Writing Critique

The T-1000, Dolores Umbridge, Hannibal Lecter, and a mosquito walk into a bar. Here’s the single characteristic that makes each of them iconic—and how to build it into your own villain.

The writing you read is the end of a long process. The writing you create is the beginning. Here’s why comparing them is killing your progress—and what to do instead.

You don't need an MFA, a day job in publishing, or a daily writing compulsion to call yourself a writer. Here are six "real writer" myths debunked—and the only thing that actually makes you one.

Perfectionism doesn't make your writing better — it stops you from finishing. Here's what 21 years in publishing taught me about quality, errors, and knowing when to call it done.

The first step to doing anything well — including writing — is being absolutely terrible at it. A professional editor makes the case for writing badly, consistently, without worrying about quality, and explains why comparing your work to published books is like comparing rhubarb to rhubarb pie.

Being a great writer isn't about talent — it's about choices. Here's how reading widely, writing consistently, seeking feedback, and continuing your education will make you the writer you want to be.

Learn how to give writing criticism that actually helps: deliver praise broadly and criticism precisely, and why the compliment sandwich is doing it wrong.