One of my goals for this year is to publish a work of fiction. I’ve written multiple nonfiction books but writing fiction is something completely new and exciting for me. In nonfiction I like to start with the idea or a difficult problem to solve and write with excitement about a solution to that problem….
On Writing
A collection of lessons, tools, and techniques on writing.
When to Use I, We, You, or They in Nonfiction
I spent about four hours during the last few days fixing inconsistencies of the pronouns and point of view in the manuscript of my latest book. My editor pointed out how frequently I would switch back and forth between “we” and “you” when referring to the audience of the book. The book is for religious…
When to Upgrade Tools and Technology
The Apple iPod and iPhone were breakthroughs in technology for one reason: simplicity. If you remember what MP3 players were like before the iPod, you know what I mean. They were complicated. There were lots of buttons and it wasn’t easy to get the songs onto your device. Then the iPod came along. It had…
The Biggest Myth about the 10,000 Rule
Malcolm Gladwell popularized the research of K. Anders Ericsson, who discovered that world-class experts spend more than 10,000 hours of deliberate practice developing their skills. There have been all sorts of dissenters to the principle. Many people point out exceptions to the rule with examples of masters who have developed mastery in less than 10,000…
Pick One Big Idea for Your Talk and “Show Don’t Tell”
Before speaking at an event, I try to watch or listen to a great speaker while I get ready in the morning. This weekend I watched and listened to Seth Godin’s keynote at the ConvertKit conference as I got ready for my own keynote later that morning. What I enjoyed most about the presentation was…
