Scott Colby, a former colleague of mine, recently published a book on how to write opinion pieces and short memoirs. Interspersed with humour, personal stories and tons of relevant advice, “That’s What You Think” is a great resource for people who are hoping to publish their thoughts and feelings about a topic that is important to them. It’s also a fascinating read for those who are interested in the inner workings of a newspaper’s opinions section.
Scott not only introduces the different elements an editor looks for in an effective opinion piece, he also explains the important role these pieces play in society. Opinion pieces have the power to change minds, and becoming an effective writer is what he encourages you to do. To help with that process, Scott includes case studies to show where the articles’ strengths and weaknesses lie. This will help you avoid making the same kinds of mistakes in your own writing.
Despite the instructive nature of this book, it is nonetheless a quick and easy read that you can refer to again and again for inspiration. I was honoured to have taken part in the editing process for this book and encourage you to check out “That’s What You Think”—and its 5-star reviews—on Amazon.
Other Posts
#11 A Giving Spirit
I lived in France for three years in my twenties (2003–2006). I had moved there for love, and despite my best efforts, that relationship hadn’t worked out. Still, I had a work permit, a job, and I was slowly making my own friends.
#10 Reciprocity
Several months ago, a man I’ve been seeing became woefully sick. He hadn’t had a cold or other illness like this in decades, he told me. He seemed both perplexed and angry that his body had betrayed him.
Articles coming soon
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#9 Boundaries? What Boundaries?
As we navigate life, trying to squeeze the best out of every day, we are inevitably faced with tough scenarios. My perspective on the world is unique simply because each of us is unique. I view things through a lens that has been shaped by my childhood, the interactions I’ve had in my adult life, and the many good and bad experiences I’ve had along the way. My traumas will be different from yours, and what triggers me might not trigger you.
#8 The Accountant, the Boss and the Lawyer
I lived in France for three years. Much of that time was spent working for a business school as the incoming students’ coordinator. It was a really interesting job. There was rarely a dull moment as I dealt a lot with students who were from another culture and who often had random questions they came by my office to ask. In some ways, I was a kind of therapist to them, helping them solve problems and providing an ear when they wanted to talk.
Cat of the North and Other Tales by Shirley M. McGrath
I will fully admit that I’m not a cat person. First, I am allergic to cats, so that doesn’t help matters. But, in addition to that unequivocal bias, I also find cats to be rather standoffish. The cats I have liked the best tended to be the ones that behaved most like dogs, and the dogs I have liked the least tended to behave most like cats.