On Writing a Community

Inside online magazine Pennyblackmusic So immersed are we in text — messages! pop-ups! chats! stories! — it is easy to forget how much creative elbow grease goes into this writing, and the wonderful behind-the-scenes connections this work forges.Creating and...

On Value-rich Education

How smart investments enhance return on education IndebtedSaturday, June 8, 2024 was momentous: it was the day I paid off my student loan. My undergraduate student loan. Twenty-three years and one month after earning my BA at Penn, I settled my debt.Penn changed my...

On Literary Devices

Fun with figurative languageThis is a short video I put together as an introduction for young literature/writing students, and a review for high schoolers who are embarking on more complex topics. Brief, topical videos such as this are part of my ‘modular’ approach to...

On Cultural Cross-Pollination

Reading your way to better writingOne of the things that has been (is) vital to my success as a writer and educator is the fact that, from a freakishly young age, I’ve read everything.Nutritional information. Ancient magazines in waiting rooms. Bumper stickers....

Write Like a Pro: Wa Yang

How Wendy Yang Writes to Success at SAPWelcome to Write Like a Pro — where experts from diverse fields and industries discuss how writing supports their professional success.Professional: Wendy YangCompany: SAP (7+ years)Role: Global Program Management and Development...

Teach, Learn, Drink

Why every educator should be a student sometimesThe Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Award in Wines is a big deal in wine land. It’s a course designed for wine makers, buyers, distributors, sommeliers, viticulturists, oenology students. Globally, it has...