Hannah Aster

SEO Team Lead

Hannah is a seasoned writer and editor who started her journey with Shortform nearly five years ago. She grew up reading mostly fiction books but transitioned to non-fiction writing when she started her travel website in 2018. When she's not writing or traveling, you can find Hannah working on home reno projects, crafting, or taking care of plants.

Expertise

Graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in English and minors in professional and creative writing

Adler and Van Doren: What Is Good Reading?

According to the authors of How to Read a Book, what is good reading? Why is it important to read for comprehension rather than passively? In their book, Adler and Van Doren assert that good reading is active rather than passive. They talk about the importance of reading for comprehension rather than just grasping the surface level and they believe that the best books challenge you and force you to grow. Continue below to learn what good reading is, according to Adler and Van Doren.

Your Guide to Authentic Living: Brené Brown’s Advice

What does it mean to live authentically? Why is vulnerability a large part of authentic living? What are some common barriers to authentic living? In her book The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown says that the first step in living Wholeheartedly is to practice living authentically. However, this can be difficult when society’s expectations don’t line up with your authentic self. Here’s Brené Brown’s advice on how to live authentically in a judgemental world.

Distracted by Social Media? Try These Things

Are you easily distracted by social media? What can you do to improve your relationship with social media? Is taking a detox or sabbatical a good idea? Social media companies design their apps to be addictive—it makes you feel like you’re being productive (catching up on current events or seeing what family and friends are up to), but in fact, the gains are minor. Cal Newport argues that taking a temporary detox is ineffective and the best way to improve your relationship with social media is to limit your usage. Here’s how you can evelop a healthier relationship with social

How to Write a Sales Script: Tips and Roadmap

Want to know how to write a sales script? How important is a script in closing a deal? In his book about Straight Line selling, Jordan Belfort explains that a good salesman must have a script or he risks being unprepared and ruining his chance at a sale. An effective sales script (along with proper sales body language and tone) increases your chance of closing exponentiallly. Continue reading to learn how to build your sales script.

How to Read a Book: Using External Resources

How and when should you use external resources when you’re reading a book? Is it okay to rely on outside help, or should you try to read a difficult book on your own? In their book How to Read a Book, Adler and Van Doren believe that you should struggle through a book as much as you can on your own. However, when you really need help understanding the material, there are some tools you can use to aid your understanding. Below are the external resources that Adler and Van Doren recommend using.

Is “Violent” Speech an Excuse for a Violent Response?

Is it possible for speech to be “violent”? Should speech that leads to physical harm be deemed violent? In what ways is this way of thinking harmful? In their book, The Coddling of the American Mind, Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff argue that there is no such thing as violent speech, even if the speech in question does lead to physical harm of some form. They think that labeling speech as violent is an excuse to respond with physical violence in turn. Keep reading to learn why Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff think that labeling speech as violent is harmful.

How Brené Brown Defines Worthiness: The 4 Principles

What is worthiness according to Brené Brown? Is it possible to improve your sense of self-worth as an adult? In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown defines worthiness in a way that is similar to self-esteem. She claims that many people today don’t feel worthy and believe that they will never be good enough. She also says that you can improve your sense of worthiness. Keep reading to learn how Brené Brown defines worthiness and what you can do to improve your self-worth.

The Quest for Ideological Purity on College Campuses

How is the “us versus them” mindset causing a quest for ideological purity in colleges? Why is it so important to have diverse viewpoints? In their book, The Coddling of the American Mind, Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff believe that many colleges today are trending towards ideological purity rather than diversity. They state that this way of thinking can lead to persecution of those who are perceived to be dissenters and can lead to intimidation and fear. Keep reading to learn why ideological purity in colleges is dangerous.

Sales Methodologies: Which One Is Right for You?

Creating a Positive Emotional Relationship With Money

What are the top six sales methodologies? How do these methods compare to Jordan Belfort’s Straight Line system? In his book Way of the Wolf, Jordan Belfort teaches readers how to use the Straight Line selling method. However, this method is just one of many sales methodologies. Here are the top six sales methodologies with sources for learning each.

How to Identify the Most Important Sentences in a Book

How can you tell which are the most important sentences in a book? What are the best ways to unpack complicated sentences? In How to Read a Book, authors Adler and Van Doren suggest identifying an author’s most important sentences to find their leading proposition. Once you’ve identified the primary proposition, paraphrase it in your own words to make sure you really understand its meaning. Keep reading to learn the best way to find and unpack an author’s most important sentences.