I got in the habit of writing essays in college, and I never stopped. When I read, I take notes, I highlight, I track sources, and eventually I synthesize. Sometimes, I publish.
For example...
Causal Theory of Truth A Hypothesis for Treating the Truth Value of the Liar Paradox with Causal Relation
This essay seeks to address the ages old Liar Paradox, aka Russell's Paradox, using a revised notion of the relationship between proposition and truth. I recommend a red wine with this one, or at least a plate of cookies and a nice green tea.