Is guilt about writing (or, more accurately, not writing) driving you crazy? I have a simple solution: stop negotiating with yourself…. I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions, but if the changing of the calendar inspires you to make positive changes in your life, well, I’m all in favour of […]
Resolve to stop negotiating with yourself about writing Read More »
Reading time: Just over 3 minutes Is there any relationship between Christmas songs and writing? I think there is! Let me explain the lessons you can learn from your CD player…. In my final column before taking a break for holidays, I thought I’d draw your attention to some of
What these 5 Christmas songs can teach you about writing Read More »
Reading time: Less than 3 minutes When you read the headline to this post did you immediately feel guilty? If so, you may be one of the people who’s suffering from smartphone addiction…. Before I went to bed last night, I spent five minutes on my French lesson. I’m using Duolingo
Are you addicted to your smartphone? Read More »
Reading time: Less than 3 minutes Do you try to play the hero when you’re ill — dragging yourself into work even when you feel like collapsing? Or do you tend to fold at the first sneeze? Neither approach is optimal. Here are 7 ways you can be more productive
7 ways freelance writers can be more productive when sick Read More »
Reading time: Less than 1 minute This is my weekly installment of “writing about writing,” in which I scan the world to find websites, books and articles to help other writers. Today I discuss a new book written by Paul Anthony Jones…. I’ve just identified the first book I want
Paul Anthony Jones seeks to resurrect 366 old words Read More »
Reading time: Just over 3 minutes Looking for some recommended books in time for holiday reading? Here’s my semi-annual roundup of books I’ve read this year. I aim to read 52 books every 12 months and my habit is to post a complete list of the names of them for you, in
Recommended books: Christmas 2017 Read More »
Reading time: Just over 1 minute This is my weekly installment of “writing about writing,” in which I scan the world to find websites, books and articles to help other writers. Today I discuss a New York Times Magazine piece on writer John McPhee…. I first heard of writer John
Considering John McPhee… Read More »
Reading time: Just over 3 minutes Do you ever give yourself treats for writing? You should. Take five minutes right now and develop a reward strategy you can employ to bolster your spirits… As any six-year-old will tell you, Halloween is not just a holiday for ghosts and goblins. It
Tricks and treats for writing Read More »
Reading time: Less than 3 minutes Do you have enough mental toughness for writing? If not, here are four suggestions about how to increase it…. Have you ever noticed the similarities between writing and making music or exercising? Each of these activities requires practice, commitment and repetition and we get
Four ways to build mental toughness for writing Read More »
Reading time: Just over 3 minutes If you want to get better at writing you probably think diligent work is the key. Here’s why writers should reflect and plan, instead…. Have you ever used an expression like, “experience is the very best teacher,” or “I learned everything I know from
Is lack of reflection sabotaging your writing? Read More »
