Imagine for a moment that someone offers you the job that you’ve always dreamed of. But there’s a catch – you’ll have to work closely with someone else in the role. In fact, you’ll be job-sharing with this person. You start asking around about this other person, and discover that she doesn’t show up for meetings, but pops […]
The Writer's Process
Feeling Lazy? In a Rush? Lame Reasons to Shortcut the Process
You’ve got friends coming over at 6pm for dinner, and you want to serve fresh-baked bread. But you didn’t get around to starting the bread until about 4pm. So – what the heck – you decide to shorten the rising time. You knead the dough, shape the loaves, and throw them in the oven. What could […]
Cognitive Science Terms for Writers
Writing is a product of human thought and behavior. What better way to fine-tune your writing processes than to better understand your brain? In the course of writing The Writer’s Process: Getting Your Brain in Gear, I read many terrific books on cognitive science, behavioral economics, and psychology. This glossary, from the book, aggregates the concepts most relevant for […]
Writing for Resonance
A few years ago, my brother and sister-in-law gave us a beautiful bowl. Although I have always considered the bowl to be lovely, we’d had it for a few years before it revealed its true gift: It sings with me. I’m a classically-trained soprano. When I hit a specific high note in practice, the bowl starts ringing, extending and […]
August Sale on The Writer’s Process
Summer is winding down and it’s time to get serious about the rest of the year. College students are heading off to school, with term papers looming in their futures. In the office, the second half of the year is well underway, along with the many writing projects you plan to complete. If 2016 is the year you […]
What Inspires Your Writing?
Getting To Know Your Muse Inspiration may appear in dreams. New ideas or complete phrases might pop into your head when you’re doing the dishes. Or, you’ll be in the shower when you suddenly think of a wonderful approach for something you’re writing. Our best ideas seem to come from places beyond our intentional control. That’s probably why the Greeks personified inspiration in the […]