A great lesson from Roy Peter Clark with Poynter. 'What I learned about writing from watching the Olympic games' poynter.org/reporting-edit…

My latest piece for Harvard University’s Nieman Storyboard site: How a young journalist reported on the long arc of recovery and pursued an overlooked angle to a national news story: niemanstoryboard.org/stories/trauma…

My choice is to be guided by way I pronounce possessive of a word ending in an s sound. So Harris' makes no sense to me. It's "Harris's speech energized the crowd." Also "Walz's avuncular look..." But it would be "Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan." Or whatever John says.

Thanks to BookAuthority for this tribute to Writing Tools. It ranks #5 on a list of best writing books for beginners. I am happy to report that veterans of the craft tell me they find it useful.

More amazing reporting from the student journalists at the Independent Florida Alligator on the tenure of president Ben Sasse. These young journalists are leading the state in reporting on this story. alligator.org/article/2024/0…

To Tampa Bay's new OG. So well deserved.

I could make case that Michelle Obama is best political orator of our time. She proved that again last night. Back in 2016, I wrote an appreciation of her previous DNC speech. All the lessons for writers still apply. Oratory makes writing moves glow. poynter.org/educators-stud…

What Roy Peter Clark learned about writing from watching the Olympics, like how to stick the landing (ending of your story). Think, “What if my story ended here?” poynter.org/reporting-edit…

Writers, hear this. Yes, you must always during your reporting get the name of the dog. But wait, there’s more: if relevant be sure to include the name of the dog biscuit.

An important investigation. Cheers.

Roy Peter Clark Works for cutlines too. Great advice we got from your book.

This outcome doesn't happen without the Tampa Bay Times being all over it

I could make the case that the Independent Alligator at the University of Florida is historically the most important such college news organization in history. Not just for its coverage, but also for the great journalists it helped create. Cheers. And keep going.

A beautiful shelfie.

Huge news at The New York Times: After 63 years as the go-to rewrite man, lede-all maestro, and poetic obituary writer, the peerless Robert McFadden is retiring. Many times I have witnessed his artistry; the man is a legend. Great honor is due.

Cheers to one of my favorite reporters.

The state of Florida has fired the employee who revealed the plans to build golf courses, hotels and pickleball courts at many state parks. They say he shouldn't have released the information. And I am wondering -- isn't state business supposed to be public record anyway?

An important story, relevant to any community where gun violence is a plague.

I hope Jeff Brandes runs for governor of Florida some day, restoring reason and moderation to governance of the now shady Sunshine State.