It’s time to get comfortable with being incompetent

It’s time to get comfortable with being incompetent

If you want to learn something new, it’s going to be uncomfortable. It’s time to get comfortable with being incompetent. People who can sit down without hesitation and dive into writing without the slightest nagging doubt. I’m not like this. I don’t think...
Reliable Sources: A 13-Step Guide to Dodging Bullshit

Reliable Sources: A 13-Step Guide to Dodging Bullshit

The Twin Towers dropped in a massive brooding cloud of dust over New York City. As the scorched remains rained down on the roof of our building, I picked up a burnt piece. It looked like it was once a contract of some kind.  A surprisingly mundane detail of...
10 personal essays that will teach you how to write

10 personal essays that will teach you how to write

“How do you learn to write?” It’s a question I ask myself often, particularly when teaching writing classes. Hanif Kureishi, author of Buddha in Suburbia and a creative writing instructor, says you can’t. Does he think the same when it comes to...
7 Ways to Outline Your Book and What To Do When You Get Stuck

7 Ways to Outline Your Book and What To Do When You Get Stuck

To outline or not to outline? Is there something horribly wrong with you for not using them? Are you stuffing your beautiful creativity into a sausage casing with that outline? New York Book Editors say throw them out. Outlines quash you. While Derek Murphy, founder...