by Linden Gross | May 14, 2026 | Editing, Language, Writing
Every writer has a natural tendency to sprawl. We fall in love with words, we hedge our statements, we add “just,” “really,” and “very” as if they were seasoning. But as Jack Smith noted in The Writer magazine’s article “Lean and Clean,” writing gets stronger when it...
by Linden Gross | Apr 30, 2026 | Writing
Books need chapter hooks. Whether you’re writing a novel, memoir, self-help, or investigative journalism, each chapter must make the reader think, I’ll just read one more section. A hook is not a gimmick; it’s a promise—a reason to keep turning pages. You earn that...
by Linden Gross | Mar 19, 2026 | Publishing, Writing
I can’t tell you how many people come to me saying, “I think I want to write a memoir.” And my first question is always: “Why?” Not because I’m trying to talk them out of it, but because the answer matters. Do you want to leave a legacy for your family? Do you want to...
by Linden Gross | Mar 12, 2026 | Writing
I’m big on organizing. So, I have a file for every chapter where I put any relevant drafts, thoughts, or research. And I always have two additional and much-needed book files going: the Dumpster file and the I Don’t Know Where This Goes file. The latter...
by Linden Gross | Mar 5, 2026 | Writing
Objectivity in fiction is tricky. In nonfiction, it’s even trickier—because now the stakes are higher. Readers expect truth, accuracy, and fairness, even when the story runs through your personal lens. But here’s the uncomfortable reality: total objectivity in...
by Linden Gross | Feb 19, 2026 | Writing
Every writer has a voice—the trick is learning to hear it clearly and use it with confidence. Narrative voice is more than word choice or rhythm; it’s the emotional fingerprint of your writing. It’s how your personality, perspective, and purpose shape the book you’re...
