James Todd, AKA J. Hilmar Todd

I write in the non-fiction area for business audiences, mostly to inform and persuade and perhaps to inspire. With experience in a wide range of forms in journalism, academia, marketing, public relations, and business communications, I have become well-rounded from decades of writing and editing. I have been the go-to writer in several organizations, and take pride in writing with plain, but compelling language. I tend to work from an outline and am fearless about encountering new topics.

Recently, I have completed a few writing projects: editing a book of prayers; drafting a 4000-word research proposal; crafting website copy, sales letters, and direct mail materials. My best work includes a weekly column for a community newspaper, a handful of business planning documents designed to attract bank financing, some strategic planning documents meant to capture intangibles like values and to motivate action; and a long list of short reports and letters that wove together information and persuasion. My rhetorical tools are hard-earned and well-worn.

I admire business writers like Simon Sinek, Seth Godin, Jim Collins, and Jonah Lehrer, who are at the same time thinkers and writers, working with big ideas on a broad canvas. I have an affection for the business fable, such as the books by Michael Gerber, Patrick Lencioni, Ken Blanchard, and Robin Sharma. I am currently working on a non-fiction trade business book on innovation for the business manager. I have written other long forms, so the scope of the work does not daunt me and crafting the chapter outlines challenges me. I imagine an entire series of interconnected books on aspects of innovation like teamwork, leadership, creativity, and organizational culture. At the best of times, the words flow onto my laptop from the slimmest of outlines; at the worst of times, my bravery with new subjects stalls in the face of my academic’s demand for depth and substance.

I look forward to participating in the EWG’s Non-Fiction Critique Group, and I would welcome connections with other non-fiction writers. I may be of help to other members as an editor.

website: www.insideinnovation.ca