Reading time: Just over 3 minutes Are you one of the non-native English speakers who’s afraid of writing. Don’t be scared. And don’t think that focusing on grammar is the answer. Here’s what you should do instead… I’m a debate coach at my local high school and a great many of my students speak English as a […]
7 ways non-native English speakers can improve their writing Read More »
Reading time: About 3 minutes Have you ever considered how much influence doubt may have on your writing? It could be one of your secret enemies — although, in truth, it’s relatively easy to turn it into a friend. I have a new companion. Or, at least, a new recognition of a longtime acquaintance. Its
How to befriend doubt Read More »
Word count: 626 words Reading time: About 2 and a half minutes Do you avoid your work because you fear a link between negative emotions and writing? If so, you’re likely losing the chance to achieve something really meaningful. I recently spent five days camping in the San Juan Islands in Washington State. It’s a
How to weather the rain in your writing life Read More »
Word count: 730 words Reading time: About 3 minutes How do you work when you really, really don’t want to? Take my advice on how to overcome adversity in your writing… I’m blaming it on a hard-boiled egg. I had food poisoning last week. I’m guessing the egg, although refrigerated, had been cooked too long beforehand.
How to overcome adversity in your writing Read More »
Word count: 262 words Reading time: 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 writers. I had just finished reading an excellent New Yorker profile of Bruce Sprinsteen when a friend sent me a Tumbler #storyboard article
What you can learn from the man who wrote a Bruce Springsteen profile Read More »
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 »
Reading time: Less than 3 minutes Do you see yourself as a bad writer? Read on for advice on why and how you can reframe this problem. My 18-year-old daughter, Claire, last week announced she wanted to make a nosegay of Ferrero Roche chocolates as a gift for a friend who was performing a violin
What a bad writer can learn from chocolate flowers Read More »
Word count: 162 words Reading time: about half a minute Some readers have had a hard time figuring out how to post comments to my blog. Here’s how you can get smart about the whole thing. (Apologies to Don Adams who played Maxwell Smart on the show.) 1. Once you’re on the blog page, scroll
How to get smart about commenting on my blog Read More »
Word count: 730 words Reading time: About 2.75 minutes Do you have good luck when you shop? When you write? While luck is marvellous, it’s not something you should count on any more than you’d expect to be able to find a really cheap tuxedo. Read on to learn why…. My 17-year-old son is 6
Writing lessons from a cheap tuxedo Read More »
Word count: 669 words Reading time: Less than 3 minutes Even if you’re not a fan of his music, Stephen Sondheim has something to teach you. Read on to learn more… Don’t you love farce? My fault I fear. I thought that you’d want what I want. Sorry, my dear. But where are the clowns?
5 ways to send in the clowns for your writing Read More »
