In business writing, book authoring, and software coding, revision is how we get to our best work. But the act of revision challenges many writers. They either want to rush through it to get to the finished product, or they get mired in doubts whether the work is good enough. Having a well-defined process might […]
Brag Better Book Review: Advice for the Qualified Quiet
Do you have a hard time owning your expertise and authority,? Meredith Fineman’s new book Brag Better challenges you let the world know about what you’ve done.
Nonfiction Writing Lessons from the Planet Money Podcast
If you write about complicated topics, start listening to nonfiction podcasts—popular ones about science, the economy, or current events. The best podcasters know how to keep an audience’s attention while explaining abstract concepts. Since the pandemic started, months, I’ve become a loyal, consistent listener of NPR’s Planet Money podcast. Why? Because it does an excellent […]
How Nonfiction Writers Can Use Their Powers for Good
What responsibilities do nonfiction writers have in a time of violent social unrest, soaring inequality, and widespread suffering? What can you do to make a difference? I’m not asking what you can do as an individual: as a member of your community, a citizen, a neighbor, a person of faith, a parent or child, or any […]
Adopting a Writing Mindset
Immersing yourself in a writing project changes the way you see the world around you. It shifts you into a writing mindset.
Finding Your Pace When Writing
In many of life’s major, endurance-related endeavors, pacing is the difference between success and burnout, achievement and frustration. Start a marathon at a sprint, and you may enjoy an early lead but run out of steam halfway through. Start too slowly, and everyone may have gone home by the time you reach the finish line. […]