Up Close & Personal -

: Avoid focusing on "winning" or outward success. Instead, explore how a setback or ordinary moment (like family traditions) shaped your character. 2. Crafting the Narrative

A deep essay is more than a story; it is an analysis of a specific belief, value, or transformation. Up Close & Personal

: Deep essays steer clear of thin takeaways like "life is short" or "I learned to work hard." Look for "uncommon connections"—for instance, how a technical interest relates to your sense of humor or personal history. : Avoid focusing on "winning" or outward success

A successful deep essay often follows a "Show and Tell" approach—providing both the scene and the commentary that explains its significance. Marina Benjamin on Crafting the Personal Essay Crafting the Narrative A deep essay is more

To write a deep personal essay that lives up to the title "Up Close & Personal," you must move beyond a simple play-by-play of events and focus on internal transformation and the "truth of literature". 1. Identify Your Core "Why"