Thirty Tools For Writers

Senior Scholar, Poynter InstituteReused with kind permission of the Poynter Institute. www.poynter.org At times it helps to think of writing as carpentry. That way, writers and editors can work from a plan and use tools stored on their workbench. A writer or coaching editor can borrow a writing tool at any time. And here’s a […]

The Writing Tools

Fifty Writing ToolsThe introductory column to the workbench of Roy Peter Clark. Writing Tool #1: Branch to the Right Begin sentences with subjects and verbs, letting subordinate elements branch to the right. Even a long, long sentence can be clear and powerful when the subject and verb make meaning early. Writing Tool #2: Use Strong […]

The Way We Ask

In one respect, crafting a good question may not matter a lot when interview subjects have a message to get across, no matter what they’re asked. For politicians, spokespeople, and others armed with talking points, it may be a case of damn the questions, full spin ahead! Even so, the presidential debate season does provide […]