I have to say an exploration essay rather than a planned out argument is much more interesting. While I may get confused as to what the essay is about, following the pattern of the authors thoughts and connections is interesting and revealing, and sometimes, very rewarded for both the author and the reader. A great example I have experienced came when writing about avocado’s. Initially, I chose them because I enjoyed the yummy, smooth cream. However, the essay became another when I realized the price people were willing to fork out for something as simple as guacamole. The entire subject can make or break your day even…
If you have your entire essay planned out before you, you have something closer to a research paper rather than creative non-fiction. It is not about the ending conclusion but rather the journey, and through the entire piece should an essay be foretold for a lasting effect.
One of my favorite things do to is climb mountains. Whether rock climbing, hiking, biking, or backpacking, reaching the summit is an amazing thing. Whether there is a waterfall at the top or an amazing view, this is not the most important part of climbing. Rather, it is the journey you took. Maybe you went with a bunch of friends and wandered off trail a ways. Or maybe this climb was the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do. The journey to the top, just like in writing, is what adds substance to you’re overall conclusion.
When researching the demand for avocado’s at Chipotle, I quickly found that seventy percent of the people went in bought guacamole. So awesome, we know statistics now and everything is hunky dory. But you want to know what else I found out? That a middle class father with a family of five thinks it is absolutely ridiculous to pay extra for guacamole. And asking your boyfriend to pay for guacamole can be an awkward, uncomfortable situation for all who are present. Sure, I had fun writing about avocado’s and their awesomeness. But going out, doing research, and experiencing events with my own eyes as opposed to a computer screen gave my blog substance.
From my food manifesto I gathered much information on how a plant based diet was better for you than eating meat. I still stand by that eating much meat decreases your life span and/or adds to your risk of disease. However, when talking to my health fanatic friend over Spring Break, she brought evidence against my argument. I was explaining my manifesto to her when she interrupted me, explaining there was a certain protein that only comes from meat. I brought up numerous protein sources, such as fish, tofu, eggs, anything I could think of on the spot, and she went on to prove that none of these had the certain protein… If only I could remember what it was called.
My point being, writing about food is a never ending conversation. While my blog contains much information, you as a reader have to meet me half way and take what you want out of the writing. Rather than providing you with facts, I bring information that is relevant to the discussion and then take that information places due to my own personal opinions and experiences.
In the words of my man Julius Caesar, I say to you veni, vidi, vivi- I came, I saw, and I conquered. Now it is up to you to do your own exploration, to see with your real eyes, and to conquer the information for what it’s worth to you.