7 books you might want to read about writing nonfiction

As a writer, you can never read too much. Reading is like … well, erm, I won’t cobble together a simile to describe how I feel about reading as a writer, because Pam Allyn’s is unbeatable and worth repeating: “Reading is like breathing in; writing is like breathing...

When does research become procrastination?

Research is an important part of any book, but particularly when you are writing nonfiction. No matter how well you know your subject, there will always be something that you need to double check.  Often we talk to writers, and they tell us that they sat down to write...

How to finish your first draft

Without losing your mind First drafts can feel laborious at times. The first rush of excited keyboard bashing gives way over time to more reluctant teeth-gritted slow trickles that can make the finish line feel another world away. But never fear! You’re in the right...

You don’t need to know it all to share something valuable

The myth of expertise in nonfiction writing There’s a common misconception among new writers of nonfiction that you need to be an expert in your field to have something valuable to say. Hogwash! Yes, you need to know enough to reassure the reader. That’s obvious. But...

Exploring speed

Speed writing seems to be becoming a trend. We’re not talking about being able to scribble down notes or use short hand, but generating large volumes of writing incredibly quickly. It may be social media posts, blogs, articles or even books. When I was teaching,...