Write Like You Mean It: Mastering Your Passion for the Written Word

by Steve Gamel

Overview

In his debut title, Write Like You Mean It, award-winning journalist and content writer Steve Gamel dives into his best advice for writers that he has gathered over the years. With stories from his early years and frequent foibles as a journalist, Gamel equips aspiring writers with trade tips to learn, tools to utilize, and lessons to write stronger content. He has designed "a book that is useful to all kinds of writers: first-time writers, veteran writers, nonfiction writers, fiction writers, freelance writers, college writers, high school writers, writers who own their own business, and so forth." Simple steps in each chapter break down the productivity practices of creatives, the organization needed to get to the finish line, and the purpose behind it all: drawing readers in with quality content and style. He discusses the intentional processes behind organizing ideas, conducting interviews, beating writer's block, networking, editing, and publishing. Whether you're an old hand at writing, a novice, or a college professor aspiring to write full-time, this book is for you, so you too can Write Like You Mean It!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781612545271
Publisher:	Brown Books Publishing Group
Publication date:	09/14/2021
Pages:	150
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Steve Gamel is an award-winning writer, journalist, and communicator. That’s the buttoned-up, professional part. At his heart, however, he is just a fun-loving, humble kid from Texas whose passion for the written word and quality, down-to-earth storytelling knows no limits.
Originally imagining himself a future sportscaster, Steve realized during his time as a broadcast journalism student at the University of North Texas that his true calling wasn't television but rather the pages of newspapers and magazines. He has immersed himself in the intricacies of the craft over the past two-plus decades, all the while being humble enough to take on any assignment, learn all he can from the accomplished writers and editors who came before him, and recognize that becoming the best writer he can be is a lifelong endeavor. With this book, Steve’s goal is to connect with other writers, share what he’s learned, and have a real conversation about writing, writers, and how we can master our passion for the written word.
In his free time, Steve enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, watching sports, and being around people. He lives in Denton, Texas.

Table of Contents

Foreword xi

Introduction 1

Start Writing!

1 Don't Be Afraid to Write! 7

2 The Aspiring Writer's Checklist 17

3 Active Voice and Mechanics: Simple Ways to Improve Your Writing 35

4 Why a Pen and Paper Are Still Good Tools 45

5 The Hidden Messages of Writer's Block 51

Writing to a Purpose

6 The Wide, Wonderful World of Writing 75

7 How Active Listening Can Make You a Better Journalist 83

8 Research and Organization: The Hallmarks of Good Nonfiction 93

9 Writing Fiction People Will Want to Read 105

10 Storytelling: Not Just for Novelists 117

11 Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer 131

Write Like You Mean It to Be Read

12 Honoring the Editing Process 145

13 Marketing Your Work 155

14 Getting Published 165

Acknowledgments 177

References and Resources for Further Reading 179

Endnotes 185

About the Author 191