By Terrill Welch, who invited me to design and give the workshop described below.
Dr. S Fuller’s responses are swift: “Never bury the headline,” is quickly chased with, “Don’t wait for the muse, as she is probably not coming.”
Comfortably seated at a table cradled in her splendid diminutive courtyard in Point Grey, Vancouver, British Columbia, with a bust resembling Michelangelo’s David peering through dried branches, I sip a delicate rose-water beverage. Dr. S Fuller is always a gracious and provocative host. Today is no exception.
I have just asked, “What is the most valuable writing tip that has been given to you by another journalist?”
Her responses remind me of how she coached me through the completion of my second book, Leading Raspberry Jam Visions: Women’s Way. “Be bold,” she said then.
I admire Dr. S Fuller’s brilliance, and note how it is perfected by her commitment to good writing practices. She assures me that “Good writing habits are not just about writing; they are about life. Writing well with 800 words or less is not something new. The reader has never had time. The writer must honour the reader at all times.”
“Make every word count,” she advises. To make her point, she recites a quotation attributed to Mark Twain and others: “I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I’ve written a long one instead.”
As a Reuters correspondent, she learned that longer articles were often attributed to laziness. “Less is more. Take out the “ums” and “ahs” in your writing.”
“Writing is a craft — a disciplined practice. And anyone can do it.”
There is more — much more — that she will impart at the next Vision Practice Retreat at La Casa de Inspiracion, Saturday, June 27, 2009, on Mayne Island.
A few spaces are still available. For more information go to “Don’t Let’s Wait for the Muses” at http://terrill.gaia.com/blog/2009/5/dont_lets_wait_for_the_muses.
Participants must register in advance no later than June 19, 2009 by calling Terrill at 250-539-5877 or e-mailing tawelch@shaw.ca.
If you would like to attend and you are from far away, Vancouver and Victoria, B.C., Canada, are the cities that will then allow you to connect with the ferry service to Mayne Island. Please feel free to contact me for further travel information.
I am looking forward to you joining us.
Warm regards,
Terrill Welch
Executive Leadership Coach
Terrill Welch — A Woman behind Women
Web: http://www.awomanbehindwomen.ca
Blog: http://terrill.gaia.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/terrillwelch
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E-mail: tawelch@shaw.ca. Phone: 1-250-539-5877
Ambassador World Leadership Day Canada: March 20, 2010 http://worldleadershipdaycanada.ning.com
A vision not lived remains only a dream.
©2009 Terrill Welch. All rights reserved.
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