Today, I’m going to try to practice what I preach (in this blog) and Show instead of Tell you the difference between good topics and bad topics:

BAD

  • The Time I Climbed Mount Everest
  • My Mission Trip to Costa Rica
  • The Day We Won the State Championship
  • Why I Hate Writing Admissions Essays
  • The Day My Beloved Dog Spot Died
  • Why I Love to Tutor Kids
  • What I Learned in Model UN

GOOD

  • Why I’m a Karaoke Queen
  • An Afternoon Working at In and Out Burger
  • My Grandmother’s Hands
  • I Make the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich
  • Taming the Beast—My Frizzy Red Hair
  • Ode to my TI-89 (Calculator)
  • My Obsession with Spiderman Comics

Do you See the difference? Okay, I can’t help myself. Now I’m going to Tell you about the differences. The bad topics are too general, they try to impress, they are overused, they most likely will be boring (Do they make you want to read them?). The good topics are specific, they are not trying to impress anyone (“mundane” is good!!), they are unique, and they make you want to read them.

Ready to start? Try my Jumpstart Guide or look for more Topic Ideas.