A couple of non-fiction ideas I recall from my (very enjoyable) freshman writing class. Consider as rules-of-thumb. * Write about what you enjoy writing about.

A couple of non-fiction ideas I recall from my (very enjoyable) freshman writing class. Consider as rules-of-thumb. * Write about what you enjoy writing about. If you're bored it'll probably rub off on readers. * Begin with a summary of where you're going. (Here's where your hooks go.) This is where you remind yourself what you aim to say ... and, coincidentally, your readers. * Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence. Readers can then scan for interests. We've all got too much to read. * Memorize Strunk and White. Clear, concise, to the point. Cut out the fat and cut to the chase. * Notice which writers capture your attention and leave you glad you read them. Learn by tearing apart how they did it. Notice which writers are gasbags ... and tear apart what they're doing wrong. * When you're done, stop.