by Joe Bunting |
Since publishing his latest book, David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell has taken quite a few lashings from critics. One science writer in particular, Christopher Chabris—who incidentally helped defrock Jonah Lehrer—suggested Gladwell intentionally promotes bad science to manipulate people just so he can sell more books.
Another author, David Epstein, writer of The Sports Gene, argued that “the 10,000 hour rule” which Gladwell coined in his bestselling book may not be as true as everyone was led to believe. Sure, practice is important, he said, but all the practice in the world is useless without innate talent. Runners who start out slow (or writers who start out bad, for that matter) don’t become world class, no matter how many hours of practice they put in.
by Joe Bunting |
For several weeks, I’ve been blocked on a writing projects for a client. One night, I even stayed up until one in the morning, staring at my screen, unable to write a thing.
Then, just yesterday, I had a breakthrough. In just a few hours, I was able to accomplish more than I had the previous three weeks combined.
What got me unblocked? Visuals.
by Katie Axelson |
It’s going to happen someday. You’re going to open your inbox, and it’s not going to be the headline that makes your eyes leap to that one email. Your blood pressure’s going to rise, and it’s going to seem like Chrome slows down in opening that email that’s going to change your life.
by Joe Bunting |
Well, maybe you don’t, but I do.
I don’t think it’s impossible to write when you’re busy. It’s easy to make excuses about why you don’t have time to be a writer. I don’t want to create more obstacles for you. You should write, whether you have space or not.
But if you’re like me, you’re too busy. You’re checking your email too often. You’re committed to too many projects and groups and even people. You need more space.
by Marianne Richmond |
I have been a book author and artist for close to twenty years. I have paid for my mortgage, groceries, vacations and braces with my self-generated income. I have sold a blessed two million copies of my words and pictures.
And yet, until about five years ago, I stumbled through an introduction of my work and my abilities. It may have sounded something like this…
by Katie Axelson |
I’m not ready. I’m not good enough. That’s not my book to write. That book’s already been written. What if they hate it? I’m scared.
