Desperate for a break from work, I’ve gone a brief socially-distanced holiday. We’re heading to the B.C. Okanagan for some sunshine (we hope), some swimming (dependent on the former) and lots of reading. We’ll be doing our own cooking, buying some cherries and wine and celebrating a significant birthday for […]
Reading time: Just over 5 minutes If you spend too much time daydreaming — whether happily or unhappily — you’ll lose time to write. Here’s how to calm your wandering mind. When we sit down to write, our minds often pick precisely that moment to go for a little wander.
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I know that personal journaling can improve your mental health. Reduce anxiety and depression. And increase your creativity. But it is not going to help you with your writing. I make this statement with some caution because I don’t want to stop anyone from journaling if they find the practice to be helpful and productive.
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Reading time: Less than 1 minute Increase your vocabulary and you’ll make your writing much more precise. That’s why I provide a word of the week. Today’s word: demersal… When I read Casey Cep’s marvellous non-fiction book — Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud and the Last Trial of Harper Lee —
What does ‘demersal’ mean? Read More »
Reading time: Just over 4 minutes Is procrastination the thief of YOUR time? Here’s a clever and easy idea for how to beat procrastination…. Are you looking for a sure-fire way to stop procrastinating about writing? My tip may surprise you. I suggest that you write every day — or,
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Many writers mismanage their email. (In fact, many people mismanage their email. But the issue is more important for writers because email takes place at the computer — where we need to write.) When I meet with new members of the Get It Done group, I often ask about email. Many writers confess to opening
Do you manage your email — or does it manage you? Read More »
Reading time: Less than 1 minute Increase your vocabulary and you’ll make your writing much more precise. That’s why I provide a word of the week. Today’s word: syncretic… You may find it odd to see a Halloween type of photo on top of a post running in July, not
What does ‘syncretic’ mean? Read More »
Reading time: About 6 minutes (but very scannable) Looking for some recommended books in time for summer 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
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Many of you registered for my Zoom-based webinar on becoming a better self editor. I know how painful — and slow — it can be to listen to audio, so for your hidden post today, I’m providing a copy of my script from the call. Here you go! I’ve been a professional editor for more
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Reading time: Less than 1 minute Increase your vocabulary and you’ll make your writing much more precise. That’s why I provide a word of the week. Today’s word: blag…. As soon as I heard about the 2018 book with an almost irresistible title — My Sister, the Serial Killer —
What does the word ‘blag’ mean? Read More »
