Search Results for: writing tips

Why fiction writing advice is worthless to nonfiction writers

Why fiction writing advice is worthless to nonfiction writers

There are a million suckers hoping to publish their fictional stories. As a result, there’s lots of advice from people hoping to help — or prey on — these suckers. If you write nonfiction, this sort of advice is just noise. Why you should ignore advice for “writers” If you tell someone you are a…

The value of Bill Birchard’s eight S’s for strong business writing
|

The value of Bill Birchard’s eight S’s for strong business writing

In the Harvard Business Review, writing coach Bill Birchard describes how the brain responds to business writing and recommends ways to write better. His analysis generates some fascinating insights, but one key point is missing: business writing works only if if causes the reader to act. It’s worth your time to read Bill Birchard’s “The…

From writing workshops to cultural change — the importance of follow-through
|

From writing workshops to cultural change — the importance of follow-through

I’ve conducted 18 clear writing workshops in the past two years — mostly by videoconference. It’s clear to me that the participants are engaged and want to change. But do the workshops actually accomplish anything lasting? They can . . . but only if you customize the content and maximize the follow-through. I think this…

9 virtual workshop tips

9 virtual workshop tips

After conducting 15 clear writing workshops using videoconferencing tools, I’ve learned a few things about what works and what doesn’t. I originated my workshops for in-person delivery, but for the last year, I’ve been delivering them online exclusively. There has been a surge of demand since I went virtual — I think people are looking…

Kids at home? Here are a few tips from a successful homeschooling family.
|

Kids at home? Here are a few tips from a successful homeschooling family.

My wife and I homeschooled our two children. One has now graduated Tufts University, magna cum laude, and the other is studying computer science at the University of Massachusetts. They’ve grown into smart, moral, and caring people. Here’s a little of what we learned from schooling them that may help you survive the next few…

Nonfiction writing: It’s narratives all the way down.

Nonfiction writing: It’s narratives all the way down.

Nonfiction writing is made of stories. All of it. Advice. Logical reasoning. Analysis. It’s all stories. And if you don’t understand what a narrative is, no one will read what you write, and no one will be able to benefit from it. I’m editing a nonfiction manuscript right now in which the parts aren’t written…