How to Find Funding for Historical Projects: Grants and Opportunities.

The whispers of the past, they call to us. Deep inside, we know there’s an urgent story waiting to be told. As historians, archivists, documentarians, and creatives, we’re the ones who translate those whispers into narratives. We’re the custodians, bringing light to our present and guiding our future. But let’s be real. Passion, dedication, and … Read more

How to Evaluate Stand-Up Comedy: A Critic’s Guide

So, I’m going to tell you how I look at stand-up comedy. It’s way more than just deciding if something’s ‘funny’ or ‘not funny.’ You really have to dig deep, understand how comedy works, and appreciate what the comedian is trying to do. When I’m in critic mode, I’m breaking down the performance, analyzing what … Read more

How to Evaluate Historical Evidence: A Critical Thinking Blueprint.

The past, a vast and intricate tapestry, is woven from countless threads of human experience. For us, as writers, understanding and accurately portraying these threads isn’t just an academic exercise; it’s the very bedrock of creating compelling and authentic narratives. Whether we’re crafting historical fiction, biographies, or even contemporary stories with historical echoes, the ability … Read more

How to Dissect a Film: Your Ultimate Guide to Cinematic Analysis

Feeling like you’re missing something when you watch movies? Do you want to move beyond “I liked it” or “I didn’t like it” and truly understand the artistry, the intention, and the impact of what you see on screen? For writers, film is an unparalleled masterclass in storytelling, character development, world-building, and thematic exploration. But … Read more

How to Develop Your Critical Voice: Finding Your Unique Perspective

The page just stares back at me, a blank canvas waiting for me to take control. But actually commanding it, with the unique resonance of my own perspective, that’s a challenge most writers, myself included, face. It’s not just about having an opinion; it’s about shaping a viewpoint so undeniably mine, so deeply considered, that … Read more

How to Develop a Unique Perspective That Stands Out

You know, in this incredibly noisy world we live in, the most valuable thing isn’t just having information. It’s about how you look at that information, the unique way you see it and share it. For us writers, that means going beyond just reporting or rewording things. It means getting to something much more powerful: … Read more

How to Develop a Strong Outline for Your Biography: Your Roadmap

That blank page, it can feel like a bottomless pit, right? Especially when you’re trying to write a biography. Unlike making up a story, a biography demands accuracy, but it also has to be compelling. If you just jump in without a solid outline, you’re pretty much guaranteed to get lost in all your research, … Read more

How to Develop a Strong Opening Hook for Any Column

Okay, I’m going to share some thoughts on how to make your writing really grab someone from the start. You see, there’s this silent, often overlooked, magician of getting people to read your stuff, and that’s your opening hook. It’s like a quiet whisper in a really loud room, or that first flash of light … Read more

How to Develop a Niche in Sports Journalism: From Esport to Athletics

The world of sports journalism, once dominated by big names and mainstream stories, now offers amazing opportunities for us to specialize. To truly succeed, we have to go beyond just general reporting and carve out our own distinct niche. This isn’t just about picking a subject; it’s about becoming the authoritative voice, the go-to expert, … Read more