Archive for August 2025
Why Writers Should Use (Some) Big Words
You’ve heard the variations on the theme: Don’t choose a $20 word when a $0.10 one will do. Keep everything to a 4th-grade reading level. Concise and simple writing is better. Those mantras have some credibility — if you’re aiming for more universal reach, more “elevated” or “educated” language might block some doors instead of…
Read MoreOn Sensitivity and Trigger Warnings in Writing
As most writers do, I’ve been sharing my work at different conferences I’ve been finding online. I do this not only to technically improve, but also to understand the impressions I am giving to readers. At the last conference I attended, one of my critique partners mentioned that, although my writing was very good, as…
Read MoreHow to NOT Overshare in Your Memoir
Memoir is one of the most popular types of nonfiction because of how intimate and empathetic they can be. But oversharing in a memoir can influence both flow and the ability of the reader to emotionally respond. In this video, I outline how to avoid it. Watch/Subscribe [Transcript summary] Writing a memoir is tricky business.…
Read MoreWhy Most Writing Courses Aren’t Worth the Money (and How to Create One That Is)
Because wordsmiths are getting hit with so many storms at once (e.g., AI slop, publishers cutting staff due to losses of ad revenue, etc.), the golden piece of advice in the writing industry has become that writers should be selling courses of some kind. By offering classes, they reportedly can make more money and not…
Read MoreThe Biggest Mistake I’ve Ever Made in Writing
I’ve been writing now for more than two decades. Mistakes? I’ve made ’em plenty. But out of everything, there’s nothing I regret more than not personally networking to a greater degree. Watch/Subscribe Why I went all in on digital When I was getting started and establishing myself, the writing industry was just starting to embrace…
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