Make plans, but hold them loosely.
I arrived at my employer’s big event with my next issue thoroughly planned, the cover long since completed and every article accounted for.
But in a few minutes I realized those plans had to change. Before me stood my new cover — and my new cover story. Within an hour or so I’d taken the new cover photo. … Continue reading
Take advantage of today’s opportunities.
A few weeks ago I was scrambling. Multiple deadlines forced me to spend long hours at the keyboard.
Last week, the season changed. I could bask in the luxury of a more relaxed pace. I had time to plan the next issue and sketch the framework of the one after that.
I had time to catch up on my correspondence and time … Continue reading
Can you condense what you need to say?
A few months ago, I met a writer whose article I plan to print in the magazine’s next issue. He’s a font of true-life anecdotes.
Like other natural communicators, he enjoys telling longs stories. But he could, if pressed, tell a short version.
For writers, that’s a wonderful skill.
I wanted to include my new friend’s article. But … Continue reading