The newsletter · monthly
Advice from the Workshop
Once a month, a writing tip drawn from my work with students — useful for anyone who writes. Back issues live here.
Issue 03July 9, 2026
In upper level high school and college classes, a thesis statement needs to be argumentative. Here's what readers look for when deciding whether yours is a claim — one that moves beyond fact and isn't simply pure opinion.
Thesis
Main Claim
Argument
Academic Writing
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Issue 02June 1, 2026
The difference between an essay that's read and one that's remembered — and how to make sure your main point actually lands on the page.
College Admissions
Personal Essay
Drafting
Main Point
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Issue 01May 19, 2026
The first thing I teach my students: a method for drafting that gets you past flat, predictable arguments and to a claim that's genuinely yours.
Thesis
Drafting
Evidence
Argument
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more coming — one a month