Should you hire a writing coach?

Should you hire a writing coach?

My first writing coach was my editor back when I was a newspaper reporter. He taught me how to structure my stories better; write openings that were effective; and how to use quotes to bring out the interviewee’s personality, for good or for bad. He’d make me rewrite...
Improve your writing through critique and criticism

Improve your writing through critique and criticism

Many of us who have been writing for a number of years understand the potential pain of someone critiquing our work. But as writers, we also know we have to develop a thick skin. Our work will always be under the radar. Mark Twain said: “Tomorrow night I appear for...
Why Polish Your Writing

Why Polish Your Writing

As a writer and an editor, I live with a red pen in my head, and it’s constantly moving. Even when I listen to others speak, unfortunately, that red pen is editing their words and sentences. I can’t help it. It’s a disease. Heck, I do it to myself! And it’s worse when...