Wisdom of Resistance
October 8, 2010
Just because you don’t know why you’re resistant, doesn’t mean you don’t have a good reason to be resistant. … More Wisdom of Resistance
Mom’s Writing Advice
September 28, 2010
One summer when I was ten or eleven, my mom gave me a solid piece of writing advice. But neither one of us recognized that’s what it was at the time. It started when I made the mistake of telling my mom, “I’m bored.” “Call Shirley,” she said, nicely enough considering she was undoubtedly working on … More Mom’s Writing Advice
Nothing Beats the Power of Nothing
September 24, 2010
In a previous post I suggested that sometimes the best thing to is nothing. I have new evidence for the power of “doing nothing.” Studies show that when rats experience something new, their brains create new patterns of activity. Nothing unexpected there, but here’s the kicker: to create a long-term memory, in other words, to really learn … More Nothing Beats the Power of Nothing
Mental Clutter
September 8, 2010
The inability to sustain focused attention for more than five minutes is often the result of mental clutter. … More Mental Clutter
Are You Addicted to Digital?
September 2, 2010
We are literally rewiring our brains in ways that make it increasingly difficult to sustain focused attention for more than a few minutes.
The dopamine hit we get from checking our electronic devices can be addictive and leave us feeling vaguely dissatisfied, restless and bored between hits.
But neither our technology nor our addictions define who we are. I will not surrender my power to choose where to focus my attention. How about you? … More Are You Addicted to Digital?
I Challenge You to a Little Writer’s Duel
August 30, 2010
Here’s the challenge: When you write, write. Don’t do anything but write in these writing appointments. It’s amazing how much more writing you do when all you do when you write is write. … More I Challenge You to a Little Writer’s Duel
Why You Need to Pay Attention to What You’re Paying Attention To
August 25, 2010
We can’t get into the waking dream of writing if we are constantly interrupting ourselves with trivia. Writers are particularly vulnerable to and negatively affected by our culture of distraction. … More Why You Need to Pay Attention to What You’re Paying Attention To
Announcements for Minnesota Writers
August 20, 2010
The Loft Literary Center invites you to the Open House on Saturday, August 28 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue, Minneapolis. You can attend mini-sessions with Loft instructors, chat with instructors at “Table-Talks” in the Commons, ask Loft staff members questions, have a little snack, and talk to … More Announcements for Minnesota Writers
True Confession: Lately I’ve Been (Gasp)…
August 19, 2010
Playing and sleeping more. That’s right, I’ll admit it. Let my Puritan ancestors roll in their graves, let the Mrs. Kravitzes (from Bewitched) of the world gossip. For almost a week, Minneapolis has been blessed with cooler temperatures and tolerable humidity levels. I’ve been taking full advantage of this by playing outside more and sleeping … More True Confession: Lately I’ve Been (Gasp)…
How Splintered Is Your Attention? Take the Quiz and Find Out
August 12, 2010
Is Your Attention Splintered? One of the best things I do for myself as a writer and a human being is to spend 45 to 60 minutes at least once a week in the dog park (in addition to walking the dogs out my front door every morning). We’re lucky to have a dog … More How Splintered Is Your Attention? Take the Quiz and Find Out
Bane of Your Resistance 