The Colloquial Essay

We all have dreams. As writers, that can take us to places and times that no one has ever even imagined. Yet! This is a group that is predicated on a very specific dream, not that I do not have many, many others. This particular dream is to investigate, explore and develop what I have come to call the Colloquial Essay. All essays tend to fall into one of two categories, one being the 'formal' variety, while the other is known simply as 'informal'. My interest lies in the informal, and I have designs to try and develop a specific variation, which we will talk about much in the future. It is known at this point as the Colloquial Essay, and pretty much only to myself.

My intent is to have a conversation with anyone and everyone that may share my interest in understanding essays in general, and my own version, in particular. I think that essays are underappreciated, and yet many use the alternative for much of what they write, especially in the form of memoirs, to articles and opinion pieces. We will talk about essays in the 'macro', covering all the various options, as well as those aspects of writing that are used in the creation and presentation of them. I wrote for some time before realizing that the result was invariably an essay. It seems to be what I do, and I would like to explore, with you, the available options to do so to the best of my ability.

I profess to no particular knowledge of the essay but consider myself somewhat informed. I certainly have what you might call a new perspective. I have slowly been accumulating more knowledge and experience and have decided to try and develop something with a bit of specific direction and structure. It may be difficult, neigh, impossible to do, but there is a desire to make the attempt. This is but one experiment in trying to understand what the essay may be capable of achieving, especially through my own work, and perhaps your own as well. It is my 'micro' pursuit of presenting my work in a form that will be more presentable and palatable to the reader, while still offering my concepts and thoughts in a viable form.

It seems evident to me that this is what the essay may well have been intended to be from the beginning. It is certainly what I envision it to be. I see it as an alternative to the stuffy academic essay, something more of an intimate conversation between friends. A sharing of thoughts and ideas. provocative and challenging. A time to think and to contemplate. A discussion that results in a better understanding of ourselves, as well as each other. Perhaps to learn and grow, to find clarity and peace. Perchance to dream?

In any case, there needs to be a beginning if anything is to be accomplished. To that end, I will try to present some ideas about the essay as well as writing in general, to act as an inspiration to initiate that 'conversation' that I so dearly long for. For those that wish to participate, I would suggest using the message board to make comments and ask questions. For those that are a bit more ambitious, the challenge would be to put together a small item in essay form for the other members to read and contemplate. My hope is that it will result in some reviews or responses, in as much depth as possible, to continue the discussion. I have already started a few of my own that I will post and share with the group.

I don't wish to put any pressure on anyone to get involved in a capacity more than they are capable or willing to offer. Simply read and contemplate, and share what you will, in whatever way you wish. I hope to keep a record on the group page for whatever essays are produced as a basis for our comments. While the focus will be on the essay, I am open to discussing other aspects of writing, especially those that are relatable to the concept of the essay. I see a second category, or library if you will, of submissions and responses from the members, so it will facilitate viewing for members and possible members alike and be an example of the kind of information that we use as the basis of our dialogues.

The rest is up in the air. I have no experience in the management of a group, and the documentation on them is a bit intimidating. If you are expecting an immediate metamorphosis I am afraid that you may be disappointed, but it will slowly evolve into something that may be quite interesting. Of course, this will depend on those of you that join and participate. I don't contemplate a lot of rules. I will make the assumption that we are all adults with an interest in growing as a writer as well as an individual. I expect empathy and understanding and especially respect from those that wish to be a part of this. There will probably be the opportunity for many different levels of ability and experience and we should embrace the differences as well as perspectives that will hopefully be presented. There is always an opportunity to learn as well as teach. The challenge is to do so with understanding and integrity. I hope that you all agree.

So. . . . I think that is more than enough words to start the process.

For items to be included in a library, I would think that an essay or item of at least a few hundred words would not be a burden on the writer. Anything less can be offered in the Colloquial Essay message forum as a comment. Let's see how this works out. As always, feel free to offer alternatives and ask questions, but I would like to keep it as simple and functional as possible. At this point in time, I have no plans for contests or awards, and such. I would like to be focused on the concept and development of the group. Perhaps in the future.

Feel free to contact me if you would like to be a member of the group. I look forward to hearing another perspective.