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A new writing exercise to try!
Published about 2 months ago • 2 min read
November's Writing Voice exercise
Happy November, Reader!
Thanksgiving may not show up until late this month (in the States), but the season of gratitude knows no calendar boundaries. And when times seem dark, connection and gratitude are balms.
Lately, I find myself grateful for books that challenge or expand my thinking, that connect me with other perspectives. I'm also grateful for the chance to work with authors writing books like that.
And, I'm thankful for connecting with writers like you.
Today, I offer you:
One fun writing exercise
An opportunity to share your wins, big or small
Three thought-provoking nonfiction books
Let's start with the exercise.
Aunt Gertrude's coming!
Look who's coming to Thanksgiving dinner: Aunt Gertrude!
My fictional Aunt Gertrude
How you feel about that news depends on how you feel about Aunt Gertrude.
This month's writing exercise plays with writing about ambiguous situations. While the exercise is entertaining, communicating tone may be one of the most important skills we can cultivate in a world of short attention spans and deep divisions.
As always, you have a choice of how you find the exercise—read it using the link below, or watch it on YouTube.
October offered a few bright spots, as two clients published their books! Both target business leadership audiences, but hold gems for those who lead only ourselves.
Tissa Richards' Rethinking Resilience is about reframing the way you think about resilience, and designing it into your workplace and life. It's a worthwhile read for uncertain times.
Danielle Baldwin wrote a wonderful book on creating the conditions for inspiration, called Sparking Greatness. This topic lives near and dear to my heart, and I was honored to accompany her on this path, and celebrate its publication at a launch party!
With author Danielle Baldwin at her book launch. I'm grateful to have worked with her!
If you have a win you'd like to celebrate with this group, send it along. Let's keep those sparks of celebration flying as the days shorten.
3 books you might want to know about
Just for fun, here are a few nonfiction gems* I've read recently that made me think:
This is one of those books that gives you a different lens on world. In this case, that lens is the idea of “common knowledge”— things that we all know, and know that each other know.
While the discussion occasionally veers deep into multiple levels of reflection, Pinker kept me engaged with careful wording and excellent examples.
My son said that this was his book club's favorite book, so I listened. (I have raised discerning readers.) I found it both inspiring and enlightening. Brooks writes about the important, moral work of connecting with others in the world, and truly seeing others. I read it first online, and have bought it in paper to return to. It's earned a spot on the "revisit" shelf.
A great horned owl has been hooting outside my window some nights, and this book gives me new insight into its life—and the people who research owls doggedly (and sometimes with dogs). Jennifer Ackerman never disappoints with her books about birds!
Did you spot the theme? I only noticed it after compiling the list—all have "know" in the title. It's a knowledge-themed list!
That's all I've got right now. Until next time, happy writing.
In the Bay Area?
This Saturday, November 8th, I'm giving a workshop on Getting Your Brain in Gear for Writing, using concepts from The Writer's Process. It's happening at 1:30 in the Scotts Valley Library. Learn more here. If you plan to come, let me know! I'd love to see you in person!
With gratitude,
Anne
*These are Bookshop affiliate links; when you purchase, I will earn a small affiliate fee that helps support this newsletter.
If you love writing (of all kinds) and want advice and inspiration, sign up for my every-other-week Writing Practice email. Join now for a free email consultation about your biggest writing problem/barrier.
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