Penquis Valley High School

The Concept of A.I.M was born out of necessity while I was writing (well more to the point attempting to write) my book called Financial Dignity. The book took many years to research and develop but I was to realise just now much of the time was taken up doing nothing. Many months would go [...]

In his book, On Writing, Stephen King says, “We are talking about tools and carpentry, about words and style…but as we move along, you’d do well to remember that we are also talking about magic.” When something is really well-written we tend to think it was effortless for the writer, that it seems magical. We [...]

This is the second in a series of articles providing you with specific strategies for putting your brain to work for you so you can author your first book, and your second, and your third, etc. You get the idea.
Remember, authoring your book is the most important business decision you can make. Your book will [...]

Raising your level of writing needs you to focus on bigger things, like having your work published for example. This is a surefire way to encourage yourself to go beyond your current limitations and weaknesses as a writer. Taking the step from writing as a hobby towards writing professionally and having an article [...]

There are basically three options for getting your book published. You can try to get your book proposal accepted by one of the industry giants like Penguin or Random House but that’s a tough road. Those companies only work with proven authors or those who already have huge platforms and salivating audiences. [...]

This month, I read two books back to back: Soldier’s Heart by Elizabeth Samet and Punching In by Alex Frankel. Both of these works are an excellent introduction into entry-level corporate culture and leadership development.
Soldier’s Heart is a civilian English professor’s take on the leadership culture of West Point, based on her 10 years experience [...]

A good news release consists of a short introduction. Journalists call this an ‘intro’. This should total perhaps no more than 25 words. Bear in mind that your text needs to answer the ‘six salient questions’: Who, What, Where, When, Why and How? Your intro will cover most but not necessarily all of them. Keep [...]

Many of my students shrug their shoulders at the beginning of the semester when I tell them that time is their best friend. Just like my students, too many writers struggle with their writing because they treat time as a four letter word. However time is not the enemy if you learn to use it [...]

Stephen King says he starts his novels with a “What if?” question. What if a woman and child are trapped in a car by a rabid dog? What if a family pet buried in a Pet Semetary came back to life? What if a young girl could start fires with her mind?
I have also heard [...]

I had an engaging conversation recently with a friend who writes for a living as I do. One question that came up from my friend to me was, “How do you write so often and so well?” Naturally, I appreciated his question and considered it to be a compliment. Goodness knows there have been times [...]