A guide to writing the personal essay, including the basics of essay writing, how to move past private "journaling," and instructions for revision and strategies for getting published. A guide to writing the personal essay, including the basics of essay writing, how to move past private "journaling," and instructions for revision and strategies for getting published.

pt. 1. Writing the essay. The gentle art of the personal essay -- The personal (not private) essay -- Writing the memoir essay -- The woolf and the moth -- Writing the contemplative essay -- A closer look : "Leisure," by Agnes Repplier -- Pursuing mental rabbits -- Writing the lyric essay -- Of conflict -- A closer look : "Ah wilderness!" by Dinty W. Moore -- Writing the spiritual essay -- Who am I today? -- Writing the gastronomical essay -- Writing the humorous essay -- A closer look : "Pulling teeth," by Dinty W. Moore -- Write what you wish you knew -- Writing the nature essay -- Writing the travel essay -- pt. 2. Reaching readers. On a regular writing routine -- Blogging and the essay -- Red light, green light : tips for conquering writer's block -- On becoming an excellent rewriter -- On publication, rejection, and being stubborn.