The first sentence is usually the hardest, but if you don't immediately pull readers in, they'll ditch you. Today I sit down with my former journalism professor, Dr. Michael Longinow, who unpacks the secrets of crafting a winning lead line.

Hi! I’m Will Parker Anderson and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there’s no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle.

Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course

Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co

Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/

Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Do you ever worry your stories aren’t landing with readers? Too many nonfiction writers share great content but miss the chance to make readers feel. It’s like flying over the Grand Canyon without ever stepping out to take in the view.

That’s why I invited Nathan Baugh, founder of Worldbuilders, to join me on the show. Nathan has studied hundreds of stories and distilled what makes them unforgettable into 4 key tenets every writer can use. If you want to transform your storytelling, this episode will show you how.

Hi! I’m Will Parker Anderson and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there’s no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle.

Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course

Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co

Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/

Instagram: @willparkeranderson

AI is everywhere—and for writers, it’s confusing. Is it a genius creativity hack or the end of creativity as we know it?

In part two of my conversation with executive editor Stephanie Duncan Smith, we wrestle with the real questions writers face: What’s gained when AI speeds up the process? And what’s lost when we outsource creativity to machines? Stephanie shares why inefficiency is actually vital to the writing life and how protecting your creative core is more urgent than ever. If you’ve felt overwhelmed or unsure about AI, this episode will help you think clearly.

Hi! I’m Will Parker Anderson and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there’s no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle.

Sign up for my workshop: https://writers-s-site-7336.thinkific.com/products/courses/copy-of-how-to-write-stuff-people-actually-read

Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course

Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co

Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/

Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Many writers feel compelled to share their story—but here’s the hard truth: while everyone wants to tell their story, most readers don’t actually want to read it. In this episode, senior editor Stephanie Duncan Smith of HarperOne joins me to unpack why memoirs so often struggle in publishing, and more importantly, how you can write your story in a way that makes room for readers. You’ll come away with practical insights on how to transform a personal narrative into a universal one that truly resonates.

Hi! I’m Will Parker Anderson and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there’s no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle.

Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course

Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co

Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/

Instagram: @willparkeranderson

It's easy to say the same things in the same way over and over—to get stuck in a communication rut. Today's guest, Rachel Buller, shares a framework she uses with authors as an editor at W Publishing, called the '4 C's of Communication.' These four metrics will help you distinguish your unique voice as a writer, so you can effectively cut through the noise and reach more readers.

Hi! I’m Will Parker Anderson and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there’s no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle.

Join my monthly workshops: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/subscribe

Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course

Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co

Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/

Instagram: @willparkeranderson

In this Real-Time, Real-Talk episode, Doug Wekenman explains why it's worth taking the time to distill your ideas into their catchiest form, and how if you don't, your words will be forgotten.

"Feeling behind in your writing—or wondering if it’s even worth finishing?

Hi! I’m Will Parker Anderson and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there’s no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle.

Join my monthly workshops: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/subscribe

Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course

Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co

Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/

Instagram: @willparkeranderson"

Feeling like your words go unheard? You’re not alone. That’s why I’m hosting a live workshop—*How to Write a Substack Post People Actually Read*—on Thursday, August 28, 5–6pm PT. You’ll learn a proven 5-part framework, see it in action, and get your questions answered. Access is just \$15/month as a Writers Circle member. Don’t miss out—tap the link in the show notes and join us!

Subscribe to Writers Circle