“What you see is all there is.” That is how Daniel Kahneman describes the “availability heuristic.” Put simply, if we cannot think of a recent example of something, we discount its probability. If it doesn’t come easily to mind, it probably doesn’t happen. With writing, sometimes what you see is nothing. Silence can dissuade us from continuing to […]
A Three Step Plan for Writing Your Book
Writing a book takes a leap of faith: faith that you have something to say that other people will find valuable. Faith that the book you create will support your objectives. Faith that you can finish and publish the book. But writing a book is a lo-o-o-ng leap. Sustaining that faith can be tricky when you […]
The Ultimate Start-Up Guide: A Review
I just finished reading The Ultimate Start-Up Guide by Tom Hogan and Carol Broadbent, and I must say I am surprised. I expected great start-up marketing advice, and the book delivered. I’ve worked with Tom and Carol before, and they know their stuff Knowing the authors, I also expected an engaging, irreverent tone and style. The book […]
Two Reasons Not to Revise As You Draft
You’ve heard many versions of this advice before: Embrace the ugly first draft. Ann Handley, Everybody Writes Write with the door closed, revise with the door open. Stephen King, On Writing Turn off the inner critic and be fearless. Me, The Writer’s Process No matter how it’s phrased, the advice is sound. Resist the temptation to revise and polish […]
Need More Time to Write?
The biggest barrier to writing for many people is time – more specifically, the lack of time. Writing takes time and attention, both of which are precious resources in the modern world. For many years, I built my consulting business on the reality that even the most adept writers struggle to find that time in the modern […]
Writing Productivity: Why Counting Words Can Mislead You
Whenever a group of writers gets together and the topic of productivity comes up, inevitably the discussion turns to “words per hour” or “words per day.” “I once did 8,000 words in a day.” “I can write 1,000 words an hour, easily.” “I had a terrible session, only 500 words.” This conversation might lead an insecure […]