Tag: writing
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Editing as art form
I was several years into my career as a book editor when I realized editing is an art form, as much as painting or acting or writing. So, as an editor, that makes me an artist. How did this realization change how I edit? More respect for my craft: If editors had a dollar for…
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Finding your place in the Universe of Content
Writers are sponges. When they become interested in a subject, they absorb everything related to the topic. The process can be a bit, let’s say, obsessive. They start telling others about their interest, and additional articles and books head their way. Author and journalist Sam Anderson, in a recent interview with Longform, said, “I love…
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Writing a memoir? Here’s a quick edit you likely need to make.
Most of life is procedural: I got up, made coffee, hopped on a Zoom call with Suzanne… You don’t need it. Connect with the elements of your life that will impact your reader. For example, I’m working on a travel memoir about pilgrimage in Japan. The writer is covering two multi-week trips to Japan, as…
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How do you know when you’ve achieved your short-term writing goals?
The visual artist Lisa Congdon, in her book Find Your Artistic Voice, makes the case that artists are unique in how they set and achieve goals. “Many athletes,” she writes, “set performance goals that are measurable and easily comparable to other athletes in the same sport based on set standards: number of goals scored, seconds…
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How do you know when it’s time to start writing your book?
At this time of year, our farmers’ market is held inside an old Nissen hut, rather than outside. I visited the market on Saturday and made a beeline for my farmer at his table full of leafy greens and root vegetables. “You’ll be happy to know,” I told Graham, speaking through my mask, “that I’m…
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Four ways to boost your writing skills when you don’t have time (or willingness) to write
I don’t like going to the gym, but I love being active. At this time of year, my main “arms” exercise is carrying logs for my wood stove. You’d be surprised how even a focused burst of activity every two days can build muscle. Similarly, I don’t love sitting down to write for long stretches,…
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How to ace your book page
Here’s how to create a book page that will dazzle your readers. It’s key to own your piece of the internet when it comes to promoting your book. Even if you have publicity and marketing support from your publisher, you still need to drive your own marketing. A book page is a place to collect…
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Tracking Giants is now available for preorder!
It’s herrrre! My very excellent publisher Greystone Books slipped me a couple advance reader’s copies of my book. Yes that is Tracking Giants in my hand!! It comes out in May 2023 and I’d be truly delighted if you preordered. Maybe you can leave a fir cone and a preorder note under the tree this year? 🤷🏻♀️🌲…
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December workshop: How to hold space for creative expression
Some combos are plain ol’ dreamy. The incomparable Kerri Twigg and I have designed a workshop to nurture your creative spirit and remind you that, regardless of your job title or your productivity, you are an artist first and foremost. Kerri is an incredible career coach and mindfulness teacher who has helped thousands of people figure…