Tag Archives: Writing

Angry? Don’t Send That Email

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I’ve done it. You’ve done it. We’ve all done it. You’re really upset with somebody and write them a note. Maybe you think you have more control over the written word than you would a conversation. Or perhaps you think a note would sound less harsh.

The truth? You have far less control over the recipient’s interpretation of and reaction to your message. A letter leaves room between the lines for misunderstanding. Worse, it leaves a permanent record of your anger – a record that can be saved, shared, or distributed for the world to see.

If you are really that angry, go talk to the person. If you can’t do so face to face, at least pick up the phone. You will reach an understanding much quicker if you hash out your opinions in dialogue.

By all means, write the letter. It will make you feel better. But never send it. Abraham Lincoln died with a desk drawer full of nasty letters. Be the better man or woman. Be brave. Do not hide behind a letter.

How to Tell a Great Story

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Character first, plot second. People do not connect with events; they connect with real human beings. Make sure you know your story’s character first before putting him or her through the ropes. Where does he come from? What does she fear? Who does he idealize? Why does she dress a certain way? When does he prefer to go to bed? How does she tie her shoes?

Take some time and ask a lot questions. Pretend like you are dating him or her. Learn everything you want to know about the person. Know him or her so well that you’d accurately guess how he or she would react to random situations. Before long, your character will tell the story for you.

Keep It Short

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Why do you think Twitter became so popular?

Brevity is a modern weapon.

Don’t waste time. Others will thank you for it.

How to Conquer Writer’s Block

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L.A. Times sportswriter Walter ‘Red’ Smith said, “There’s nothing more terrifying than a blank piece of paper.” If you set a goal to create, that blank piece of paper is your worst enemy. Starting is always the hardest part.

We stall ourselves with the question, “Where do I start?” It doesn’t matter. Just start. Put something on the page. Do not bother starting from the top, your introduction will come in time. Free yourself from linear thinking. Start at the core of what you want to say, the examples, the conclusion – whatever comes to you first. Free yourself from focused thinking – something irrelevant on the page is better than nothing at all. Who knows what arbitrary thoughts may inspire you?

I started this post with the words, “I don’t know what to write.” Thus, this post was born.

You have no excuses. Go write.

How Blogging Can Help Build Your Net Worth

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31 posts, 7,104 words, 311 unique readers, 1,721 article views, 27 states and 11 countries later, I have completed my first objective:  blog every day in the month of March. It has been an extremely fulfilling experience, to say the least. Blogging has helped me:

  • Learn to overcome procrastination on a micro task level.
  • Develop the essential skill of writing.
  • Communicate concepts otherwise lost in my head.
  • Increase social media exposure.
  • Reconnect with old friends.
  • Introduce me to professionals in my industry and others.

It is amazing how much blogging can help you connect. My network is far more dynamic and rich than it was a month ago (and I do not think that has to do with the weather). I cannot say this enough, but a stronger network correlates with your personal net worth. You are more valuable if more people know you well.

I cannot recommend blogging enough.  I will write soon about blogging tactics that have helped me build a daily audience.

I am on a role, have formed the habit, and have no intention of slowing down.  I commit to blogging every single day through the remainder of 2011.  

For every day I fail to blog in 2011, I will donate to charity $1 per total unique reader visiting my site.

And for those fooled, I am NOT moving to Europe. America is ripe with opportunity and I have much left to do!

Form a habit.

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They say it takes 21 days to form a habit.  I want to write again.  Starting March 1st, I will post once a day.  For every day that I fail to post in March, I will donate to charity $2 for every Facebook Like I have on all blog posts by April 1st. 

(Fail days) x (Total Likes) x $2 = Charity Donation

Time for a journey.