Descriptive Writing that Works

Descriptive Writing that Works

Good description doesn’t just paint a picture; it invites readers to experience a moment. It’s not about adjectives—it’s about precision, perspective, and personality. The best description reveals as much about the narrator as it does about the scene. Take this gem...
So You Want to Write a Memoir

So You Want to Write a Memoir

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...
Finding Your Narrative Voice

Finding Your Narrative Voice

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...
Online Research Gems and Shortcuts

Online Research Gems and Shortcuts

Whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, or a memoir, you’ll probably need to do a little—or a lot—of research at some point. These days, that means delving into online research. Writers joke about how our search histories would get us arrested if taken...
Dementia Man: The Memoir

Dementia Man: The Memoir

I’ve helped a lot of authors with their memoirs. But working with Sam Simon, a lifelong advocate for justice and social change, the third time around has been a whole new kind of experience. After writing The Actual Dance, a memoir about his wife, Susan,...