Word count: 563 words Reading time: Just over 2 minutes Do you procrastinate about writing because you’re afraid of making mistakes? That, perhaps, is the biggest mistake of all…. Many years ago, I tried to learn how to ski. I’m the kind of person most others describe as “bookish” – […]
Why you should welcome some writing mistakes Read More »
Word count: 241 words Reading time: About 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 writers. Have you ever spent any time in a red room? If you haven’t, and assuming you’re
Why you should visit the Red Room Read More »
Word count: 201 words Reading time: Less than 1 minute A great way to improve your writing is to emulate the work of others. Here is a sentence I read recently that I’d happily imitate. As I’ve been collecting my sentences-of-the-week for the last four months I’ve noticed a
Science gropes and staggers… Read More »
Reading time: About 2 minutes This is my weekly installment of “writing about writing,” in which I scan the world to find websites, books and articles to help writers. I first heard about the book The Power of Why, by Simon Sinek, on a radio documentary about Steve Jobs.
Why you should start with the power of why Read More »
Word count: 264 words Reading time: About 1 minute If you increase your vocabulary you’ll not only help your reading, you’ll also make your writing more precise. Here is my word of the week. I’ve just finished reading the enthralling book, Moonwalking with Einstein, by Joshua Foer, it presents a riveting description
What does apposite mean? Read More »
Word count: 754 words Reading time: About 3 minutes Do you ever think you should spend summer writing your book? Here are five reasons why you shouldn’t! My back is both my fiercest enemy and my dearest friend. It’s an enemy because I often wake up with an aching thoracic
Why you should set a writing time LIMIT Read More »
Word count: 350 words Reading time: About 1.5 minutes This is my weekly installment of “writing about writing,” in which I scan the world to find websites, books and articles to help writers. I read Penelope Trunk’s blog every time she publishes a post. I’m not sure I’d like
Do you dream of publishing a book? Read More »
Word count: 278 words Reading time: About 1 minute A great way to improve your writing skills is to emulate the work of others. Here is a sentence by Joshua Foer I read recently that I’d happily imitate. I recently finished reading the delightful non-fiction book, Moonwalking with Einstein
A pseudoscientific cliche Read More »
Word count: 346 words Reading time: Just over 1 minute Today’s writing tip will help you if you like to use mind mapping. There’s high tech. There’s low tech. And there’s no tech. My “technology” tip for today falls into the latter camp, but I mention it because it will
A new use for an artist’s notebook Read More »
Word count: 240 words Reading time: About 1 minute If you increase your vocabulary you’ll not only help your reading, you’ll also make your writing more precise. Here is my word of the week, squib. I have heard the word “squib” dozens of times — almost always with the adjective
