Reading time: About 3 minutes We know music has charms to soothe a savage breast. But can a little background music help the savage writer? Read on to find out. After I’d graduated from grade 12 and moved on to higher learning — English 100 and Philosophy 120 — I […]
Does your writing require some background music? Read More »
Reading time: About 3 minutes I was a drip this weekend — fortunately, not the kind of drip who left her writing ’til the very last minute. Are you equally prepared to stop procrastinating? It was Friday night and I was sitting at my computer studying Google maps. I had to
Are you a drip who needs to stop procrastinating? Read More »
Reading time: About 3 minutes Are you having trouble persuading yourself to write? If, like many of us, you marinate yourself in guilt, perhaps it’s not so surprising you have writer’s block. Here are five ways to cure the problem. One of the few benefits of aging is that you
5 questions to help you beat writer’s block Read More »
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,
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
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
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
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,
5 places for finding great stories Read More »
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
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
Are you ready for your final destination? Read More »
