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STUDY HALL COURSES: |
▶ How to Break Into Science Journalism |
Whether you’re a journalist looking to make science your new beat or simply want to add more science stories to your roster, this class, taught by award-winning journalist Sofia Quaglia, offers practical advice, personal insights, and behind-the-scenes guidance. |
Drawing on her own path into science journalism—starting with no formal science background—she breaks down the fundamentals: the main types of science stories, where to find them, and how to get ahead of the news. She also covers interviewing scientists, navigating complex data, verifying findings, and translating expertise into compelling storytelling, with a candid look at freelancing and placing science stories. |
Sofia’s approach is proven; she’s taught students from Stanford to Columbia, and her mentees now publish regularly in top international outlets like the New York Times, the BBC, National Geographic, and more. |
The course will take place next Friday, January 16, at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET. Study Hall members use the coupon code “studyhallmember” to receive 50% off the standard price, bringing the price to $49.50. For any questions, email sup...@studyhall.xyz. |
▶ Master the Art of Storytelling |
In this online class led by narrative reporter Adam Popescu, writers will learn to pitch smarter, tell sharper stories, and turn ideas into real assignments. The course focuses on the mechanics of storytelling as it actually works in today’s freelance landscape—what makes an idea viable, how to frame it, and how to get editors to say yes. |
Popescu draws on his experience writing for outlets including The New York Times and Bloomberg to break down how strong narratives are built and sold, offering practical strategies you can apply immediately. The emphasis is on clarity, structure, and positioning—tools that help your work stand out and travel further. |
The course will take place on January 30, at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET. Study Hall members use the coupon code “studyhallmember” to receive 50% off the standard price, bringing the price to $49.50. For any questions, email sup...@studyhall.xyz. |
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Interview With Tarpley Hitt |
On the latest podcast episode, Tarpley Hitt, an editor at The Drift, chatted about her new book Barbieland: An Unauthorized History. Hitt discussed her rigorous research process and shared tips for journalists who want to cover powerful corporations like Mattel. |
The episode is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. |
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ICYMI: |
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Recommended Reading: |
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Comings and Goings: |
Will Welch is leaving his role as editor in chief of GQ. Elizabeth Ralph is joining The San Francisco Standard. She will be in charge of the Opinion section. Sabrina Rodríguez is joining The Wall Street Journal’s politics team.
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Plug Your Work |
Please submit your work via our members site to share your work across our newsletters, blog, and social media channels. |
Andrea Javor Wrote About What The Democrats Can Learn From Poker |
For Newsweek, Andrea Javor wrote about how the Democrats can pick up some political lessons from the game of poker. |
Javor writes, “There’s nothing wrong strategically with bullying the table the way Trump does, but it’s time for Democrats to play bigger. Pick up a book from poker legends like Daniel Negreanu or the late Doyle Brunson and they’ll tell you the same thing: Use your chips to your advantage. Make your opponents commit. Put them in bad spots. Poker is a zero-sum game, take everything you can get by any (legal) means necessary." |
Javor told Study Hall about the pitching process: “In my writing group we ask each other whether it's wise to pitch over the holidays and generally agree it's a waste of time as most editors are out. But, I sent my political opinion piece to the generic Newsweek inbox on 12/30/25 anyway, just because I believed in it. An editor replied within minutes and as luck would have it my piece was about poker and he knew the game. He published it within hours.” |
Becky Garrison Is Publishing A “No-BS Survival Guide” To Avoiding Scam Gurus |
Becky Garrison’s upcoming book Gaslighting God: A Satirical Guide To Save Yourself From Spiritual Narcissists is coming out on January 26th. According to Garrison, the book is a “no-BS survival guide to dodging narcissistic gurus and reclaiming your spiritual sanity.” |
The book features “tools to spot spiritual con artists, from the self-promoters basking in the spotlight to those quietly manipulating under the radar. Each chapter doubles as a field guide to identifying the red flags, whether they’re waving at a megachurch or a ‘cozy’ spiritual retreat.” |
