If you’re someone who won’t try to write a poem when you feel like you want to, you’re not alone. Among the many reasons that block you from becoming even a novice poet, the most common is that you don’t know how to begin. You’re frustrated because, although you’ve mentally gathered all your thoughts and... Read More

Consider this: if you know what you want to write regarding a particular feeling, thought, or event, how do you put it on paper to make it most clear and meaningful? Of course, the words you choose are critical; you must choose them carefully. But the question remains: how do you best use them to... Read More

Before you begin writing, you may want to focus on your list of ideas. Ideas you may have decided are excellent topics. In fact, some of those ideas may serve as shorthand reminders regarding incidents you’re certain are worth developing into a short story or a novel. As excited as you are about beginning, you’ve... Read More

Often, I’m asked to write biographies for people who have led interesting lives. Their desire to share their life stories leads them to mention an experience that was a milestone, something so unique that, in their opinion, everyone would be interested in reading about it. I never disagree. But, also, I never write their story... Read More

Imagine your boss assigns you an unusual task. You have an important selection to make. That’s why you’re led into a room and seated behind a one-way glass panel. On the other side of the glass is a six-person lineup like ones you’ve seen on detective shows. One of six is a writer. And your... Read More