My Writing Philosophy

I am a pluralist when it comes to writing. I regard all genres as equal, whether they are to my taste or not.

I truly believe that almost anyone can become a competent writer. What I mean by “competent” is that you can learn to communicate in text in such a way that you say what you mean and you will not be socially disadvantaged by the way you use the language.

All you have to to do is practice (a lot), and read good examples of what you want to write, and convince other people to teach you their tricks. I can’t help you write The Grapes of Wrath, or guarantee you a good grade, but I can promise you that if you talk with me about writing I will be sensitive and make an honest effort to help you.

I don’t care whether your goal is to produce a piece of serviceable genre fiction, or to get published in Nature, or to write more effective memos. If you ask me a question I will do my best to answer it. If it’s beyond me, I will tell you I don’t know and try to help you find someone who can answer it.

I am not a great writer, but I am a great editor, and I know what good writing looks like. I know how to go though a manuscript and eliminate all the unnecessary words while leaving the author’s voice intact. I am also a pretty good tutor (though real teaching is beyond me).

I am here for other writers. If you drop a comment on one of my threads, I will answer it.