Advice to writers

It's a report on a workshop for journalists, but it's good advice for fiction writers, too: "Details convey authenticity. The sign of a lazy reporter: using such general observations as 'dapper dresser' and 'affluent suburb.' 'Chocolate' is better than brown. 'Armani' is better than 'expensive suit.'"

And: ... "Readers want to know what is this story about and why should I read it? Make them mad, sad, glad, scared. Before you write, make sure you answer the questions of what's the point? Why does it matter? What does it say about life?" (Link courtesy Romenesko.)