The life-changing magic of reading creative books
“What are you reading?” It’s the question I love to ask when I meet others who value great stories, good writing, and creative thinking. When the answer strikes a chord, I add the title to my Goodreads...
View ArticleTrigger phrases to torch in these challenging times
The other day I was lacing up my shoes to take my favorite podcast for a walk. The episode was one I’d started earlier, having left off at a commercial break. So when I pressed play, an advertiser...
View ArticleHow a shrunken vocabulary can grow your creativity
My nephew texted me a few weeks ago: “Can I get your address? I’m getting you guys a game.” This young man really gets me, my husband, and our six kids. We are an irreverent bunch, sharp of wit and...
View Article22 for 2022: a list of C.R.A.P. words to eliminate this year
A few months ago, Jill noticed a shift in my writing style. “It’s very in-your-face,” she said. “You sound a little angry. But in a good way.” She was probably responding to my article about all the...
View ArticleIs that even a word? If you have to ask, change it!
While Jill and I were guestcasting* on the Grounded Content podcast, Jill said: “You can take one piece of content and repurpose it in a hundred million different ways, and each of those...
View ArticleIn brainstorming, 39 is a powerful number
A decade ago, I accidentally invented a brainstorming rule. Scratch that. The only “rule” in brainstorming is that no idea is a bad idea. Otherwise, no rules. So, what should we call this thing that...
View Article9 acronyms for a more enjoyable business vocabulary
So much workplace communication is just crap. Big words trying to sound smart and important. Vague words trying to obscure the specifics. Jargon trying to belong with the insiders’ club. And OMG the...
View ArticleI apologize for scrubbing “story” out of my messages
Whenever I tell people what I do for a living—helping people bring storytelling and creativity into the workplace—I’m met with immediate interest. “Wow! Cool! That sounds like so much fun.” It is! And...
View ArticleAdvice from smart small businesses in my tiny town
About a year ago, I relocated to a small Midwestern farm town called Geneseo, Illinois. It’s a picturesque little community full of Victorian-era homes and tree-lined streets. Straight out of a...
View ArticleHow about a game of 20 Questions?
When I was a restless kid enduring long drives in the back seat of my dad’s VW Beetle, Mom would occupy my brain with games. We did a lot of “I’m going on a trip and taking something that starts with...
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