Elizabeth Whitworth

Senior SEO Writer

Elizabeth has a lifelong love of books. She devours nonfiction, especially in the areas of history, theology, and philosophy. A switch to audiobooks has kindled her enjoyment of well-narrated fiction, particularly Victorian and early 20th-century works. She appreciates idea-driven books—and a classic murder mystery now and then. Elizabeth has a Substack and is writing a book about what the Bible says about death and hell.

Expertise

History, Theology, Government

Awards

Contributions to joint task force efforts (FBI), Contributions to Special Operations Division (DOJ & DEA), Efforts to fight the war on drugs (NSA), Contributions to Operation Storm Front (US Customs Service)

What Makes a Story “Good”? Robert McKee Explains

What makes a story good? What basic human longing does it fulfill, and how does it fulfill it? Robert McKee began teaching stories in a university class and has since become one of the most sought-after lecturers on the topic. In his book Story, he discusses why people love stories and shows writers how to take advantage of this obsession. He also explains why writers should learn story theory. Continue reading to learn McKee’s ideas on what makes a story good as well as the purpose of story theory.

The Cost of Capital: 3 Factors That Influence Capital Lending

How is the cost of capital determined? What impacts capital lending markets? One of a business’s costs is its capital, which it usually borrows from capital lenders. This lending happens in a competitive market. In The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith discusses three factors that influence that market: risk to the investor, profit on capital, and changes in supply chains. Continue reading to learn how the markets determine the cost of capital, according to Smith.

Nelson Mandela’s Educational Background: Tenacity 101

What was Nelson Mandela’s educational background? Why did it take him so long to complete his education? Nelson Mandela’s formal education was over 40 years in the making. When he was a young Black man in segregated South Africa, he enjoyed the rare opportunity to attend university and law school. However, his journey got derailed a couple of times. Keep reading to learn about Nelson Mandela’s educational background.

The Subversion of Expectation: The Source of a Story’s Energy

What is the subversion of expectation? How does it keep a story going? How does it impact the audience? One of the main ingredients in a story is the subversion of expectation. This element is extremely important. Robert McKee maintains that it’s the source of all energy in a story. Read more to understand what subverting expectations means and how to do it in a story.

2 Factors That Influence the Cost of Labor (Adam Smith)

How are wages set? Why does geography affect the cost of labor more than the cost of goods? The natural price of a good changes in accordance with changes in any of the costs of production. In The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith identifies labor as one of these costs. He discusses how supply and demand, as well as the living conditions of workers, influence the cost of labor. Continue reading to understand how the cost of labor operates in an economy.

Why Did Nelson Mandela Join the African National Congress?

Why did Nelson Mandela join the African National Congress? Why did he later help create the ANC Youth League? Nelson Mandela’s struggle against a culture of oppression and apartheid wasn’t just about securing legal rights for Blacks but also about fostering national and racial pride. That led him to join the ranks of the African National Congress (ANC) in the early 1940s. Continue reading to learn his motivations to join the ANC and his early efforts within the party.

What Is a Controlling Idea? Robert McKee’s Focus on Theme

What is a controlling idea? What role does it play in a story? How many should one story have? A controlling idea, Robert McKee argues, is the glue that holds a story together. In his book Story, he explains why it’s important and how it works. He also shows writers how to connect all of the scenes of a story to the controlling idea. Continue reading to learn what McKee teaches about this important aspect of a story.

What Is Natural Price? Adam Smith Explains the 3 Factors

What does it mean to get a “good deal” on a product? What’s the natural price of a good? When supply and demand are in equilibrium, goods will be sold for their natural price. Adam Smith explains that the natural price is the cost of bringing a good to market. He discusses this concept in his classic work The Wealth of Nations. Read more to understand natural price and the three primary costs that determine it.

Robben Island: Mandela’s First 18 Years in Prison

What was prison like for Nelson Mandela? Why didn’t he try to escape? Nelson Mandela spent a total of 27 years in three prisons. He endured the worst 18 of those years, from 1964 to 1982, in Robben Island Prison. He writes about the experience in his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. Read more to learn about Robben Island, Mandela’s first prison.

Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving: Book Overview

What are some common biases and fallacies that you should be aware of? What’s a logic tree, and how can it help you make decisions? The book Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving explains the process of critical thinking and shows how to apply critical thinking to solve problems more effectively. The book also explores how to craft logical and effective communication and stories. Continue reading for an overview of this highly practical book.