When I Am Puzzled By What To Write, I Do This

The problem: Nothing adds up Thoughts are like puzzle pieces. Taken by themselves, each thought doesn’t really add up to much. It’s just a single puzzle piece. But when those puzzle pieces start to fit together, miracles happen. Ordinarily, we go around with our heads full of miscellaneous thoughts. When we sit down to write,… Continue reading When I Am Puzzled By What To Write, I Do This

How to Use Freewriting to Develop Talking Points

Why do you need talking points? Maybe you need to give a speech or a presentation. Maybe you just want to organize your thinking around a big topic so that if you have an impromptu conversation, you feel prepared. It’s easier to hold a few talking points than to try to memorize an entire story… Continue reading How to Use Freewriting to Develop Talking Points

Folktales Can Reboot Your Love of Storytelling Craft

The three act structure. The hero’s journey. Ah, fine, whatever. Study them as part of your love of story craft because you love it. Not because they offer the right way to tell a tale. To write a correct story is to write a dull and lifeless story. Correct stories are too safe. For me,… Continue reading Folktales Can Reboot Your Love of Storytelling Craft

What “Beginner’s Mind” Offers the Writer

A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s full! No more will go in!” the… Continue reading What “Beginner’s Mind” Offers the Writer