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I can be so engrossed in a good novel that I regret when I finish it. Why isn’t there a sequel?!??

Yet, one or two days later, I’m enthralled by another story. And I’ve forgotten the previous story—no matter how much I loved it.

But last month I read something different.

It’s now several weeks later, and the story still hums around in my mind. How come?Read more »

I’m a tad embarrassed.

A client asked me a good question: How can I entertain my blog readers? But my answer was evasive … When your writing is helpful to your readers and when you avoid rambling, isn’t that enough?

In hindsight, I’m not sure I was right. In this age of information overload, shouldn’t we aim a little higher than helpfulness? Should we also try to make our readers smile? Read more »

What are your creative goals this year?

And how are you planning to achieve your goals?

Henry knows what his goals are. He wants to write a book. He’d like to draw more. And he wants to create his very first course. Sure, his goals ambitious, but Henri feels he’s got the motivation and willpower to make this his best year ever.

Have you ever tried to exercise your willpower?Read more »

I come from a family of workaholics. Our default is to chase goals, solve problems, fix wrongs, strive to be better, do more.

We’re always on the way to our next destination …Read more »

I grew up on the Dutch countryside, where bragging is frowned upon. You’re not supposed to talk about your achievements, and success seems almost a dirty word.

So, the idea of writing my own success story seems bizarre. Yet, I’ve discovered that even an honest story about modest success can inspire readers and help boost business.

Here’s how I learned to share my success story without feeling awkward …Read more »

Is an idea singing around in your head?

Perhaps you’d like to write your dream book or course. Or maybe you finally want to start a blog because you’re passionate about helping people. Deep in your heart, what would you like to write?

Two years ago, I committed to my biggest ever writing project. At the time, I briefly wondered whether I was crazy …Read more »

A friend asked me recently, how did you keep blogging for 6 years?

You know, it seems weird to me, I said. When I started, I had no idea how I’d keep it up. I didn’t feel like a writer. I didn’t feel I was creative. I had only a handful of ideas of blog posts I might write.

But 6 years later, I’m still blogging, and enjoying it more than ever. Want to know what I learned? Read more »

I hate long, rambling writing as much as you do. It bores the hell out of me. I’m impatient. But I don’t agree writing should always be brief because brevity can suck the spirit out of your writing.

In contrast, precise writing is sharp, vivid and full of zest. Even if your text becomes longer, precision captivates readers. Want to know how?Read more »

When I started writing, I thought storytelling wasn’t for me.

Perhaps I could learn how to share tips in my writing. But storytelling? It seemed too difficult. Too elusive. Too magical.

And it’s true that there’s magic in storytelling. Because stories transplant readers into a different world.

But telling a story is not so complicated — as long as you know the 7 basic storytelling techniques. Shall I show you? Read more »

A few years ago, I was losing the patience to read.

I scurried around the web. I scanned a few subheads here. Read half a blog post there. Scrolled through my Twitter feed. I was afraid to miss out on the latest social media hacks and marketing tricks. I felt restless, and always behind.

I didn’t like that feeling.

So, I decided to unhook myself from the nervous skimming …
Read more »