Alex Getting grant funding is about more than just having a fantastic idea. It’s about showing you’ve thought ahead, that you understand what could go wrong, and that you’ve got a plan. Grantmakers are smart investors. And what do all investors want? To minimize risk. A proposal that brushes over problems, or doesn’t explain how you’ll … Read more
I want to share with you something truly transformative about speaking: it’s not always about the words. In fact, a lot of the magic happens in what we don’t say. Think of it like this: words are the notes in a song, but silence is how we shape those notes, give them meaning, and make … Read more
Let me tell you, when it comes to getting grant funding, having a fantastic idea is only half the battle. The real trick, the secret sauce if you will, is how you actually talk about that idea. Trust me, the most brilliant project in the world, described badly, is heading straight for the “nope” pile … Read more
Writing, at its heart, is a conversation. And just like a great conversationalist, a skilled writer really gets how important it is to mold their message for whoever is listening. The words you pick, the rhythm of your sentences, the feeling you stir up – these aren’t just set in stone. They’re like dynamic tools, … Read more
Literary novels really thrive on depth, don’t they? They pull you in, inviting you to just soak in the characters’ motivations and ponder all those big thematic ideas long after you’ve turned the last page. While the plot is definitely the skeleton of your story, think of vignettes and interludes as the vital organs, the … Read more
I’m going to share some thoughts on a big decision that writers like us face pretty early on: do we write a single, self-contained story, or do we create a huge, multi-book saga? The choice between a standalone novel and a series isn’t just about what we prefer; it’s a strategic move that affects everything … Read more
I want to talk about sonnets. Most people probably picture dusty old books and stuffy language when they think of them, right? But what if I told you that this ancient form actually has so much potential for right now, for today? Writing sonnets that really connect with people isn’t about trying to sound like … Read more
I want to talk to you about something many of us dream of: seeing our sketch comedy performed, embraced by an audience, and ultimately, produced. For a lot of writers, that can feel like a distant star, right? Like it’s an elusive fantasy, only accessible to a select few. But the truth is, it’s not. … Read more
The blinking cursor on a blank page… it’s a quiet terror, isn’t it? I mean, I’ve poured my heart and soul into a short story, meticulously crafting every word, every nuance, every emotional beat. And now? Now comes the real challenge: distilling that rich, complex world into just a paragraph or two. A synopsis. One … Read more
I’m going to share some thoughts on how to write sarcastic humor effectively. This isn’t just about being witty; it’s a careful dance between what you say and what you actually mean. When it’s done right, sarcasm can really hit the mark, adding layers of meaning and even a subtle critique without being totally blunt. … Read more