“The first thing you learn in advertising is that nobody wants to read your shit.” According to Steven Pressfield’s latest book Nobody wants to read your sh*t, that fundamental lesson applies to all forms of writing, not just ads. Pressman’s excellent book, however, is full of simple rules designed to help writers tell stories that people will want to read. His book is full of practical pointers for writing ad copy, movie scripts, and works of fiction as well as non-fiction. Here’s one helpful excerpt (p. 81):

“Every trade has its tricks. Here’s one you learn as a writer in Movieland:

Start at the end.

Begin with the climax, then work backward to the beginning.

Carrie.

The Great Gatsby.

Thelma and Louise.

The ending dictates the beginning.”