Writing for Others, Writing for Ourselves Telling Stories in an Age of Blogging

Using a narrative thread that ties practical advice to his personal experience as a professor, reporter and blogger, Jerry Lanson's new book on nonfiction writing is filled with time-proven techniques to beat writer's block and hone the skills necessary to write well. Using examples from his own pieces as well as those of other widely read reporters, bloggers and essayists, Lanson's Writing for Others, Writing for Ourselves provides readers a practical guide to perfecting their own work. From learning to frame ideas early, to developing the writer's voice, Lanson shares the tips, tricks, and lessons that will enliven any writer's work.

Jerry Lanson has coached reporters at newspapers ranging from the Christian Science Monitor to the Boston Globe, and writes about topics ranging from politics and the media to travel and grandparenting. An associate professor at Emerson College in Boston, he is a former deputy city editor, acting city editor, and bureau chief of the San Jose Mercury News in San Jose, California. He was part of the city-desk staff awarded a Pulitzer Prize for its coverage of the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989.