Month: July 2011

Jettison Judgment and Develop Discernment (to Reduce Writer’s Block)

July 29, 2011

My second recommendation to Liz’s question about achieving a healthy balance between pride and humility is to jettison judgment and develop discernment. I have a theory that judgment is at the heart of every writer’s block (and most other forms of writing resistance). Usually it’s negative judgment and harsh criticism that creates resistance. But I’ve … More Jettison Judgment and Develop Discernment (to Reduce Writer’s Block)

Balance Pride and Humility to Reduce Writing Resistance

July 28, 2011

In response to previous posts on humility, Liz Ward asked, “Could I be humility on steroids? If someone compliments my writing, I dismiss them because I KNOW I’m merely an adequate writer with only a hope of being better–it doesn’t matter that I’ve been trained and have made writing a part of a 30-year career. … More Balance Pride and Humility to Reduce Writing Resistance

Recommendation: David Brooks Delivers a Modesty Manifesto at Aspen Ideas Festival

July 11, 2011

New York Times columnist David Brooks is a writer worthy of respect, a writer to emulate. Brooks consistently sifts through a vast array of research from credible sources, combines and interprets facts to create new insight and wisdom, and then wraps that intelligence with delightful humor that engages his audience. I highly recommend his book … More Recommendation: David Brooks Delivers a Modesty Manifesto at Aspen Ideas Festival

Feeling Blocked? Don’t Know What’s Next? Don’t Worry!

July 6, 2011

Writers are more likely to feel blocked when they’re trying to start a new piece of writing and don’t where to start or when they first get into a piece and don’t know where to go next. But not knowing is not the problem. It is the combination of not knowing AND thinking that you’re … More Feeling Blocked? Don’t Know What’s Next? Don’t Worry!