You should probably follow it too — Jerry Seinfeld is one of the most successful comedians of all time. Neil Gaiman is one of the most successful authors of all time. What do they have in common besides their stratospheric levels of success? Their approach to getting their work done. Despite working in different genres, their ability…

Fight Club Author’s Tips for Aspiring Writers — American writer Chuck Palahniuk’s style of transgressive fiction has captivated and shocked audiences for three decades. He’s written 15 novels, dozens of short stories, and two graphic novels. His work has sold millions of copies, been translated into 35 languages, and spawned countless adaptations — most notably the 1999 cult…

There are countless author blogs waiting to be read, from emerging writers to some of the most recognized names in the publishing world. With so many author blogs to choose from, how do you zero in on the very best — the blogs that are thought-provoking, informational, or just downright…

You are not the kind of guy who would be at a place like this at this time of the morning. But here you are, and you cannot say that the terrain is entirely unfamiliar, although the details are fuzzy. You are at a nightclub talking to a girl with…

1. Story: Substance, Structure and Style — Robert Mckee — Written in collaboration with Ejiga Emmanuel Did you know that writing is an incredibly complex skill? Just stop for a moment and think about what you are doing. You are creating humans, and giving them an emotional journey that is both engaging and meaningful to the audience. That requires the…

Make a wide berth around step-by-step tutorials to success. — Gurus and writers who made it will do what’s in their power to shove their recipes down your throat — and will separate you from your money in the process. You can learn to write better and improve your skills. You can learn to follow established methods to increase your…

Storytelling and writing advice from his MasterClass — Neil Gaiman is arguably one of the most creative minds of our generation. From writing comics and children’s books to television scripts and mythological fiction, Gaiman has traversed a wide landscape of literary fiction. His award-winning books include American Gods, The Sandman, Coraline, The Graveyard Book, and Stardust. In 2019…

It only takes one true sentence — you don’t even have to finish it — It might be Hemingway’s most famous piece of writing advice: “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.” Unfortunately, people always leave out the part that matters most. Here’s the full passage: Sometimes when I was starting a new story and…

You’ll notice they’re not the typical advice. — When I was writing The first sentence in the Pulitzer winners of the last 10 years, I got curious about the writers. When you read a sentence that whacks you in the face, how do you not wonder about the person who wrote it? I am a spy, a sleeper…

These titles foster creativity, self-improvement, and open-mindedness — By Christina DesMarais Reading is good for you in many ways. It fosters creativity, self-improvement and open-mindedness. Researchers even have determined it can help you live longer. Here are popular titles suggested by more than a dozen successful executives. 1. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight “Too many business autobiographers go to great lengths to portray themselves…

Peculiar lessons about writing, curiosity, and serendipity by the magical author — “If you don’t believe in magic, you’ll never find it.” — Roald Dahl Roald Dahl is hands down the author who had the most influence on me when I grew up. I can’t even begin to count how many times I’ve read Matilda, The Witches and Charlie and the Chocolate…

Seven enlightening books about business, psychology, and more. — Are you on the lookout for new nuggets of wisdom? Such nuggets can be found through great reads. The beauty of reading is that there are always opportunities to learn, whether it be while waiting in line at Starbucks, commuting to work on the subway, or hanging out in bed…

Must-read books for nonfiction writers, copywriters, and fiction writers — Stephen King observed in his memoir On Writing, “If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that. Reading is the creative center of a writer’s life.” Of course, all different kinds of books can help you develop your…

How to adopt the mindset of a writer — Over three years ago I decided to finally give writing a serious go. I always wrote stories and abandoned about twelve novel projects. I never knew what I was doing. Until I decided to seriously study the craft. I’ve followed many online (creative) writing courses, read thousands of articles, read…

It’ll “Save the Cat!”— and your non-fiction — There are a handful of books that live on my messy desk. One is a birding book because I’m easily distracted by pretty birds outside my window. (I know, if I removed the book from my desk, I’d be more productive. …

They work, even if you’re not a writer. — In late 2016, I came across a Ray Bradbury quote that I must have already known, because it’s from Zen in the Art of Writing and that’s been one of my favorite books for most of my adult life. But I didn’t remember it. Or it didn’t stick. Or whatever…