National Essay Day
All writers assemble as National Essay Day is here on February 28!
An essay is a small piece of writing with a big superpower. It turns a messy thought into a clear idea you can share.
Essays can be personal, persuasive, funny, reflective, or sharply practical like a mini thinking tool you can carry anywhere. It's basically a portable pocket of your thoughts and wishes!
History of National Essay Day
National Essay Day was founded in 2020 by One Freelance Limited as a way to celebrate essay writing and encourage students (and everyone else) to see essays as more than stressful assignments. One Freelance Limited is a writing assistance company in London.
February 28 was chosen because it matches the birthday of Michel de Montaigne (born February 28, 1533), widely linked to popularizing the essay form through his 'Essais.'
How to Celebrate National Essay Day
Write a One-Idea Micro-Essay
Keep it simple and satisfying: pick one clear idea and write 400 to 800 words around it. Start with a strong claim (or a question you want to answer), add two or three supporting reasons/examples, and end with a “so what?” line that explains why your point matters. This will improve your writing skills.
Try the 'Montaigne Style' Exploration Essay
Instead of trying to sound perfect, write to discover what you think. Begin with a line like, “I used to believe [something], but lately I’ve been wondering…” and let the essay explore the tension. This approach feels relaxed, personal, and surprisingly powerful because it captures real thinking in motion.
Host a Friendly Essay Competition
Turn it into a fun challenge with low pressure and high creativity. Choose a light topic, set a word limit, and add quirky judging categories like 'Best Opening Line', 'Most Persuasive Point', 'Most Unexpected Insight', or 'Cleanest Conclusion'.
Turn Journaling Into an Essay
Journal normally for a few minutes, then add one extra paragraph that answers: “What did this teach me?” or “What do I believe now?” That final paragraph becomes your thesis.
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