Essay Quote by Kiese Laymon
“The "How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others" essay was so hard to write because of the memories, the sensory stuff, but also because it didn't follow the form of any essay that I've ever read. And the truth that I was exploring necessitated that obliteration of traditional form, I think.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Experimental Form, 2020
The essay struggles because it confronts painful memories and defies conventional structure, demanding a new form to express truth.
In simple terms: The essay is hard because it breaks traditional form to convey trauma.
Embrace new forms to articulate difficult truths.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- therapy
- academic publishing
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does form affect the impact of personal narrative?
- Can breaking rules enhance honesty?
Non‑traditional forms may alienate some readers.