Power Writing began as a weekly newsletter in April 2006. Its purpose? To give tips and advice about writing, to tell interesting stories and to help writers everywhere work faster, better. I distribute the newsletter by email to thousands of readers around the world every week and, since March 2012, it has become the Tuesday entry of my blog.
You can read many Power Writing entries here – I back-entered all columns until the beginning of 2009, and a handful of ones that were earlier than that. But I hope you’ll consider subscribing, too. Just enter your name and email in the box next to my photo on the home page of my website. If you do that, you’ll not only receive Power Writing by email each week, you’ll also automatically get access to a 10-minute video on how to unblock your writing.
Reading time: About 4 minutes People often ask me about the best software for writing. Instead, I tell them, they should worry about how to protect their eyes…. After spending 10 days in southern California some years ago, I noticed my eyes had become uncomfortably dry and itchy. And, of course, the plane trip home […]
How to protect your writing eyes Read More »
Reading time: About 3 minutes 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 you twice a year. Here is a
Recommended books: summer 2024 Read More »
Reading time: About 3 minutes Even if you don’t keep a regular diary, it’s a smart idea for writers to keep a research diary AND an editing diary… Have you ever kept a diary? For many people, it’s a place where they can jot down feelings and remembrances — and process emotional baggage. Some people
Why you should keep an editing diary Read More »
Reading time: About 3 minutes The idea of giving yourself continuous small treats might sound like an indulgence. But it’s not. It’s a writing strategy…. Do you regularly reward yourself as a writer? I’m here to tell you that giving yourself treats, gifts or presents for your writing work is not only okay — it’s
Why writers should plan for continuous small treats Read More »
Reading time: About 3 minutes Do you have writing discipline? Or does the very idea of it make you shudder? It may not be as bad as you think…. Say the word “discipline.” What does it make you think of? Going to the gym at 5 am every day? Sending a child for a time-out?
You don’t have to be a Navy SEAL to use writing discipline Read More »
Reading time: About 4 minutes Is writing perfectionism something that troubles you? Here’s a list of practical tips to help you vanquish that unruly beast… Many clients tell me they don’t write because they’re writing perfectionists. They can’t start their writing, they say, because they know it won’t be good enough. As a result, they
Do you suffer from writing perfectionism? Read More »
Reading time: About 4 minutes When we started to downsize, I had no idea I’d get a series of writing lessons from the exercise…. My husband and I are far from being hoarders. Friends and visitors often comment on how neat and tidy our house looks. What they don’t see is all the doodads, gewgaws
Writing lessons from an auction Read More »
Reading time: About 4 minutes Without a writing routine, it’s probably pretty close to impossible for you to get a substantial amount of writing done… I taught a two-week course on research last month. It turned my writing routine upside down and required me to spend oodles of time responding to chats. Not that I
Do you have a writing routine to support you? Read More »
Reading time: About 3 minutes Have you ever thought about the world being divided along maker vs manager lines? It’s a useful metaphor — one that gives you tips about your own time management… If I ask you whether you’re a maker or a manager, do you know what I mean? But you know the
Maker vs manager — which gets your vote? Read More »
Reading time: About 4 minutes If you’re delaying writing because you’re waiting for perfect writing conditions, you’re making an enormous mistake…. Are you waiting for perfect writing conditions? A quiet space. No scary projects looming over your shoulders. No need to look after family or friends. No other big demands on your time. Because, you
Beware of perfect writing conditions Read More »
