I don't know about writing essays, but just writing about your ideas to yourself and showing others is a great way to explore said ideas even further. At least

I don't know about writing essays, but just writing about your ideas to yourself and showing others is a great way to explore said ideas even further. At least that's what I find. That's why I've started a blog too about 8 months ago and try to get something interesting into it at least once a month. I've had some great discussions with people. I don't like to see it as blog either (in the sense that I want everyone to see what I'm writing), but more of a commentary platform to validate and explore my thoughts. Obligatory link: ecc-comp.blogspot.ca