Assemble Your Posts

I didn’t realize I’d already written much of my article.

As a matter of habit, I posted daily on Facebook about the cross-country trip I was taking with members of the Model A Ford club. Each evening I’d summarize the day’s highlights and post my best photos.

Only later did I realize those posts could form the backbone for a feature article I … Continue reading

Snowblowers, Sunscreen, and Saucepans

Don’t write just for today’s readers.

At a recent garage sale, I bought a much-needed tube of sunscreen—and also a snowblower.

I used one immediately. I’ll need the other next winter—on a day with no need for sunscreen.

That kind of thinking also applies to publishing.

If you’re writing for a newspaper, you’re safe to cite examples from the events of this week. … Continue reading

Stories from Troubles

Others will appreciate the lessons you learned.

A few years back, Fred had a really bad day. In the midst of a long-planned-for event, trouble struck. Aided by friends, he set to work to repair the damage. Eventually he got back on the road … a little more experienced, a little wiser.

Fred would have been happy to forget that incident, but I intruded. I … Continue reading