Tag: Ideas

Posted on

The Art of Conversation

On October 5, 2015, Larry Alton wrote: “6 Tips to Rule the Art of Conversation.” Tip #5 is: “Let the other person do the talking.”

On July 21, 2014 Eric Barker listed 7 points of having a good conversation with #5th being: “Great Conversationalists Listen More than Talk.”

Brett and Kay McKay wrote “The Art of Conversation: 5 Dos and Don’ts” on September 24, 2010. #1 in the Dos section is “Listen more than you talk.” And #1 in the Don’ts section is: “Don’t interrupt.”

Yes, we should know how to prepare our thoughts, get our points across, guide the conversation, etc. But the best advice is: Don’t Interrupt.

That’s right: listen to the other person.

In New Mexico, a man came to talk about a problem. After about forty minutes of almost non-stop talking, he said, “Pastor Linzey, I need to get back to work now, but that’s one of the best conversations I ever had. I feel better already. Thank you.”

But I didn’t say much at all.

Interrupting someone as they are speaking is a manifestation of basic immaturity. Interrupting is rude. We expect interruption from a 3-year-old, but we should learn basic courtesy by the time we are eight. Interrupting reveals disregard for the one who is speaking.

One person often asks me a question, interrupts my answer, and forgets that he asked a question. And yes, I get good practice in listening.

As I was growing up, dad used to say, “When you talk, you’re not learning anything. But when you listen, you just might learn something. So practice listening.”

We should learn how to intelligently voice our thoughts. But the number one step in the art of conversation is the art of listening.  Listen to what’s being said so that you can respond intelligently.

James 1:19 (KJV) tells us, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak….”

But there’s one more thought to this blog. Here it is, and I want you to think long and hard about it. “Learning to actively listen will make you a better writer.” Why do I say that?

I’ll explain it in my next blog. In the mean time …

Write Creatively.

Posted on

Life is Changing for a Lot of People

What’s happening? Approximately 3.7 million young adults are graduating from high school, around 4 million are graduating from college, and about 1.65 million will continue to pursue their masters degree. Oh yes, and about 30% of the American work force will change vocations.

Life is definitely changing!

Another thought to consider: about 80% of our population would like to write a book to record their thoughts, memories, and stories, but only about 3% actually do it. Why only 3%?

It takes time, and many folks feel intimated at what they think is a complex process. But I have good news for you.

Yes, it takes time, but we at P&L Publishing & Literary Services can coach and mentor you in the process. What about the complexity? We at P&L handle that easily and you won’t have to worry about it.

So if you are part of that 80% who would like to write a book, let P&L help you become part of the 3% who are successful. Our award-winning staff will turn your manuscript into a beautiful book that you’ll be proud of.

Contact us at https://plpubandlit.org/ and click on Formatting Services learn more. Then click on the Get in Touch button to start the process, and be sure to …

Write Creatively. (Our editor will help you.)

Posted on

The Courage to Fail


An acquaintance allowed me to post his thought on why some folks won’t write.

“Through the years I have noticed a curious phenomenon. People who are experts in literature, who know grammar, who can discuss the intricacies of plotting, characterization, setting, pacing, etc., people who seem to have all the equipment necessary to succeed at writing, rarely try it. Although these people sometimes have PhDs in English and literature, they seem quite content watching hacks like me turn out numerous successful novels. I’m not complaining, you understand, but I have a theory about why this is so. These folks would be satisfied with nothing less than writing a masterpiece, and since they know that is highly unlikely, they write nothing. They are afraid they will fail. On the other hand, I have no ambitions about masterpieces–I just want to write fun books that entertain people and make a living doing it. I want to write the kind of books that I like to read. So I write and the experts read.”

So, dear reader, develop the courage to fail. But remember, the only real failure is one who doesn’t try. So sit down and begin writing that story that’s been on your mind. You will be glad you did. And you will surprise yourself to find that you can …

Write Creatively.

Posted on

Tip #3

James Michener read many other author’s writings. Not that he wanted to copy them – not at all. But reading other’s writings helps us establish our literary direction and form our own voice.

Tip #3. “I think the crucial thing in the writing career is to find what you want to do and how you fit in. What somebody else does is of no concern whatever except as an interesting variation.”

Learn to write well. You must study and practice, but be your own person. Develop your own style. Excellent writing normally does not materialize overnight. As one mentor suggested: write – write – write – and keep on writing.

So, go ahead and dream about becoming a famous writer, but invest the time to help you reach your goal. And don’t forget to learn how to …

Write Creatively.

Posted on

Lightning is Intriguing

Two nights ago, a lightning storm passed over our town. I didn’t think much about it because I didn’t see the flashes or hear the thunder. I was sound asleep. But my office, which is located about 70 feet behind the house, felt the current. My computer was not plugged into the wall and my external hard drive was also detached, so everything should have been okay.

However a mystery awaited me.

Entering the office, I found one circuit breaker in the OFF position, but nothing was smoked. However, when I powered up the computer, I discovered that all the typing I had done and saved for the past two days was missing. Gone. Evaporated. Deleted. Nothing else was missing or damaged and the computer still worked fine. Lightning sure is intriguing.

I have an idea of WHY some information was deleted, but why was the work done ONLY in the past 2 days affected? Hmmmmm. . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ll analyze the event and figure it out eventually, but for now, I need to reclaim the evaporated information. I’ll chat later. Have a productive day, and be sure to ……

Write Creatively.

Posted on

Don’t Quit Writing – Just Change Directions

In 1982 I started writing a book about ancient Middle-eastern history. I enjoy studying about Abra … what did you say? Did I finish it?

Well, not quite. I mean, no. I have perhaps over 500 pages of research on it, and have written 18 chapters. But often an idea for change hits my mind, and I stop work on the project until the change has been understood, resolved, and implemented. Apparently I am not ready to finish this one, yet.

What have I been doing? Well, I’m glad you asked. I have written 4 other books, and 2 more are on the drawing board. But I will eventually finish this one.

No, I’m not wasting time, and I haven’t given up on that book. If you know me, I don’t give up on anything I put my hands to. However, I do change directions at times. It might surprise you to know that I’ve also written for newspapers for over 22 years, and I now format and publish books for people.

But forget that. What I’m trying to get across is the following: Writers don’t stop writing just because ideas stop flowing. Writing is what we do. So we put one project aside and start another, or continue on another that’s been waiting for us.

So, don’t get stressed out if what you are writing doesn’t seem to be flowing. Don’t toss it away. Save it – most likely on your computer – because the idea might come alive later. But don’t stop writing. It is okay to have several projects going simultaneously. When you feel like stopping on one book, work on another one. You will eventually have several books written. And don’t forget to …

Write Creatively.

But now that I think of it, I stopped on the Middle-eastern book when Abram was summoned to the palace of King Ibbi-Sin (pronounced “Eebbee-Seen), and Abram sensed danger. … I think I’ll get back on that project.

Hey, don’t stop writing. If you need help, contact me, and we’ll talk about your project.

Posted on

Are You Loquacious?

As a 10-year-old, I was having a difficult time explaining something to my dad. When I finished, he said, “Well, you certainly are loquacious.”

Later in life I learned that some writers are loquacious, but we often use the term verbose – using unnecessary words, filler material that does not help the story. Some time ago, I read a book and told my wife, “This author didn’t have much to say, and he spent a long time proving it.”

Writers – including myself – should not waste potential reader’s time with verbosity.

I’m not suggesting that we limit our words. What I am hinting at is to make our words meaningful. It isn’t the multiplicity of words that carry the story; the story is in the content of the words. We need to cut out the chaff, the fluff, the filler material, and let the readers feed on the meat. That takes time and planning.

Mark Twain understood it and said, “I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.”

President Woodrow Wilson addressed this subject in 31 words when he was asked to give an impromptu, short talk. “If I am to speak ten minutes, I need a week for preparation; If fifteen minutes, three days; if half an hour, two days; if an hour, I am ready now.”

Don’t be loquacious … I mean, verbose. Make every word count. And be sure to …

Write Creatively.

Posted on

Happy March 1st

Well, what do you know? Today is special for several reasons. Among the many reasons, it is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day, Baby Sleep Day, National ‘Dadgum That’s Good’ Day, National Speech and Education Day, and Share a Smile Day.

Oh yes, it also marks the anniversary of when the Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation.

Hmmmmm …. Did I mention that it’s also National Horse Protection Day? Forgive me for the oversight.

I suppose I’ve taken up too much of your day, so I better sign off. Have a great March 1st, share a smile with someone, and …

Write Creatively.

Posted on

Why do you like to write?

What compels you to write? Is it fun? An obsession? An adventure? An escape? I asked a group of people why they wrote, and here are just a few of their responses.

Writing helps me cope with stress.

Writing allows me to go to anywhere I want to go with no restrictions.

Writing allows me to create other worlds, and kind of live in them.

Writing allows me to safely express my thoughts, worries, and anxieties.

I enjoy writing because I find fiction more interesting than the real world.

I write poetry because it helps me connect to my artistic side.

I write to give people a good story to read.

When one of the men asked me why I liked to write, I told him I write to teach about life. Among other things, that includes topics related to history, science, the Bible, humor, and philosophy.

There are hundreds of reasons people write. Why don’t you interview yourself and find out why you like to write. The answers might help you learn to improve your skill. And as you improve, always …

Write Creatively

Posted on

A Reminder about the Special Offer

P&L Publishing and Literary Services is offering a $100 discount as a Valentine’s Day special.

If you are writing a book – or are ready to publish one – contact us on our “Get In Touch” or contact page and tell us you read this blog. You’ll be surprised at how little it costs and how quickly we can publish your book. Contact us on or before Leap Day (February 29, 2024) to receive this offer.

This little guy is effectively communicating with its friend. In like manner, share this blog with your friends. They might be glad you did.

Write Creatively