How to Write a Book Review (History Edition): Critiquing with Insight.

So, you want to write a book review, especially about history? That’s what we’re going to dive into. It’s not just about telling everyone what a book is about; it’s about really digging in, pulling it apart, and then putting it back together in a way that helps others understand historical writing. A good history … Read more

How to Write a Biography That Inspires: Unlock the Power of Story

I’m going to share some thoughts on how to write a biography that really inspires. We’re not just talking about a boring list of dates and achievements. We’re talking about opening a window into the human experience, showing deep insights, struggles we can all relate to, and incredible triumphs. A truly inspiring biography isn’t just … Read more

How to Write a Biography of a Public Figure: Access and Accuracy

Writing a biography of a public figure, it’s like I’m inviting you into this journey with me, peeling back the layers of someone significant. I’m talking about getting to the heart of what makes people tick – their power, their ambitions, their sacrifices, and all those hidden forces that shape history. It’s not just about … Read more

How to Utilize Maps in Historical Research: Unlocking Spatial Stories.

Here’s my take on this often overlooked but incredibly powerful tool: maps. History isn’t just about dates and names; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven from events, people, and the places they lived. For too long, we’ve focused on the linear flow of time, sometimes missing how profoundly space influences history. Maps, though, offer an incredible, … Read more

How to Use Your Personal Experiences to Inform Your Critiques

Every critique, fundamentally, is an assertion of judgment. And every judgment, whether we consciously acknowledge it or not, is filtered through our unique lens. For us writers, this inherent subjectivity isn’t a weakness to overcome, but a powerful, often underutilized asset. Our personal experiences – the sum total of our lives, our triumphs, our failures, … Read more