How to Shut People Out By Shutting Down

Written by Harry - 73 Comments

I’m noticing a disturbing situation in the blogosphere, and I think it’s time to have a rant.
I know some of you might think, “Aw, look! How cute! Harry’s being angry.” Even James gave me a virtual pat on the head when I asked him, “Do you think this post is too much?”
Make no mistake. I’m [...]

Drive-by-Shooting Sunday: Forty Plus Two

Written by James - 11 Comments

“James?”
James didn’t even glance up from where he stood at the kitchen counter, deep in concentration while he tried to fix the puzzle before him. “Hm?”
“What are you doing?”
“Trying to glue my coffee cup back together.” And it wasn’t working well. “I think this glue is old.” He set two pieces firmly into each other [...]

Embracing Feedback and Taking Away the Guns

Written by James - 26 Comments

Ask and ye shall receive. I’m a big proponent of that saying, and I ask questions often and consistently. After all, if I never ask, I’ll never know or learn, right?
We recently handed out guns to our readers and asked for feedback on our design, theme and blog features. The comment section lit up, with [...]

How to Respect Yourself When You Aren’t Perfect

Written by James - 38 Comments

Perfection.
We desire it, we strive for it, and we crave being the person that delivers it. There’s a very good feeling attached to the words, “It’s perfect!” The closer we come to reaching that mark, the prouder we feel.
It’s the ultimate in personal satisfaction.
You can hear people promising perfection wherever you go. Here’s one: “Nothing [...]

Top Ten Blogs for Writers: Men with Pens Takes Second Place

Written by James - 24 Comments

We’re both pleased and honored to announce that we’ve made the cut as one of the Top Ten Blogs for Writers two years in a row – and we couldn’t be happier.
Michael Stelzner released his third annual Top Ten Blogs for Writers list this morning. There we were at position number 2, barely squeaking out [...]

On Listening to Shepherds and Finding Your Green Pastures

Written by James - 40 Comments

“There’s a saying old says that love is blind.
Still were often told, seek and ye shall find,
So I’m going to see a certain lad I’ve had in mind.”
- Someone to Watch Over Me, George Gershwin
The sweet little crooner Gershwin penned long ago warmed many a heart for love-seekers everywhere. The glorified image of a shepherd [...]

Drive-by-Shooting Sunday: Fawnskin Flyer

Written by James - 5 Comments

Harry grabbed an empty gym bag from the closet and tossed it on the bed. “We’re getting out of here.”
“Yeah?” James knew his partner well enough to know that when Harry made a statement like that, he already had a destination in mind. “Where are we heading?”
“We’re taking the bikes to California.” A couple of [...]

Have a Gun and Tell Us What You Think

Written by James - 94 Comments

My teen recently dragged me to the big city before high school began. Alright, I went willingly enough – I love shopping. There’s just something about plunging into urban life after small-town living.
I love being a discriminate shopper. Always the name brands; only the best. If looks stupid, I don’t want it. I browse for [...]

Rewriting Your Writing: How to Be a Better Writer

Written by James - 36 Comments

“How do you write website content?” That’s a tricky question I’m often asked. There are standards and suggested guidelines to follow, sure, but teaching someone the difference between how to write content and how to write content that shines is tough.
I have a trick, though: Put your skills to the test and start rewriting.
Before I [...]

What to Do When You Can’t Write

Written by James - 36 Comments

Real life has a way of creeping up slowly and then leaping on you to eat you alive when you least expect it. It’s inevitable – someday, at some time, something will happen that absolutely, irrevocably removes any ability you have to get a damned thing done.
I’m talking about the common cold, people.
As I write [...]

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