There is one ultimate secret that professional writers use to get around writer's block. But before we talk about that, let's look at three things that can stop any writer cold.
The Secret to Overcoming Writer’s Block
Alphabet Soup
10 Tips for Successful Interviews with SMEs
Photo by Edmond Dantu00e8s / Pexels.com I've interviewed many "subject matter experts" -- SMEs--from cabinet secretaries in state government, to engineers, to healthcare technology experts, and many others. I find it fascinating to explore new topics, learn the inside information, and see the relevance to the audience. But some people are uncomfortable interviewing others due … Continue reading 10 Tips for Successful Interviews with SMEs
Finding Yourself in a Time of Pandemic
A bit of personal reflection here on our collective experience during these strange times. Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Pexels.com As one of many searching for income as a freelancer or a new job during a time of Covid-19, I know that it's a struggle to stay positive. No matter how many pieces of good … Continue reading Finding Yourself in a Time of Pandemic
Good Instructional Design Must Go Beyond Data
I have always loved data. Daughter of an engineer, I am a strange combination of creative and analytical. Confronted by a problem, I start digging for information, facts, research, data . . . . But data is only as good as the design of the research that produced it--and there's a lot about human behavior … Continue reading Good Instructional Design Must Go Beyond Data
SCAMPER Toward Innovation to Support Your Business
If you are searching for a new way forward, give SCAMPER a shot. It's deceptively simple yet powerful. No matter what happens, it will help you train your brain to think in new ways by giving you a simple set of steps to follow.
Are You Trying to Hire a Swiss Army Knife?
Employers seeking people to work in communications, media and related fields often list "desired qualifications" that are unlikely to exist, and if they do, it's a toss up whether they will have the level of quality you are actually hoping for. My graphic design, illustration, and writing colleagues often lament this common problem when looking … Continue reading Are You Trying to Hire a Swiss Army Knife?
The Art of the Deceptively Simple Question
My father was a successful manufacturing executive who entered the computer industry back in it's early days. He was also a well-known troubleshooter, sent to take over manufacturing plants in trouble, to set up new plants, and close down nonproductive ones. But I really began to appreciate his knowledge as I watched him in retirement … Continue reading The Art of the Deceptively Simple Question
Abandoning Reality: My Search for a Good Fantasy
I suspect that there are good fantasies out there, but I'm having trouble finding ones that fit my taste. Of course, it could be because I'm looking at the local library. Like I have the money to buy books these days? Trying to make ends meet is hard enough. If I'm going to pay the … Continue reading Abandoning Reality: My Search for a Good Fantasy
Novelist R.M. Kinder Displays Her Song Writing Skills
It's short notice, but if you're in the West Central Missouri area, you should make plans to be at Montserrat Vineyards in Montserrat, MO tomorrow, Sunday, June 4, 2017. The SpoFest folks (Spoken Word Festival) are holding a special writer's reading event and our own R.M.Kinder of the Blackwater Literary Society will be providing the … Continue reading Novelist R.M. Kinder Displays Her Song Writing Skills
Getting back in the saddle: 500 a day
I was talking with some of the younger IDs (Instructional Designers) at work last week about the writing process. I knew that they were both inclined toward planning out their work in detail before putting together workbooks or elearning scripts. I mentioned that I had discovered several years ago that there's a lot of value … Continue reading Getting back in the saddle: 500 a day
Chanda K. Zimmerman 