How to Write About Something That Happened
“It's a big mistake to assume great stories need to be about big ideas.”
“The inspiration and body of a story can come from anything, from any experience or impression.”
– Jeff Somers
Here’s some sound advice for all college essay writers hoping to avoid cliche topics and tell an authentic story.
An initial idea doesn’t have to be profound, or even a fully formed concept, Somers writes in a recent Writer’s Digest. (paywall). “It just has to make you want to write more about it.”
To you, your daily life seems mundane. But it’s kindling for telling a story that admission officers want to read.
Some things to write about:
Initial Moments of Curiosity: What gives you pause? What makes you think? Where are you when it happens? What are you in the middle of doing?
Small Talk Highlights: Write about your conversations, the ones that seem to come out of nowhere – on the bus, around the lunch table, or during idle times at school. What do you talk about? What do you say about them? What do you think about them now?
Moments of Grace (or Cringe): Write about a memorable thing that happened to you, or someone else, and stuck with you. A random encounter, a moment of kindness. What happened?
Mapping What Happened for Deeper Insight
Of course, a quirky everyday event isn’t enough. It’s just the starting point. The strongest essays might often start small, but must reveal something meaningful.
Here are two useful writing prompts, adapted from Somers, to get started.
The Wildcard
Write about an everyday aspect of your life. Lay it all out in detail. (Here are some writing craft tips to help you along the way.)
Then, drop something completely unexpected into the middle of the narrative.
In action: Here’s an introduction from one of my favorite essays that I believe captures The Wildcard approach.
As I walk out to the stables at Broadmeadows Farm to greet my horse, I hear her neigh, snort, and stomp her hooves to say hello. I pet its mane and say hi back.
It hasn’t been as easy with people.
Short, simple, and packs a punch thanks to that last sentence. Why does this writer have stronger relationships with horses than people? As a reader, I want to know! That’s the goal with your introduction.
The Outsider
Ask: What did I do today? Answer like you’re an outsider, observing yourself.
Create a fresh perspective. What would someone say if they were watching you get ready for the day or preparing for a big competition or exam?
I don’t have a perfect match for “The Outsider” approach, but here’s one that I believe captures how a writer can use narrative elements to write about something that happened.
At the bottom of the creaky stairs in my grandmother’s basement, my eyes spot a container of industrial electronic door locks. Staring at the various models, I take note in my head how each one is in different stages of completion. I am drawn to the small details.
“Where’d they come from?” I ask.
Start Small
With summer around the corner, remember: You don’t need to write a “perfect” essay with lots of big words. You just need to get started. Use these prompts and exercises to help.
Want to go even deeper?
Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute consultation to tell me about the story you want to tell on your college application.
