Do you have a signature story? Something that makes people open your posts, listen to you speak, read your articles? I know a little boy who does. Yesterday I was watching a hummingbird drink from a feeder with 3-year-old Tucker, who lives across the street. Suddenly Tucker said, “Do you know why hummingbirds hum?” “I… Continue Reading
Wit and wisdom for wordsmiths
Category Archives: writing techniques
6 ways Trader Joe’s can make you a better blogger
If you live on either coast of the U.S. and buy food, chances are you’ve been to Trader Joe’s. If you have, you’re probably a regular. And if you’re a regular, you probably enjoy shopping there; their stores are just plain cool. But did you ever think Trader Joe’s could make you a better blogger?… Continue Reading
Shel Silverstein on how to write damned near anything
Yesterday was Shel Silverstein’s birthday. Never heard of Shel Silverstein? If you have children, you might have read them his “The Giving Tree,” “Falling Up,” or “Where the Sidewalk Ends.” But Silverstein did a lot more than write and illustrate children’s books. A Renaissance Man He was a cartoonist. He wrote screenplays. Short stories. Songs.… Continue Reading
What Writers Can Learn From Freak Shows
What does the old-time freak show have to teach about writing? Step right up , ladies and gentlemen, and let’s find out. (But don’t get sidetracked too long in that link; it’s a winner.) Unless you’re very old, the only place you’ve ever seen a freak show is in Westerns. Audiences would pay to stare… Continue Reading