Are you wondering what to write about? Look no further than your own skills and talents. Another way of saying this is, “What comes easy to you?” What seems obvious? What could you do in your sleep and still be better than 99% of people? Those are the things you should be writing about. When … Read more
We writers are a safe bunch. Business tycoons love the art of the deal. Sports figures love the rush of physical conflict. Skydivers love the sight of the ground rushing toward them, sentencing them toward certain doom unless their parachute opens. You may like all of those areas of excitement. But there’s a good chance … Read more
Do you have an idea for a book, but don’t know where to start? If so, you’ll love today’s conversation because I’m featuring a guest who has all the answers you need to start writing that book you’ve been dreaming about. I’m excited to introduce you to my friend Morgan Gist MacDonald. She began her … Read more
Writers tend to think about what a book can do for them, and it can certainly do a lot of things for you. You can grow a business, earn income, build your reputation and credibility, and much more. However, writing is ultimately a SERVICE to other people. If people are going to spend time, money, … Read more
There’s an old saying that goes something like this: “People who are too busy rowing the boat don’t have time to rock it.” The meaning is pretty straightforward: when you are occupied with doing the work, you don’t have much time to criticize others. William Faulkner said something similar: “The artist doesn’t have time to … Read more
There are many advantages to being an introverted writer. You enjoy being alone, which is a big benefit when trying to get your writing done. You’d mostly rather spend your time with books than with people, which can help you dive deeply into literature and learning. You’d rather observe than participate, which can help you … Read more
Picture this: You are the co-author of an enormously successful business book series. You want to write another book in the series, but it’s on a very different topic than the others. You also want to write it with your wife, instead of your original co-author. And, by the way, you’re also going to use … Read more
I’m thrilled to share with you that my brand-new book, 18 Words to Live By: A Father’s Wisdom on What Matters Most, is available today! 18 Words is a compass, a sort of a collection of essential values to carry with you on life’s journey. These are values that help you become a person of … Read more
As writers, we spend a lot of time focusing on helping other people tell their stories. Maybe you do client work, coaching, run a writing community as I do, or interview others for a podcast, as I do as well. Even if you only write for yourself, much of your time is spent thinking about … Read more
In this episode, I begin a series on the making of my Father’s memoir of his experiences in Vietnam. I’ll be writing it with him over the next year or so. I talk about why I’m doing it, some of my fears as I start the project, the process I’m using to figure out the … Read more