I can teach, I can write short fiction, but can’t write this type of essays either.
My problem is that teaching and fiction seem like opposites. Fiction is just some random bullshit, written in an entertaining way. Teaching is like solving a puzzle. Fiction does not require any special knowledge (on reader’s side). Teaching, at best, is tailored to student’s current knowledge, so the first step is to figure out what your student already knows and knows not.
In an essay, you kinda do all of this at the same time. You have a topic, you make some funny sidenotes, but don’t lose the main topic. You expect your audience to already know some basic things, to already think in certain ways (to accept a certain type of argument). You aim to be technically correct, but to keep a conversational style.
I find this somewhat easier to do when talking than when writing. At least, when I say something, I can’t take it back anymore; I have to continue. When I start writing, you will usually find me one hour later, still revising the first sentence of the first paragraph. (So, maybe, talk and record yourself at home?)
I can teach, I can write short fiction, but can’t write this type of essays either.
My problem is that teaching and fiction seem like opposites. Fiction is just some random bullshit, written in an entertaining way. Teaching is like solving a puzzle. Fiction does not require any special knowledge (on reader’s side). Teaching, at best, is tailored to student’s current knowledge, so the first step is to figure out what your student already knows and knows not.
In an essay, you kinda do all of this at the same time. You have a topic, you make some funny sidenotes, but don’t lose the main topic. You expect your audience to already know some basic things, to already think in certain ways (to accept a certain type of argument). You aim to be technically correct, but to keep a conversational style.
I find this somewhat easier to do when talking than when writing. At least, when I say something, I can’t take it back anymore; I have to continue. When I start writing, you will usually find me one hour later, still revising the first sentence of the first paragraph. (So, maybe, talk and record yourself at home?)