Blog

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 »

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 8 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 »

Want to learn how to say more with fewer words?

Writing a short bio is one of the best writing exercises to polish your skills. You learn how to say more with fewer words. You learn how to position yourself and make a big first impression.

Yet, while reviewing hundreds of bios last week, I found that even professional writers often flunk this challenge completely.

So, let me show you how to write your bio so you can make a rip-roaring first impression. Read more »

Do you ever land on a website and feel like you’ve been there before?

But on closer inspection, you might find that site is actually new to you.

It wouldn’t be the first time.

Generic stock images make sites look like every other site.

How about making your own illustrations? Read more »