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 distinct trend. Many of the […]
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. I then heard about it
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 of how the author trains
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 spine – and by the
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 her a lot in person
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 by Joshua Foer. (A subscriber
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 help you stay more organized
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 “damp,” in front of it.
Word count: 748 words Reading time: Less than 3 minutes Do you suffer from procrastination when writing? Here are five tips that will help you get more words on the page, faster. Many of us postpone doing things we don’t like. Taxes (guilty!) Washing dishes (guilty, occasionally.) Making the bed (at least I overcame this
5 ways to tackle the writing you’re avoiding Read More »
Word count: 127 words Reading time: Less than 30 seconds This is my weekly installment of “writing about writing,” in which I scan the world to find websites, books and articles to help writers. Today, let’s discuss what you can do with a wordle… My colleague Jude Anker introduced me to Wordles, although, of course,
Pick a Wordle, any Wordle! Read More »
