If you’re a fan of Malcolm Gladwell, Daniel Pink, Michael Pollan, Isaac Asimov, or David Sedaris, should you copy them? Should you try to write like them? No. You are you. But you should copy their best practices. How to learn from successful authors If you like what you’re reading, take a moment to examine…
I’m a writer who uses AI to help. I’d never let AI write for me (I’m too proud, it writes boring prose, and it makes mistakes). But there are still times when a tool like ChatGPT can do things that would be much harder any other way — especially on rote, tedious research tasks. Turning…
Newsletter 92. Why you should put in the most effort at the start of a writing project. Plus, AI as normal technology, five strategies for authors who are stuck, three people to follow, and three books to read. Climbing mount prose Any cyclist or runner will tell you this about hills: you can start by…
Newsletter 91: Why all writers should think like reporters, a clever writer’s AI hacks, scientific proof that ChatGPT steals books, plus three people to follow and three very timely books to read. Think like a journalist I didn’t go to journalism school. I wish I had, though, because so many of the lessons I’ve learned…
When I was an analyst, my job working with senior executives in companies was clear-cut. I would use my knowledge of their markets to develop advice for them, parachute into their companies, present my ideas, and answer their questions. Then I would leave. Implementation was their problem. I was extremely honest and often blunt, but…
Newsletter 90: Why writers think like imposters, what it’s like when the Supreme Court argues about your book, Harvard’s $53 billion in “f– you!” money, plus three people to follow and three books to read. How to write anything with confidence I have many author clients who say they are bad writers. That may be…
We rarely record meetings we have in person with others. But based on my experience, lots of people record their online meetings by default. This is dumb. Please stop. Please don’t record your meeting with me I am very precise when I communicate in writing. Whether it’s an email or any other textual communication, you…
We’re not in a recession yet, but the signs are all there. If you’re a nonfiction author, it’s prudent to prepare. Authors typically make money from speaking, workshops, and consulting — all types of work that may become harder to secure in a recession. What you should do now depends on how secure you are…
Newsletter 84. Why well-told case study stories are here to stay, another Gathering of the Ghosts, a section 230 podcast, plus three people to follow and three books to read. About those case study stories . . . “Tell me a story, Daddy . . .” My kids are well into their twenties now, but…