The other day, a colleague shared that they had been let go from a job they genuinely enjoyed. The reason? Their writing required too much editing.
They asked for guidance on how to keep moving forward in journalism. One piece of advice they were given was simple: “Read more.”
Later, I learned this colleague had scaled back their reading habits.
Within the same hour, I saw a post on social media claiming there are people on Substack who can't write, and it shows.
There have been seasons when my own writing felt dull. That's usually when I realize I've stopped reading. And stopped creating. Craft requires feeding.
You cannot expect depth if you're not consuming depth.
These are the books that shaped my craft.
by William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White
Anyone who writes for a living should read this book. Not just once. Revisit it yearly. It's a slim volume, but it reminds you that clarity is kindness to the reader.
by Brian S. Brooks, James L. Pinson, and Jean Gaddy Wilson
A concise guide to correctness and style. Ideal for journalists. It delivers practical advice on writing and formatting for print, broadcast, and digital media.
by Al Tompkins
I’m a longtime fan of Al Tompkins. His stories were precise and human. This book teaches you how to think visually, emotionally, and structurally at the same time.
Make It Memorable: Writing and Packaging TV News with Style
by Bob Dotson
You don't have to be a broadcast journalist to benefit from this book. You'll learn how to find compelling characters and shape stories that linger long after they're told.
by James B. Stewart
A masterclass in narrative nonfiction. Stewart breaks down the techniques behind deeply reported, character-driven storytelling. It's an indispensable guide whether you're writing books, long-form articles, features, or memoirs.
Paint with words
There have been long stretches in my own life when I didn't pick up a book. I used to read constantly during my commute from Montclair to New York City. Those long train rides built reading into my routine.
Now I work from home. The commute is gone. So I have to be intentional. I bring a book with me on solo dates. Coffee. Dinner. A nightcap. If I’m out alone, I read.
There are brilliant writers in the world. And yes, there are some whose words fall flat.
Not every book will be right for you. But if you consider yourself a creative journalist, aspiring novelist, poet, or songwriter, you should be reading. Collect quotes. Underline passages. Squirrel away sentences that spark something in you.
One of my favorite poets once said, “Take the time to paint with words.” — Jill Scott
If you take the time to paint with words, the reader won’t just understand you. They'll see it.
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