Steve Padilla

With 2025 almost here, it’s time for resolutions you’ll actually want to keep: 10 Resolutions for Editors. Resolution 1: Ask yourself this question: Are my edits making the story better or just different?

“I tell people, Make a list of ten things you hate and tear them down in a short story or poem. Make a list of ten things you love and celebrate them. When I wrote ‘Fahrenheit 451’ I hated book burners and I loved libraries. So there you are” —Ray Bradbury buff.ly/YHOqgDd

"My perfect day is sitting in a room with some blank paper. That’s heaven." Cormac McCarthy, born this day. For others, that blank page or screen is hell. But we do it anyway.

"I don’t reread a book of mine after it’s been published. All I see is shortcomings and errors. The gap between what I intended to accomplish and what I settled for is a yawning abyss." Martin Cruz Smith, RIP.

"Panicky despair is an underrated element of writing." Dave Barry, born this day. So true.

Today is the birthday of William Strunk Jr., as in Strunk & White and The Elements of Style. Time for a few choice quotes from the professor: writerswrite.co.za/literary-birth…

"The quality of democracy and the quality of journalism are deeply entwined." Bill Moyers. R.I.P.

The @latimes has a new feature, L.A. Timeless, where we dip into the archives to reprise classic storytelling. This week we showcase a celebrity profile (of sorts) of an alligator, told in @corinnepurtill's elegant, engaging and witty writer's voice. latimes.com/science/story/…

Ten years ago today, the Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v Hodges that same-sex couples had a constitutional right to marry. @kevrector's story on Jim Obergefell is part history, part profile but, at its heart, a love story. latimes.com/world-nation/s…

"You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it." Octavia E. Butler, born this day. So true.

On Bloomsday, a quote from James Joyce: "I have the words already. What I am seeking is the perfect order of words in the sentence. You can see for yourself how many different ways they might be arranged."

A reader called this "a moving and thought-provoking article." And she's right. In today's @latimes Column One, @corinnepurtill recounts the efforts to ID the John and Jane Does who end up in a hospital. latimes.com/science/story/…

"A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people." Thomas Mann, born this day.

On this #DDay anniversary, allow me to share a story I wrote about the great Ernie Pyle, his coverage of that day and his lasting impact. It links to his "The Death of Capt. Waskow," one of the most heartbreaking pieces of war reporting you'll ever read. latimes.com/nation/la-na-e…

Thrilled to be returning this Friday to the Assn. of Health Care Journalists to chat about writing. Though I'll echo tips I shared at the NYC convention, I promise new tricks too, including tips on self-editing. #HJ25 tinyurl.com/26hzqy5m

On this #MemorialDay, allow me to share a stunning essay from @latimes archives by the late Al Martinez. Al served in the Korean War and in this piece recalls buddies who never made it back. Al was the kind of writer who could make you laugh. Or cry. latimes.com/archives/la-xp…

"If the words are heavy with the writer’s own unbridled emotions, or if they are imprecise and inaccurate for some other reason — if the words are in any way blurred — the reader’s eyes will slide right over them and nothing will be achieved." Raymond Carver, born this day.

"The hardest thing about writing is writing." Nora Ephron, born this day. Yup.

"People are hungry for stories. It’s part of our very being." Studs Terkel, born this day. One more from Terkel, especially good for journalists: "What I bring to the interview is respect. The person recognizes that you respect them because you're listening."

Never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d be here today, three years in, winning a Pulitzer. My heart is full today. I am so proud of @AlissaZhu @JessMGallagher @FurrierTranform, the newsroom and everyone at this very special organization. thebaltimorebanner.com/community/loca…

Please join me this weekend at @latimes Festival of Books, where I'll be moderating "Survival and Resilience in Native American Culture." Sunday at 3:30. Reserve your seat now. I'm so looking forward to chatting with the authors of three thought-provoking books. #bookfest