Mommy, Daddy, Tell Me a Story! – Spinning a Good Yarn with Your College Application, Resume, Cover Letter and Professional Bio

We all love a good story. Admissions committees love good stories. Hiring managers love good stories. Customers and clients love good stories. Always remember: the person you’re writing for is a human being! How do you get another human being to read your document? Spin a good yarn! Get tips here on how to do that.

3 Ways Kids Can Teach Us About Content Writing and Delivery

Do you ever feel like your business writing is overly formal? Stilted? Drab? You’re not alone. Companies face the same problem, often bringing in experts like me because so many of their employees write and deliver content that makes their audience yawn, or worse, hit “Delete.” To address this issue, I ask clients the following…

6 Must-Read Tips for Writing Friendly AND Professional Emails

Last week I had the privilege of presenting a workshop for the staff of a fast-growing digital asset management software company here in Madison. The topic was how to write consistently with the company’s brand, which is friendly, helpful and professional. A big piece of any business communications, of course, is email. How can you…

In 650 Words or Less – Guest Post by Sarah Vander Schaaff

Last August, Sarah Vander Schaaff interviewed me about working with college students on their application essays. Here is her article, edited for The Essay Expert and updated for 2015-16! In 650 words or less, describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there and why is it…

4 Inspirational Stories from the Hood to Make You Stop Feeling Sorry for Yourself!

Last summer, I made a promise at the end of a blog about participating in College Summit, a program that prepares inner city high school students to attend college: I announced I would return to the program in 2015. And I kept my promise! From July 23-26, 2015, I worked with four student leaders to…

4 Tips for Writing Effectively, Concisely and Truthfully

On November 20, I was featured in the article English Essay Tips from the Experts, a compilation of writing tips from several experts. These tips are valid for anyone writing any type of letter or essay. Remember them as you compile holiday letters and college application essays in the upcoming weeks! #1: Think First. Write…