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When to write out numbers as words? And when to use digits?

The advice of style guides and usability experts differs, so here’s a quick overview to guide you in this tricky debate. Learn why you may be better off to ignore the style guides …Read more »

At 3 AM, I was tossing and turning. I tried to push A.’s hurtful message out of my mind, so I could fall asleep again. But it wouldn’t work. My body tensed.

Why couldn’t I let go? Why couldn’t I stop thinking about his message? Why did the message hurt me so much?

Here’s how I let go and fell asleep again …Read more »

Full of enthusiasm, I started reading my next book: Essentialism. This New York Times bestseller, with almost 1,500 reviews on Amazon at an average of 4.6 stars, must be good, right?

I had looked forward to reading it for several months. So, I downloaded the book on my Kindle. I started reading. It was a little late and I was tired, so I didn’t get far.

The next day, I picked up my Kindle again. But the stories felt a little flat, and the book failed to grip me. I got bored.

Sound familiar? Read more »

When is writing good enough?

A tricky question, eh?

I’ve been there, too. Waking up with that dreadful feeling I can’t press Publish yet. Editing endlessly. Wondering what the heck is wrong with my writing.

When can one say, let’s hit publish because this is good enough?

In the early years of my writing career, that was an almost impossible question. Read more »

Sometimes, blogging can feel like a complicated task.

So many things to think about. Headlines. Word choice. Stories. Subheads. Simple sentences. Rhythm. Active voice. Clinchers. Openings. Metaphors. Etc. Etc. Etc.

Does it feel a tad overwhelming? Let’s go back to the basics today. Learn the 7 essential techniques to delight readers with scrumptious goodness.Read more »

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 »