Preview
Creation Date
3-27-2026
Description
Drawing of Tiffany Yates Martin: "Why readers stop reading: no character investment; no tension; no questions; nothing happening; unengaging voice; unclear or confusing."
Session title: How To Train Your Editor Brain
Session description: Learning to analyze a story like an editor teaches you how to gain perspective on yours to figure out where it may need strengthening or further developing and how to make sure those intentions are coming across to the reader. With someone else’s story, you’re seeing — and evaluating — only what’s there, a crucial skill to develop in writing and editing your own work. Learn techniques for developing and deepening your knowledge of story craft that you can practice every day by doing things you’re already doing — reading books and watching movies and television — but shifting your focus from simple enjoyment to objective analysis. These skills will deepen your mastery of story craft and make you a stronger, more skilled editor and writer without ever touching the keyboard (or even getting off the couch).
Artist's Note
Tiffany is great to draw, and that comes through in all the artwork over the years. She is a force of nature as a teacher, and I personally have greatly benefited from her books.
Rights
Copyright © 2026, Bob Eckstein. All rights reserved.
Keywords
Erma Bombeck, humor writing, Saturday Night Live, Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop, Comedy, Illustration, Live-drawing
