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If you have an interesting opinion that you can share in a persuasive and compelling manner, you might be able to reach millions of people and change some minds (and perhaps even policies!). Writing an op-ed is a great way to share your opinions and build your authority as a writer, especially if you can manage to get your work into a major newspaper or publication. What Is Op-Ed Writing? The term op-ed is short for “opposite the editorial page,” or “opinions and editorials page,” which is a section found in many newspapers and magazines. An op-ed piece expresses the opinion of a writer, usually one who is not directly affiliated with the publication. They tend to be written by experts or people who are particularly passionate about a topic. This distinguishes the op-ed from an editorial (when an editorial board member submits an opinion piece, mean to represent the views of the publication), and a “letter to the editor” (when a reader submits a response to a previously published

We hear a lot of bad news every day, whether it’s about politics, global pandemics, or poverty. It may feel at times like you’re powerless to make anything better… but that’s where you’d be wrong. There are so many ways you can give back and make a difference right in your own community. What may feel like small gestures can actually mean the world to those on the receiving end. How to Volunteer If you’re interested in volunteering but aren’t sure how to start, these steps will help you find the right opportunities and make meaningful change. 1. Choose a cause you care about. Volunteering, by definition, is optional—no one is forcing you to do it, or it wouldn’t be called volunteering. That being said, you have the freedom to choose a cause you’re truly passionate about and that you can really throw your efforts behind, so take some time to figure out what really matters to you. For example, you might be a huge animal lover, or maybe you’re concerned about the environment and th

If you’ve been assigned the task of writing a reflection paper on a book you’ve read, film you’ve seen, or an event you’ve attended, you may be wondering where to start. After all, there are few rules when it comes to writing a reflection, since it’s basically just your reaction and thoughts on the material—and all that creative freedom can be intimidating at first! But even with this lack of structure, there are steps you can take to write a reflection paper that adds value to the discussion. What Is a Reflection Paper? A reflection paper is a type of essay that requires you to reflect, or give your thoughts and opinions, on a certain subject or material. This type of essay is often assigned to students after they’ve read a book or watched a film. However, it can also be written in a professional setting, often by those who study education or psychology, to reflect on an individual’s behavior. Or, you can write a reflection paper for your own purposes, to work out your thoughts a

Making new friends can be intimidating at any age, but it certainly seems to grow more challenging once we leave school behind. While you probably had a circle of close friends back then, you may find that as you moved off to college or started working full time, the number of people you keep in close contact with has dwindled. Maybe you’ve moved to a new state, or perhaps you’ve just decided it’s time to surround yourself with different people. In any case, as an adult, you’ll have to do most of the work of making friends yourself. There are no assigned pairings, no games of jumprope or hopscotch for you to casually join—instead, your new playground will probably be your office break room or the happy hour scene. But intimidating as it is, making new friends as an adult is not impossible: it just requires you to step out of your comfort zone and keep yourself open to possibilities. How to Make Friends These 11 tips will help you stay open to new friendships and build connection

For book-lovers, nothing can be more heartbreaking than reading a story where a beloved character makes one wrong choice after another because of a character flaw. Among the most common character flaws readers might encounter is hubris.  What Is Hubris? Hubris is defined as excessive pride in a character, which leads them to act foolishly or rashly. It usually comes when a character is in a position of power, and their pride causes them to overestimate their capabilities. When a character suffers from hubris, they tend to overstep normal limits and violate moral standards.  This character flaw was common in classical Greek tragedies, such as Achilles and Oedipus . The basic premise behind it might be summed up with the old saying, “Pride goes before a fall.”  Hubris in Ancient Literature In his book Rhetoric, Aristotle brings up the topic of hubris:  “Hubris consists in doing and saying things that cause shame to the victim … simply for the pleasure of it. Retaliation is

Wondering what your book club should read this month? Choosing a title that pleases everyone can be tricky. To run a successful book club , you should make the selection process as democratic as possible, giving everyone’s voice a chance to be heard. But if your group is short on ideas, have no fear—we’ve got you covered with 20 titles that are not only excellent books, but also sure to start engaging and thoughtful conversations. Nonfiction Book Club Books These nonfiction titles will lead your team to some insightful discussions at your next meeting. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi At 36, nearing the completion of his training as a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. As a new father suddenly faced with his own mortality, Paul reflects on what makes a virtuous and meaningful life. Published posthumously in 2015, When Breath Becomes Air is a beautiful, life-affirming reflection on facing death from a man who was both doctor and pa

Finding the right book idea is not always easy. Your level of experience as a writer does not always guarantee that you’ll find the perfect topic immediately, especially for something as lengthy as a whole book.  To help you score that big idea, we’ve compiled a list of great ways to find inspiration for the next book you write.  Nonfiction Book Ideas From Personal Experiences There’s no better person to tell your story than you! Use these prompts based on your personal experiences to inspire your writing. 1. Write about a memorable trip.  Travel writing is an increasingly popular field. If you have gone on a trip, especially to lesser-known places, your experiences may make for a fun read for other globetrotters or aspiring wanderers. 2. Write about a big risk or adventure you’ve taken—and how it turned out. People love reading about adventures and risk-takers. For example, if you gave up all the comforts of your home for a gap year to serve in an orphanage in a third world