This week's podcast is from a new book: Nonfiction Writing Secrets: How to Write Better, Finish Faster, and Publish More Often.
I had an opportunity to offer an exclusive book in a Storybundle later this spring. Because I use continual planning for my business, I realized I could offer this book. That means I have to write, edit, and publish the ebook in time for the Storybundle. A bit of a stretch? Yes, but in a good way.
Now, onto the Podcast.
The Podcast:
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The Transcript:
This is 60 Seconds of Writing in Public with Johanna Rothman for March 20, 2026, where I read an excerpt of just a minute of some writing in progress.
This is from the new Writing Secrets book.
Here are my principles for effective nonfiction writing:
- Prepare to write, so you never have to face the blank page problem. I recommend you build a selection of fieldstones or an idea bank to know what to write about.
- Cycle as often as you need to, to clarify the ideas in the piece. In contrast, wait to edit words until the very end.
- Practice writing as often as possible. That includes publishing. Writing and leaving work as a draft does not help you practice your writing.
- Change modes when your writing feels stuck.
If you follow these principles, will every piece of your writing be “perfect” or “stellar?”
No.
Because no one piece of writing can be perfect for everyone.
The Video:
The video link is here.