Blog - Page 18 of 19 - Master Book Builders

A Black woman sits at a desk looking at a monitor containing images of other people, as in a Zoom or other video conferencing meeting. Text over the mage reads "How to thrive in the virtual work world, and why grit is not enough."

How to Thrive in the Virtual Work World and Why Grit is Not Enough

I had the good fortune to have Angela Duckworth teach several segments of the Positive Psychology certificate program I took a couple of years ago. She used the research that led to her book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, as examples throughout. So I continue to follow her work and three of her recent newsletter items inspired this post.

Because these lessons align so well with the new Laser Learning program I’m testing as I write, I’m going to introduce you to it briefly, after we dig into how her latest thoughts can help you thrive in the virtual spaces we find ourselves navigating for work, school, and even social life.

By Tom Collins October 13, 2020 Business & Entrepreneurship, Tools & Technology

Are You Qualified to Be an Author?

Seven roles you’ll need to fill to be qualified as “the author of” that book you dream of writing and publishing.

By Yvonne DiVita August 14, 2020 Books, Indie Publishing, Marketing your book, Writing

An image of a woman in an apricot-colored sweater, sitting at a table with a laptop and writing in a journal. Text over the image reads "What if you did write your book this year? The one you've thought about for so long? What would happen?" This image is attached to a post titled "What if you did write that book this year?"

What If You Did Write That Book This Year?

I wasn’t thinking of dollars and cents, while I wrote. I was thinking of dollars and sense. The dollars I would invest by self-publishing and the sense of pride and accomplishment I would have once the book was completed. And, the sense to know the book was not going to make me rich and famous.

By Yvonne DiVita July 30, 2020 Big Ideas, Book Coaching, Books

Writing Lessons from HGTV Stars

Ever wonder what the HGTV home renovations stars could teach you about writing and publishing your book? Check these lessons in book building.

By Tom Collins June 28, 2020 Books, Writing

Still No Justification (for justified page layout)

The neuro-science of reading and lots of expert opinion tell us why you should not use justified margins in your book.

By Tom Collins May 19, 2020 Book Design, Books, Indie Publishing

Author and animal behavior consultant Amy Shojai with two of her animal companions, a dog and a cat. The banner next to the photo reads Award Winning Authorpreneur and Animal Behavior Consultant Amy Shojai Talks Writing Books

Award Winning Authorpreneur and Animal Behavior Consultant Amy Shojai Talks Writing Books

in my soul.

Our talk is about writing, about getting published. Getting published is no mean feat, even in this day and age of print on demand and respectable self-publishing. But, getting published twenty or more years ago, THAT was quite an accomplishment. Amy’s energy and enthusiasm for this topic is nothing new to me, which is a big reason I wanted to share it with you.

By Yvonne DiVita April 24, 2020 Creativity, Marketing your book, Smart Conversations with Yvonne, Writing

An image of Margo Lovett's book, "Her Business, Her Voice" next to the headline "A Smart Woman Conversation with Margo Lovett."

A Smart Woman Conversation with Margo Lovett – Author, Podcaster, Entrepreneur

Margo Lovett has a voice that makes my soul melt. There is a quality to the softness of it that makes me listen more closely to what she’s saying. It also exudes confidence. When she speaks, I think the world is listening. Certainly, my heart hears and tells me this is a good thing.

By Yvonne DiVita August 30, 2019 Smart Conversations with Yvonne

27 Quotes on Books, Reading, Writing, Learning, and Doing

I gathered a lot of quotations while researching the topics covered in Read ‘Em & Reap! Many are spread throughout the book, so I thought I’d collect my […]

By Tom Collins July 13, 2019 Books, Learning, Reading, Writing

A white woman in a lab coat holds a clipboard. She is in front of a blackboard with lots of mathematical and science equations. On the image is the Thomas Carlyle quote, "The best effect of any book is that it excites the reader to self activity." This image is attached to a post on how to achieve shared immortality.

Reaping the Seventh Reward: Shared Immortality

The subtitle of my book is 6 Science-Backed Ways Reading Puts You on the Road to Achieving More and Living Longer. The title of this post confirms what the judge I worked for right after law school taught me: No piece of writing is ever done; you just run out of time.

By Tom Collins July 8, 2019 Aging Well, Books, Learning, Reading

25 Things A Blog Can and WILL Do For You

I could have written, 30 things a blog can and will do for you. Or, 50 things. Or 10 things.

The number isn’t important. The “things” are important. The things and what they can and will do for you, if you work at them.

Let’s discuss.

By Yvonne DiVita June 21, 2019 Business & Entrepreneurship, Writing