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?

"If you are a writer you locate yourself behind a wall of silence and no matter what you are doing, driving a car or walking or doing housework — you can still be writing, because you have that space." Joyce Carol Oates, born this day.

In honor of #Bloomsday, this from James Joyce: "I have the words already. What I am seeking is the perfect order of words in the sentence."

"Writing is a manual labour of the mind: a job, like laying pipe." John Gregory Dunne, born this day.

On Memorial Day take a moment to read this classic @latimes story by the late Al Martinez, who served in the Korean War. As a columnist, Al was known for his humor. Here he shows another side of himself as he remembers buddies who didn't make it home. latimes.com/world-nation/sto…

The @latimes LATimeless feature reprises classic stories from our archives, and this essay by Al Martinez is truly timeless -- a heartfelt and thoughtful read at any time of year, but especially appropriate as we prepare to observe Memorial Day. latimes.com/world-nation/sto…

"I am a galley slave to pen and ink." Honoré de Balzac, born this day.

A crusading Mexican mayor who defied cartels was gunned down in front of his wife during a Day of the Dead celebration. Now she's taken up his fight. A story of courage and resilience by @katelinthicum in @latimes Column One. latimes.com/world-nation/sto…

"The hardest thing about writing is writing." Nora Ephron, born this day. Ain't that the truth.

"I’m not a very good writer, but I’m an excellent rewriter." James Michener, born this day, 1907. Exactly, so don't worry too much about flimsy first drafts. Revision is inevitable. Not sure how much Michener is read now, but in his day, his novels sold millions worldwide.

"I love the smell of book ink in the morning." Umberto Eco, born this day.