Fiction writing is a fascinating and complex art form that allows writers to create entire worlds and characters from their imaginations. While the possibilities are endless in fiction writing, every good story needs a few key elements to succeed. This blog post will explore some of these elements and provide tips and advice for aspiring […]
The Secret to Writing a Bestseller: Add Cats (Or Dragons. Or Both.) Read More »
By Richard Tardif The holidays offer a chance for all of us to slow down, and for me, that means one thing: read a book or two on fitness, health and well-being, and this year is no different. In five days, I unfolded 320 pages of Marion Nestle’s Unsavory Truth: How Food Companies Skew the Science
The unsavory truth about health research Read More »
This blog examines storytelling through the strange, haunting lens of Andy Weir’s “The Egg,” a tiny tale that resonates with something cosmic. My failed attempt at performing The Egg had me asking questions. What works? What doesn’t? Why do some stories grip while others drift away? Why didn’t moments tug at my audience? And leave
SCOPES: Shaping Your Storytelling Read More »
The Egg, a fictional short story by Andy Weir, first appeared on his website, Galactanet, on August 15, 2009. It remains his most famous work, translated into over 30 languages. Its depth demands a delivery that matches its gravity. The Egg is a popular short philosophical fiction piece by Andy Weir. It posits that every
Why my “EGG” speech needs SCOPES Read More »
The fear of public speaking is a shared form of anxiety. It can range from slight nervousness to paralyzing fear and panic, trembling hands, sweaty palms, tense body, breathlessness, a quavering voice, and a brain freeze. Does that sound like fun to you? Right? That fear, by the way, is what keeps you humble and
Why Your Fear of Public Speaking Never Works Out the Way You Plan Read More »
Why Showing is the Secret to a Killer Story! One of the most potent techniques when writing is showing rather than telling. Showing invites readers into the world of your story, allowing them to experience it firsthand, while telling can distance them. The difference between these approaches isn’t always noticeable, but with some trimming, you
Show More, Tell Less Read More »
A speech I presented on “calorie deception” proved to me that the general public understands more about nutrition than science and policymakers would like to believe. And they have more questions. After describing how not all calories are created equal, and that the over-consumption of sugar is what drives obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, a
The Calorie Deception Read More »
An independent book publisher, such as Smiling Eyes Press, can be a valuable resource for authors seeking to bring their book from idea to publication. In contrast to traditional publishing houses with limited resources and a narrow focus on specific genres, Smiling Eyes Press offers a personalized and comprehensive approach to book publishing. Key Benefit
Read Between the Smiles: A Publishing Company with Open Eyes Read More »
The underlying fear of public speaking is the judgment or negative evaluation by others, but with preparation and persistence, you overcome it. Here is what we can do to get you started and beyond your fear. Know your topic The better you know your subject, the more confident you will be. Hence, you’ll likely have
How Speaking Like a Pro is Bringing Sexy Back Read More »
By Phil Méthot and Richard Tardif Are you looking for a fun way to improve communication and build skills to help your career? Pointe-Claire Toastmasters allows you to engage with people with similar interests in a supportive and comfortable setting. Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a
Six Shocking Ways Toastmasters Will Make You a Better Dancer—Even If You Don’t Speak Read More »
