Mignon Fogarty

Mignon Fogarty, widely recognized as Grammar Girl, is an influential author, podcaster, and media entrepreneur known for her expertise in English grammar and writing. She is the founder of Quick and Dirty Tips, a podcast network that includes her flagship show, Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1967, Fogarty grew up in the suburbs of Seattle, Washington. She pursued her passion for writing by earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Washington in 1990. Later, she shifted her focus to the sciences, obtaining a Master of Science in Biology from Stanford University after initially enrolling in a PhD program but leaving after four years to pursue a career in writing and media.146

Career Development

Fogarty's career began in technical writing and editing for health and science websites. Her entry into podcasting started with a side project that ultimately led to the creation of Grammar Girl in 2006. The podcast quickly gained popularity, reaching number two on iTunes shortly after its launch and amassing over 1.5 million downloads per month.123 This success allowed her to publish multiple books, several of which have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list.

In addition to her podcasting work, Fogarty has expanded her reach through various educational initiatives. She has developed online courses in partnership with LinkedIn Learning, focusing on effective communication and writing skills.25 Her work has been recognized as significant within the podcasting community, establishing her as one of the leading figures in educational media.

Current Endeavors

Fogarty continues to manage the Quick and Dirty Tips network, which has grown to include numerous other podcasts covering diverse topics. She also serves as an instructor at LinkedIn Learning.5 Furthermore, she held the position of Chair in Media Entrepreneurship at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she contributed to journalism education.46

Mignon Fogarty's journey from a budding writer to a prominent media entrepreneur exemplifies her commitment to enhancing communication skills through accessible resources. Her work remains influential among writers and grammar enthusiasts worldwide.