Writing Archives - Page 56 of 64

Stop. Listen. Hear that Idea?

May 10, 2006 by Liz

It Happens Constantly

I can almost count on it happening. When I’m stuck on how to write something, when I really need some direction on how to frame a concept, I just start listening for one. Sure enough in a day or two, someone will say something.

I was working on the post for Critical Skill 5: Originality — no small task I might add. How do you talk about being original? I did my usual walking and thinking, but most of my way to original thinking is intuitive, hard to explain in words.

I like challenges, but sometimes they make my head hurt. So I put my question to the universe and left myself open to any answer it might bring me. Sure enough, it did within a couple of hours.
[Read more…]

Don’t Fear the Blank Screen — Be a Miner

May 6, 2006 by Liz

Staring at a Blank Screen

Staring at a blank screen does nothing for me. In fact, I recommend against it. In my way of thinking, blank things encourage more blank things. When I want my head filled with information and ideas, not with blank, emptiness I do this. [Read more…]

Critical Skill 4: Part 2-Designing a Complex Process

April 30, 2006 by Liz

One GIANT Flow Chart

It was an interview with the Chairman of the Board of a publishing company. We had just taken a break. I came back from stretching my legs to find six 4ft. x 8ft. foam core boards that made one GIANT flow chart, supposedly outlining the publishing process in complete and total detail.

I thought, “Ohmygod. They’re one of those kinds of companies.”

He said, “So, what do you think of that?”

I said, “I believe it was very useful for the folks who put it together.”

I usually think of work situations like I would a dating relationship You don’t date a guy thinking you’ll change him. That I took this job thinking I could change this company was just wrong. [Read more…]

A Sample 6-Minute Transition

April 25, 2006 by Liz

A Sample Transition–Try It

A short transition, like the one I wrote about this morning, is not only a great way to prepare for writing, it’s a great way to unwind at the end of the day.

So with that in mind, I saved this sample transition-retreat for now. Put some kick back music in your headphones and enjoy this photo (or choose one of your own). If you want a written reflection, click the image and you can use the one I wrote for it.

Heart on the Water

Taking care of you is also a great way to take care of those around you.

Brand you and me.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

6-Minute Transition to Writing

April 25, 2006 by Liz

I’m No Good at Transitions

Start a day in a meeting; then it’s off to start writing. Some people can immediately be working. That won’t be me that you’re seeing. I’m not one of those people. I’m no good at transitions.

Tim Allen best expressed this feeling. He said smething like,

I hate getting into the shower, and I hate getting out.

That’s me.

The problem is I leave a meeting, chirping like a box of birds. It’s a personal idiosyncrasy–once my extrovert gets talking and interacting, I have trouble finding my thinking and writing introvert. As with most things me, the only solution I’ve found — giving my brain what it needs — I’m good at that. [Read more…]

Exploring for Ideas at Technorati

April 22, 2006 by Liz

Going Exploring

I can’t help it. David Sifry hooked me. He did it when he let them name that feature at Technorati Explore. Had he only said, “Okay call it Browse.” Browsing is a nice thing. I’ve even been known to do it. I’ve browsed through books and browsed while waiting. Yes, I know how to Browse.

My life would be so much easier, if only David Sifry had chosen Browse instead of choosing Explore.

But no. My friend, Dave probably was a kid a bit like me. He probably knows the exact appeal of exploring. Maybe he even remembers hearing someone saying, “Where you going?” and answering back “We’re going exploring. Wanna come along?”

Slam dunk marketing that name. Explore. Even better, it lives up to its promise. [Read more…]