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The Writing Life

Archives for November 2013

5 Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Writers

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The stockings were hung with care.When it comes to Christmas, writers sometimes prepare for an onslaught of Moleskins and pens. Nothing is wrong with those gifts, especially for writers who use Moleskins and nice pens, but the gifts can become – how can one say it tactfully? – a little old. It’s a bit like knowing one is going to receive yet another pair of socks from Grandma. One says “thank you” outwardly but groans inwardly. The gift may be needed if one’s socks have holes in the toes or heels, but it’s not necessarily a gift designed to elicit jubilation.

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Where Did You Find That?

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Treasure Map.
Everyone likes a good treasure hunt, but at least one clue is needed in order to start hunting.

To whom it may concern:

I don’t know if it’s my academic background, but I seem to have a heightened awareness when it comes to citing sources. If I refer to a specific article, I refer to it. If I use data in a post, I make sure I state where I found the figures. I believe it’s important to be forthcoming when it comes to what inspired something or what research I’m using to support a point.

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Hubris and Humility

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Humility.hubris n : exaggerated pride or self-confidence often resulting in retribution

A well-known proverb says that pride goes before a fall. Perhaps the proverb was thinking of the problem of hubris, that is, an inflated sense of self that results in punishment. Why? Hubris seems to have, at least in one of its aims, the goal of belittling others. It’s also entirely false, meaning that a person with the problem of hubris might take on a project for which he or she is not ready. It is, after all, an “exaggerated” sense of self. It is not a correct reflection upon one’s character and abilities.

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