WRITER

A writer offers practical, uplifting advice to those aspiring to dive into the craft of nonfiction.

In this guide to nonfiction writing, Welch—an author, columnist, sports editor, and professor of writing in Oregon—structures his advice in seven sections: “Mindset,” “Obstacles,” “Tools,” “Gather,” “Writing,” “Genres,” and “The Process.” Interspersed between chapters are analyses of his own work and that of former students demonstrating that great writing doesn’t only come from the most well-known authors. Welch doesn’t shy away from the realities of being a writer: “Writers struggle. Period,” he states. But he always comes back to encourage budding writers to appreciate “whatever unique bent [they] bring to the table.” In “Mindset,” he reassures readers: “Don’t panic if you’re not crystal clear on your motives at the start.” “Obstacles” explores common challenges, from procrastination to fears about hurting others when telling true stories, a very practical ethical concern that the author addresses by drawing on his journalism background. In “Tools” and “Gather,” he covers research and interviewing skills, explaining that writers can draw from multiple sources and acknowledging that they also need support. In “Writing,” he lays out “Ground Rules” for style, point of view, tense, and editing: “Reading an extra 5,000 extra words is like eating tons of empty calories,” he writes with a wink. “Genres” addresses nonfiction’s wide range of subjects, while “The Process” compares traditional and self-publishing. Welch’s strength lies in combining broad guidance with highly practical advice. His examples, checklists, and accounts of his personal experience give writers clear entry points for developing ideas, structuring their work, and navigating the publishing landscape. Much of the book’s appeal comes from the author’s lighthearted, conversational style, full of cultural references and wry metaphors. However, as Welch himself notes, the advice is intentionally wide-ranging to serve all nonfiction genres, meaning some tips will feel general rather than specialized. Still, his counsel makes the daunting task of beginning a writing project feel approachable.

Broad in scope and rich in wisdom, this guide makes starting a nonfiction project feel possible—and fun.