Reading time: Less than 3 minutes You’ve probably heard the term “emotional intelligence” lots of times. Did you know it was something that could help writers do their work better? I read the bestselling book Emotional Intelligence — also known as EI — by Daniel Goleman, in 1996 when my kids were two years old. […]
Why do the best writers have the most emotional intelligence? Read More »
I’m currently travelling and taking a break from blogging. I have scheduled my Tuesday posts in advance so please expect the next one Jan. 23/18. I’ll be resuming regular blogging on Jan. 30/18
On the road again… Read More »
Reading time: Less than 3 minutes I like smartphones as much as the next person. But I also know there’s a good time to turn off your smartphone…. When my brother-in-law comes to our house for dinner he knows I’ll require him to step away from the table if he wants to check his smartphone.
What if you turned off your smartphone today? Read More »
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 that. And if you’re writing,
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 the best-known songs of the
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 which I’ll be augmenting with
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 when you’re sick…. Brace yourself
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 to put on my Christmas
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 June and November. Here is
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 McPhee [pictured above] back in 1982.
Considering John McPhee… Read More »
