That's What You Think: A Practical Guide to Writing Compelling Op-Eds and Short Memoirs

Learning how to persuade other people to understand your point of view is a valuable — and necessary — skill, particularly in today’s polarized social and political environment. Too many people are shouting at each other or talking down or past one another. Social media algorithms are creating echo chambers that feed only like-minded opinions and ideas to users of these platforms.

It is possible, however, to break through all the noise and rhetoric to be heard and understood. Scott Colby, a journalist with 37 years experience, has been an opinion editor at the Toronto Star, one of North America’s largest and most prestigious news outlets, since 2016. Over the years Scott has been frequently asked, “What makes a good op-ed?” This is a very good question.

Writing persuasive opinion articles is a skill that can be learned, so Scott created this practical guide to writing op-eds. In “That’s What You Think,” Scott explains the importance of op-eds, how to express opinions effectively so readers will listen, how the process works at news organizations and how not to alienate the editors you want to impress. Scott also stresses that in today's political climate, not everyone will agree with your opinion or want to hear your opinion, so writers must be prepared for a backlash.

Many op-eds are written as memoirs, because sharing personal anecdotes is an effective way of appealing to readers. The second part of “That’s What You Think” focuses on writing short memoirs. Memoir is one of the most popular forms of writing because we love to be invited into each other’s lives.

Your short memoir does not have to be an op-ed destined for a news outlet or personal blog — although it can be. “In That’s What You Think," Scott encourages anyone with a story to share it. Personal stories will always gather value over time. So, take the time to get your ideas down on paper or on a screen and craft your stories. In "That’s What You Think,” Scott shows how to do it and why you should get started today.

PRAISE FOR “THAT’S WHAT YOU THINK”

“The best part is that his book isn’t just about telling you how to write; it’s like sitting down for coffee with (Scott), and he’s giving you the inside scoop on cutting through all that noise.

“So, whether you’re in PR, you want to be a writer, or you have something important to say, ‘That’s What You Think’ is like that no-nonsense friend who gives it to you straight and shows you how to make your voice heard in the opinion pages.”

—Verified Purchase Review on Amazon

“From finding your why and generating ideas, to how to structure your opinion piece, to tips for making a successful argument, every step on how to write an opinion piece that will get your work noticed is covered in this book… Even if you don’t have an opinion on a timely topic you’d like to explore, you likely have family stories to tell. This book will serve as inspiration. This, I know.”

—Verified Purchase Review on Amazon

“ ‘That’s What You Think’ is a primer for good writing. It is a catalyst for literary connections and fostering intelligent conversations. It is a practical guide for how to express your opinionated self with calm intelligence.”

“(‘That’s What You Think’) should be considered mandatory reading in literary courses at high school, college and university levels. It is written in plain language with both common sense and the energy of an adventurer. Great stuff.”

— Michael Sobota, Book Review, The Chronicle-Journal, Thunder Bay, Ont.