Reading time: About 3 minutes Many people sing the praises of a 12-step program; others make jokes about them. Have you ever thought of trying one for your writing? I’ll give you the formula, below. I’m no hockey fan, so when I was tired and bored one evening last week, I didn’t put The Game […]
A 12-step program for writers who care about readers Read More »
Reading time: Less than 3 minutes When you write do you ever feel the urge to tell your readers everything you know about your subject? Today’s column is a lesson on why we all need to learn that less is sometimes more. I spent three days last week in a small, windowless room with five
When a little learning is memorable Read More »
Reading time: About 2.5 minutes Does the thought of storytelling make your blood run cold? Do you worry that you don’t have the time for it? Or that your client really isn’t interested in it? Here are my thoughts on how to make storytelling your friend — and a key part of your business success.
How to use storytelling in a “hurry up” world Read More »
Reading time: About 2.5 minutes Did you get scared off of plagiarizing when you were in high school? Certain kinds of copying are certainly not allowed. But other kinds of imitation not only aren’t illegal — they also make a lot of sense! Read on to learn about the fastest way to improve writing. I just
The fastest, easiest way to improve writing Read More »
Reading time: About 3 minutes Have you resolved to buff up your writing by including more stories in it? Here, I give you five solid suggestions for places to find great stories. I’ve written this newsletter for five years now, and while I’m always nervous when I send it out, I’m invariably thrilled by the
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Reading time: About 3 minutes “Please, tell me a story.” That’s the devout plea of many of your readers, even non-fiction ones. And, if you tell them a good story, they’ll keep on reading…. A group of judges is gathered in court. But instead of looking grand and imperial in their robes, they appear to
7 darn good reasons why you should tell me a story Read More »
Reading time: About 3 minutes I travelled to Calgary to teach this week — and the airline flight provided a clear lesson on the importance of self-editing. Regardless of what my family will tell you, I try really hard not to rant. And by “rant” I mean, “complain in a relentless and long-winded way.” This
Are you ready for your final destination? Read More »
Reading time: About 3 minutes After a gap of many years, I’m suddenly back taking flute lesssons. And who knew they would come with a valuable writing lesson? Read on to learn more. I come from a musical family. My grandmother earned a double degree in piano and violin from Mount Alison in Sackville, New
A big writing lesson from my flute teacher Read More »
Reading time: About 3 minutes Have you ever considered any sort of continuing education for your own writing? It’s a great idea but you do need to consider a couple of issues first. Here are my tips. (Thanks to Miriam for the column idea.) I signed up to take a no-cost teleseminar a few years
5 ways to ensure you get a better continuing education Read More »
Reading time: Less than 3 minutes Today’s column looks at three wildly unrelated topics and finds the key point they all share. I live in Vancouver, the 2010 Olympic host city although, I confess, sports don’t mean much to me. Still, when hockey player Wayne Gretzky lit the cauldron last Friday night, even I felt
About the Olympics, my house and your writing Read More »
