Blogging… Why Post Daily? 24 Jan 201121 Jan 2011 If you journal only sporadically, or monthly, or weekly, you're tempted to be significant or profound--or silent. I'd been at that for years when I heard a Sunday School teacher…
Change the World… “Divers Patter, Dabblers Explode” 22 Jan 201125 Jan 2011 I love this sign at a preserve: "Divers Patter, Dabblers Explode." These are ducks. The sign explains that Dabblers, such as wigeons, teals, pintails, shovelers, and mallards, have large wings…
Academic Writing… Does Education Pay? 18 Jan 201118 Jan 2011 Yes, college requires work. Does it pay off? Here's what the Bureau of Labor Statistics has to say about it: That's for full-time workers at least 25 years old. The…
Academic Writing… “I Have a Dream” for Writers 17 Jan 20119 Feb 2011 Today you'll probably hear the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. And it will probably begin, "I have a dream!" I recently shared his entire speech from the March…
Change the World… Therapeutic Draft 15 Dec 201029 Dec 2010 Almost everyone I meet admits to a book-writing dream, usually a flaming bestseller about what the aspiring author has suffered: twelve chapters detailing the ordeal, and one on the happy…
Change the World… Assembly Required 12 Jul 201029 Dec 2010 Wouldn't it be nice if your first thought was a brilliant opening? And every thought thereafter arrived in the most logical order until your book was complete? Then again, unless…
Creativity… “Always Trust Magic” 25 Jun 201029 Dec 2010 On this summer afternoon, my ten-year-old set aside his mountain of hefty library books for a dozen favorite picture books. We laughed between the lines of our inscriptions as well.…
Courage… Your Book-Writing Starting Line 18 Jun 201030 Dec 2010 With all your acquired wisdom and experience, you have plenty to share! Are you wondering which book to write first, or next? Are you digging deep to find your real…
Creativity… Magic Words 17 Jun 201029 Dec 2010 “Open Sesame!” “Abracadabra!” “Wingardium Leviosa!” Storytellers invoke magic words to cast spells and unveil the adventure. Have you already noticed that every word is magic? That you have untapped powers…
Courage… What kind of applause are you receiving? 19 Apr 201029 Dec 2010 At the end of your performance, you register the applause. Maybe you notice whether the applause is wild or tepid. Maybe you stand there, bow, and soak in the praise…