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 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 […]
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Beware of perfect writing conditions Read More »
Reading time: About 1 minute Today, I’m saying thanks to my readers and asking for a bit of special help (not money!) in return…. This post marks my 935th blog and my 18th year as a blogger. Where the heck did all that time go? If you’re a long-time reader,
Special thanks to my readers and subscribers Read More »
Reading time: About 3 minutes It’s sometimes surprising how much we can learn about writing from our animal friends… My husband was in our back yard last week doing some gardening when he spotted a cat-sized, big-eyed mammal. It spotted him, too, and it quickly dived under our deck. “Whoa,”
The case of the missing ferret Read More »
