I used to think that if only I could get organized enough and follow the right disciplines, I could find a way to fulfill my goals and obligations in my personal and professional life without having to leave work undone or relationships unsatisfied. I no longer believe that. I now believe that time and energy are so limited that I …
Creativity: Leave Time for the Unknown
Like many people I know, I am pressed to squeeze writing into my schedule in the midst of many other responsibilities and distractions. To get anything done, I create a to-do list and attack it at the start of the day. The more items I get checked off, the more successful I feel. At some point I discovered that this …
Why Write Books at All? A Case in Favor of It
Last week I offered a case against writing books in this new era. This week I want to give some reasons for continuing to write in spite of the obstacles that stand in the author’s way. Here are some things that keep me writing: 1. I Want to Play. Picture a Little League baseball team. Twelve players are on the …
Should Authors Value Fans Only—Or Do They Also Need Opponents?
In this era when authors are expected to spend much of their time seeking the approval of readers—by “building a platform,” doing blog tours, conducting interviews, and praying for 5-star Amazon reviews—it may be helpful to look at how writers of an earlier generation used opposition to their work to make themselves better writers. My friend and colleague Diana Glyer …
The Best Discipline I Ever Followed: One Hard Thing a Day
On any given day, certain tasks loom before me that I really don’t want to do. I’m not referring to bothersome but routine chores that are merely unpleasant. I’m talking instead about things I dread doing. These are actions that I know I can’t put off forever but that I can delay for a good long while. They linger on …
- Page 2 of 2
- 1
- 2