Author Archives: Matthew Arnold Stern
Writing about history
To write about history, you first have to understand how history works. The way history is taught in school, it sounds like it is shaped by important people doing important things on important dates. We learn things like, “In fourteen hundred and ninety two/Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” Easy to remember, easy to write down …
Language and Politics
The quote of the day comes from Roy Peter Clark’s Help! for Writers. This is an excellent book that gives plenty of practical writing tips from organizing your research to editing for clarity. He also makes an important point about political language.
Doria is now available in paperback — and on sale!
My novel Doria is now available in paperback. For a limited time, you can also get it on sale. Order it from Lulu for only $13.99, a savings of 30% off the regular $19.99 list price. If you order by January 31, you’ll get free shipping from Lulu. (Enter code WHOASHIPPING at checkout.) Click here …
Review — Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Modern society puts a high premium on extroversion. In school, we have “show and tell” and are graded for “playing well with others.” At work, good eye contact, a firm handshake, and the ability to present a PowerPoint deck are requirements for success. If we are successful enough, the only avenue for advancement in most …
What is good technology? — Part II
Some big technology news came out over the past few weeks. First, the gadget-fest known as the Consumer Electronics Show. Second, Apple’s iBook announcements. And finally, the collapse of Congressional support for SOPA after the Internet’s show of force on Wednesday. What do all these tell us about good technology? Good technology is useful technology. …
