To keep your readers’ attention, look at your book with the mindset of removing any “friction,” whether in language, design, or emotion. This post also examines ways to ferret out hidden friction that can prevent readers from engaging with your book.
Writing in Small Steps to Reach Big Mile...
When writing a book feels overwhelming, try writing in small steps. Leverage your existing content development plans to make progress toward your ultimate (increasingly attainable) goal.
On Reflection: The Joy of Creating Books
Creating books is one of the ways I’ve found joy this year, giving me 3 priceless rewards. How have you found your joy? And what’s next for you? Will it be creating a book?
The Prick of New Growth: On Writing and ...
A few words of encouragement: Writing a book is more than a project—it’s a personal growth effort. It might be uncomfortable, but hang in there—the transformation is coming.
When the writing process feels hard, can...
Sometimes the writing process is easy; sometimes, not so much. Does it matter to the reader what your writing process is like? Learn why waiting to feel inspired before you write doesn’t really work.
One Word Conversation: “Discover”
In this 45-minute One Word Conversation, William Brown and I talk about the word “discover”—what we are in search of and what we want or fear to find. We touch on some surprisingly weighty writing issues: voice, procrastination, process, avoidance, and more.
On the Problem of Overwork: Protect Your...
There are times that call for hard work, and even overwork. Understanding these implications that overwork has for your writing helps you limit negative impacts.
Coronavirus Isolation Getting You Down? ...
Coronavirus isolation getting you down? Looking for fun so so you don’t go stir crazy? For your entertainment, here are my apocalypse go-to’s. Bonus: book recommendations (of course!) to help fill this quiet time.
Unexpected Accomplishments: How to Achie...
Unexpected achievements have many of the same success factors as expected ones. In this post, we help you look back from the future: What will your next big unexpected accomplishment be?
Fly Me to the Moon: Reigniting Inspirati...
Here we offer reflections on the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing and doing the scary work. You’ll need these 3 things to do YOUR scary work.
In Praise of Deadlines: To Get Your Book...
Procrastinating on your book or some other big project? Sometimes setting a high-stakes deadline can give you the motivation you need to get it done. Here’s how–and why–it works.
Are distractions keeping you from writin...
Even when your book project is important to you, it’s easy to get sidetracked. Try these 5 remedies to manage your writing distractions.