Many artists feel mysterious power, readiness, or connection with the tools of their craft in hand. For me, it’s about touching the tip of a ballpoint pen to a sheet of unlined blank paper. I bring intention, and ideas take shape in words as pen glides on paper, opening a creative channel. The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard? One reason why writing by hand works for me is that my pen-to-paper connection feels more organic than poising my hands over a keyboard and raising my

I’m a sucker for those moments when people ask me, “Why?” I like it even better when they say, “Tell me all about it.” However: They pretty much always want the 411, the takeaway, the bulleted executive summary – while I think I’ve just been invited to lead story time at the library. Not sure which is worse, their disruptive cut-to-the-chase questions after my first few sentences or their eyes glazing over when they realize I’m just getting started. Photo by Daniel Forsman

Say it: “Snake oil.” Can’t you just feel the hissing, coiled power of venomous contempt? “Snake oil.” That two-word phrase packs more punch than “it’s a scam,” “fake news,” and “total B.S.” combined. Everyone knows that snake oil is just a placebo masquerading as a legitimate cure, peddled by a charlatan who cares more about your money than your health… …But actually? Placebo and charlatan more accurately describe something once called “patent medicine.” The real snake oi

Ghostwriting is a difficult skill to feature in a professional portfolio. Like the “silent corrections” that we editors make when we’re...