How to Write
a First Person Essay

Let’s take it step by step:

1. Step 1 – Choosing an Experience to Share The topics are endless. Almost anything can be the subject material for your essay – relationships, nature, climbing, death, traveling – just ask yourself what you have experienced that has emotional appeal. Your topic can be funny, compelling or touching. If you cannot decide what to write about, ask yourself what makes you happy or what makes you sad. All topics are at your fingertips, you simply need to choose a great illustrative one that will make your reader care.

   When you have a clear idea of what you want to share, go to the next important step – writing the first draft.

2. Step 2 – Preparing the First Draft The first draft of your essay is your first step in creating a thoughtful and focused writing piece. Let your emotions and ideas flow! Don’t critique your first draft, after all, you’ll have time to improve it later. All you need to do right now is to describe the things that are crucial for your story – people, places, events. You need to find the balance in giving the reader enough information so they can understand your actions or decisions.

   While writing your first draft, it is OK to pause, recollect your thoughts and remind yourself of your goal. When you think you’ve said all you can say, close your notebook and walk away. In several hours, in a day, or so, read your essay. You’ll find information that shines with brilliance and you’ll see plenty of unnecessary details. It’s good to recognize this before you submit your work.

   Style and Voice
   The goal of your first-person essay is to connect with a reader, so they can visualize your point of view. You need to write in a personal, engaging, understandable and revealing way.

   • Personal – You are the main protagonist, so make your essay intimate and revealing to show the reader your personal world. The best essays are written like a conversation with a smart friend, in a real and genuine way.
   • Engaging – To make your essay interesting, include intriguing details, humorous experience and descriptive language. Your essay shouldn’t sound like a science report, so make sure your writing style is appealing and entertaining.
   • Understandable – Write in a straightforward and understandable way. Avoid using unclear references or dubious phrases. Use simple, clear and concise language that will easily connect you with a reader.
   • Revealing – It is very important to make your first-person essay revealing. Personal references establish the setting, mood, theme and historical relevance. If you fail to do that, you’ll find it really difficult to disclose all necessary information in your essay.
3. Step 3 – Perfecting Your Essay The last step in crafting an effective essay is to thoroughly revise your writing piece. You’ve written what you think is close to a perfect work, but don’t rush to submit it at once. Take time to reread your essay and ensure that it doesn’t contain the common pitfalls.

   A good essay is one that appeals to the five senses. Make sure you offer enough details, so your reader can see, hear and smell what you’re writing about. Don’t just tell the audience what’s going on, use the verbs to show that. However, avoid being too emotional. It’s fine to show happiness, anger or sadness, but you need to find a balance.

   In addition, check your essay for grammar, punctuation, repetitions. You don’t want to spoil your personal journey by silly typos or mistakes. Ask yourself if your writing is clear and to-the-point and whether you share your thoughts in the most understandable way.

   Write in detail, be honest, talk about emotions and your first-person essay will surely engage your reader!