pointless transitions, events follow each other like cards being shuffled in a deck: shallow and random. Make sure every transition in your essay or story is clear and muscular.

“5. Essays demand elision. Thoughtful and beautiful writing matter, but so does narrative control and self-editing.”

• Beautiful actions and words are attractive; consistency and steady personal growth build legends.

To present your life story and brand in a readable essay, there’s no need to leave Medium. Many good writers offer solid advice here.

Surf’s Up!