William Zinsser once said, “The most important sentence in any article is the first one.” Though they’re the most vital part of a piece, hooks are often the most difficult to construct. Sometimes the task of constructing a proper lead is so tough, I just dive right into the material. That or begin with a stock template out of … Continue reading
It’s good to finally take yourself seriously as a writer but—as you find markets for your work—you must not forget the simple joy of making art. In my experience, the best writing is done in a spirit of fun without the expectation of a client or reader. The pieces I hold dearest were written on … Continue reading
William Zinsser, author of perennial classic On Writing Well, once argued the “mere serviceable is a drag.” Despite what stuffy academics and the literati might say, I completely agree: the primary goal of writing is entertainment. “What?” you might scoff in disbelief, “what about the nobler goals of information and persuasion, guidance and enlightenment?” Yes, … Continue reading
The Blank-Faced Confidante 