Non-Fiction

Working Past Wordiness For Fresher Writing

Thumbnail image for Working Past Wordiness For Fresher Writing

Today’s post is written by regular contributor Sarah Baughman. I’ll give you twenty seconds to skim these paragraphs and tell me which one exhibits stronger, more engaging writing: Paragraph A The hottest month in Ayemenem would certainly have to be May. Each and every day is long and exceedingly humid. The river starts to dry

Read the full article →

What’s In A Name? Writing the Right Title

Thumbnail image for What’s In A Name? Writing the Right Title

Today’s post is written by regular contributor Sarah Baughman. Is anybody else out there a terrible titler? Naming pieces of writing is one of the hardest parts of the process for me. To give you an idea of just how hard, I offer this confession: in college I wrote a swath of poems as various

Read the full article →

Is A “Niche” Or “Non-Niche” Blog Right For You?

Thumbnail image for Is A “Niche” Or “Non-Niche” Blog Right For You?

Today’s post is written by regular contributor Sarah Baughman. Google “writing blogs” and you’ll get 410 million hits. In .22 seconds. As the internet and social media change the face of publishing, establishing a web presence has worked its way to the top of many writers’ to-do lists. Even if you’re not concerned about publicity, a

Read the full article →

Not Just Another Writer’s Writing Blog

Thumbnail image for Not Just Another Writer’s Writing Blog

Today’s post is written by regular contributor Susan Bearman. “Actually,” explained Edward, “it depends on what kind of writer you are. What kind were you intending to be?” “A writer who attracts readers.” “Then for heaven’s sake, don’t write writing. Write reading.” — from A Beginning, a Muddle, and an End by Avi Write reading. The

Read the full article →

Use Your Fiction Skills To Write A Personal Essay

Thumbnail image for Use Your Fiction Skills To Write A Personal Essay

Today’s post is written by regular contributor Sarah Baughman. A talented member of my writing group once told me she couldn’t imagine writing a personal essay. While the powerful description and plot development she employed throughout her novel-in-progress impressed us all, she said she would find it impossible to generate ideas for a nonfiction piece

Read the full article →

6 Dos and Don’ts for Busy Parents Who Blog

Thumbnail image for 6 Dos and Don’ts for Busy Parents Who Blog

For parents—especially for full-time moms—blogging can be a a lifesaver. It’s a way of communicating with the adult world when we’re surrounded all day by children. For some, it may be the only form of intellectual stimulation we get during the course of a week. However, blogging can also be a big commitment if you

Read the full article →