A few weeks ago, I touched on the book Strengths Based Leadership, written by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie, which is about finding your top strengths and using it as a guide to maximize your skills. Through their online tool called Strengthsfinder I came up with my list of top five strengths. Last week I shared my top strength: futuristic.
My second top strength is called ideation.
In other words, the creation of ideas--this one did not shock me either, when I read the test results.
I've always been a dreamer. Even as far back as elementary school, I've always dreamed of becoming wildly famous--whether it be as a rock star or as a number-one bestselling author. Ideas were always something that came to me, except during times when I was put on the spot (call it the introvert in me). Most of the time I either dismissed the idea as being stupid or it was odd that I knew it wouldn't work. As time wore on, I took to writing down the better ideas.
This strength of ideation--creation of ideas--can be a burden too, I've noticed, because sometime I get so caught up in the idea that I think it's wonderful . . . at first. Then, there are times when ideas can come to me and I have no way of writing them down. This last one happened just yesterday, in church, while listening to our pastor's sermon. An idea came to me--POW! Yes, it was partially inspired by the sermon, so there will be a religous slant to the story.
But during the sermon, as well as the rest of the service, the idea for the story tumbled around and around in my mind--I came up with three or four different titles, one of which I temporarily settled on as being the best--and here's the worst part: I had no way of writing it down! I did have my Droid smartphone in my pocket (set in silent mode) but I didn't want to look like an ass while I pulled it out and started typing away. Once I was at home, the first thing I did was grab a piece of paper and took as many notes as possible.
The strength of ideas has also helped me in shaping what I'll be doing in the future--linking the first two strengths of futuristic and ideation. I'm currently nearing the end of editing a thriller, and already I'm forming in my mind what I'll be working on next. I have four major projects (most can work well with the others) planned once it's completed, which I'm hoping will be by around Halloween.
Do ideas come easily to you?
In what way do you cope with this, and if you feel it's a strength of yours, what are you doing to enhance this strength?
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query strength. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query strength. Sort by date Show all posts
Monday, October 8, 2012
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
What is your writing strength?
In several interviews I've read or listened to from Brandon Sanderson, he says his writing strength are epic novels--not short stories. He has a new novellas out in the market, but that's about as short as he likes to get. He doesn't even try short stories because he knows he's not good at them.
Last week during our tri-weekly writers group meeting, the other member told me her strength is in writing short pieces--250-300 word shorts. This is great for her to realize, and now she's on a plan to start down the path towards collecting these pieces and self-publishing them.
Are short stories your thing?
How about 75K word novels?
Epic novels that topple 200K easily?
Flash fiction?
If you're unsure, try writing in as many veins as possible to find out where your niche lies. Maybe it's all of the above. Whatever it is, write to your strength.
Last week during our tri-weekly writers group meeting, the other member told me her strength is in writing short pieces--250-300 word shorts. This is great for her to realize, and now she's on a plan to start down the path towards collecting these pieces and self-publishing them.
Are short stories your thing?
How about 75K word novels?
Epic novels that topple 200K easily?
Flash fiction?
If you're unsure, try writing in as many veins as possible to find out where your niche lies. Maybe it's all of the above. Whatever it is, write to your strength.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Looking to the future
Last week I mentioned that I had previously read Tom Rath and Barry Conchie's book Strengths Based Leadership, and in using their online tool called Strengthsfinder I discovered what my top five strengths were--out of 34.
My top strength is futuristic, which, from anyone who knows me, this does not come as a shock. It didn't shock me either. I'm always dreaming towards the future, planning and envisioning the best way possible.
Knowing this as a strength of mine as allowed me to focus (another strength, but that's for another day) on what lies ahead instead of just looking to the present. This has even allowed me to contemplate what pitfalls I may encounter, anticipating them, and then figuring out a way around them.
How have I used it lately?
For example, if you're readers of this blog, you know I'm in the final chapters of editing a thriller novel. What do I have planned once it's done? PLENTY! There are projects that I've started putting together, waiting for the day when the thriller is done, and I can start on them. I also ask myself what the next step is in the process of getting the thriller to publication. I always seem to be a few steps ahead.
Does this sound like you? If so, you may have a strength of futuristic. If not, that's okay. You have other strengths. I encourage you to take the Strengthsfinder test and discover what you are good at, and pour much of your energy in those areas.
My top strength is futuristic, which, from anyone who knows me, this does not come as a shock. It didn't shock me either. I'm always dreaming towards the future, planning and envisioning the best way possible.
Knowing this as a strength of mine as allowed me to focus (another strength, but that's for another day) on what lies ahead instead of just looking to the present. This has even allowed me to contemplate what pitfalls I may encounter, anticipating them, and then figuring out a way around them.
How have I used it lately?
For example, if you're readers of this blog, you know I'm in the final chapters of editing a thriller novel. What do I have planned once it's done? PLENTY! There are projects that I've started putting together, waiting for the day when the thriller is done, and I can start on them. I also ask myself what the next step is in the process of getting the thriller to publication. I always seem to be a few steps ahead.
Does this sound like you? If so, you may have a strength of futuristic. If not, that's okay. You have other strengths. I encourage you to take the Strengthsfinder test and discover what you are good at, and pour much of your energy in those areas.
Monday, October 15, 2012
The Good and the Bad on Having a Strong Focus Strength
Over the past few weeks, I've talked about strengths. Authors Tom Rath and Barry Conchie put together a book called Strengths Based Leadership, which is about finding your strength and using it to maximize your skills. Through their research, they have an online tool called Strengthsfinder which is a series of questions one answers to find out what those strengths are, and have categorized them into 34 separate themes.
My first two are futuristic and ideation--these I talked about briefly before.
My third strength is Focus.
This has been both a blessing and a curse for me. Tied up with also having a strong futuristic talent, I have a tendency to focus too hard on the future and my goals, and when some day-to-day disruption rears its ugly head I may dig my heels in resist--this has both good and bad repercussions. If, in the larger scope of events, it's for the better, then I have to adjust my focus temporarily.
A real life example of this would be a month of so ago my youngest daughter got Diabetic Ketoacidosis (she was six years old, and has been a type 1 diabetic for the past few years), which required an immediate trip to the hospital in Grand Forks, ND, and also an overnight stay for treatment and observation. Now, I didn't dig my heels and prevent us from seeking treatment. But the loss of time caused me to re-plan what I was going to write--not a big deal, as my daughter's health is MUCH MORE important.
Haivng a strong focus helps at work, at my day job, because what am I usually doing during breaks and lunches: writing. I work on my novel in a large cafeteria, at a table by myself, surrounded by a few hundred people. One can easily get distracted, but I typically don't. I just focus hard on the pages and tune everything else out.
Is this something you're strong at or can be able to do, to focus?
My first two are futuristic and ideation--these I talked about briefly before.
My third strength is Focus.
This has been both a blessing and a curse for me. Tied up with also having a strong futuristic talent, I have a tendency to focus too hard on the future and my goals, and when some day-to-day disruption rears its ugly head I may dig my heels in resist--this has both good and bad repercussions. If, in the larger scope of events, it's for the better, then I have to adjust my focus temporarily.
A real life example of this would be a month of so ago my youngest daughter got Diabetic Ketoacidosis (she was six years old, and has been a type 1 diabetic for the past few years), which required an immediate trip to the hospital in Grand Forks, ND, and also an overnight stay for treatment and observation. Now, I didn't dig my heels and prevent us from seeking treatment. But the loss of time caused me to re-plan what I was going to write--not a big deal, as my daughter's health is MUCH MORE important.
Haivng a strong focus helps at work, at my day job, because what am I usually doing during breaks and lunches: writing. I work on my novel in a large cafeteria, at a table by myself, surrounded by a few hundred people. One can easily get distracted, but I typically don't. I just focus hard on the pages and tune everything else out.
Is this something you're strong at or can be able to do, to focus?
Monday, September 24, 2012
My Strengths
What are you good at? Where does your greatest strength lie? Knowing this may better help you find where you should invest your time.
Think on this for a moment: your child comes home with a report card. On it are one A, three B's, two C's, and a D. What do you focus on? If you're like any normal parent, you'll say the D. But what subject was the A in? Let's say it was Science and he got a D in music, the last thing you want to push them into is a career in music. Or, let's say the D was in science. I don't think your kid will be going to MIT or being a doctor.
And that's okay. Each and every one of us has certain strengths. Authors Tom Rath and Barry Conchie put together a book called Strengths Based Leadership, which is about finding your strength and using it to maximize your skills. Through their research, they have an online tool called Strengthsfinder which is a series of questions one answers to find out what those strengths are, and have categorized them into 34 separate themes. I took this test last year, and discovered I have the following strengths:
1) Futuristic
2) Ideation
3) Focus
4) Strategic
5) Achiever
Author, blogger, and former CEO of Thomas Nelson Michael Hyatt recently had a podcast featuring this very same subject. I encourage everyone to also check it out--oddly enough, Michael and I share a few similar strengths.
Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing in-depth how these individual strengths work for me in order to maximize my skills in the best way. Some of the results didn't surprise me, like futuristic and ideation, as I usually am full of ideas and always looking towards the future.
Have you taken the Strengthsfinder test? What results have you seen since taking it?
Think on this for a moment: your child comes home with a report card. On it are one A, three B's, two C's, and a D. What do you focus on? If you're like any normal parent, you'll say the D. But what subject was the A in? Let's say it was Science and he got a D in music, the last thing you want to push them into is a career in music. Or, let's say the D was in science. I don't think your kid will be going to MIT or being a doctor.
And that's okay. Each and every one of us has certain strengths. Authors Tom Rath and Barry Conchie put together a book called Strengths Based Leadership, which is about finding your strength and using it to maximize your skills. Through their research, they have an online tool called Strengthsfinder which is a series of questions one answers to find out what those strengths are, and have categorized them into 34 separate themes. I took this test last year, and discovered I have the following strengths:
1) Futuristic
2) Ideation
3) Focus
4) Strategic
5) Achiever
Author, blogger, and former CEO of Thomas Nelson Michael Hyatt recently had a podcast featuring this very same subject. I encourage everyone to also check it out--oddly enough, Michael and I share a few similar strengths.
Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing in-depth how these individual strengths work for me in order to maximize my skills in the best way. Some of the results didn't surprise me, like futuristic and ideation, as I usually am full of ideas and always looking towards the future.
Have you taken the Strengthsfinder test? What results have you seen since taking it?
Monday, December 26, 2011
Writing in your strengths
Your child comes home with their report card. On it are three As, three Bs, one C, and an F. Which one do you focus on?
If you're like me, you'd probably say ,"What the hell did you get an F in? How are you going to fix that?"
Now this may be fine, great, and dandy, but what one should be asking is: "What did you get the As in? How can we help you to focus more of your energy in that area?"
Too many of us are focused on our weaknesses. Even in job interviews, don't you just dread it when the interviewer asks what your greatest weakness is? I do.
The same goes with our writing. Some writers are great with dialogue--just read anything by J. D. Salinger and you'll be amazed by his dialogue. Others are great with descriptions and elegant prose. Anne Rice fits the bill on that one.
In my writers' group, the members have always said to me how natural my dialogue sounds. It's something I work on very hard, even saying it out loud so that it does sound natural, so for me that's a strength I'll continue to work on. Not that I won't work on others, because I will.
What is your writing strength?
Descriptions?
Dialogue?
Character development?
Building suspense?
Hooks?
Plot twists?
Find out what it is that you're good at, and work on building your strengths into the powerhouses they're meant to be.
If you're like me, you'd probably say ,"What the hell did you get an F in? How are you going to fix that?"
Now this may be fine, great, and dandy, but what one should be asking is: "What did you get the As in? How can we help you to focus more of your energy in that area?"
Too many of us are focused on our weaknesses. Even in job interviews, don't you just dread it when the interviewer asks what your greatest weakness is? I do.
The same goes with our writing. Some writers are great with dialogue--just read anything by J. D. Salinger and you'll be amazed by his dialogue. Others are great with descriptions and elegant prose. Anne Rice fits the bill on that one.
In my writers' group, the members have always said to me how natural my dialogue sounds. It's something I work on very hard, even saying it out loud so that it does sound natural, so for me that's a strength I'll continue to work on. Not that I won't work on others, because I will.
What is your writing strength?
Descriptions?
Dialogue?
Character development?
Building suspense?
Hooks?
Plot twists?
Find out what it is that you're good at, and work on building your strengths into the powerhouses they're meant to be.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Part 5 of 6 Publishing Hurdles: the dreaded critique
Nobody likes to be criticized, to be told they're wrong, but as writers we need to welcome others critiquing our work.
Do we need to listen to them and take all of their advice? By all means, no. However . . . if enough people say the same thing, you should consider it. Depending on what it is. You could have a good reason for it, and just need to make it clearer.
In a nutshell, a good critique is one where it spells out what they liked about a certain piece, the highlights and what went well (realistic dialogue, great descriptions, good pacing) and what didn't (choppy dialogue, poor pacing, not descriptive enough).
Do you know someone who reads a lot? Ask that person to read it and give their opinion. This is what I've done and it's worked out well. Asking other writers may not work as well because, frankly, they're working on their own piece and do not have the time to review yours. But if you can snag one, in exchange to critique some of their own work, do it. This is what writers groups are for too.
It's healthy to let others read what you have written, for they can give you a perspective you didn't see. I've been told I write good dialogue, but I didn't know it until it was pointed out. So, I use that as a strength in my writing, but also by not ignoring where I lack and am improving upon.
Do we need to listen to them and take all of their advice? By all means, no. However . . . if enough people say the same thing, you should consider it. Depending on what it is. You could have a good reason for it, and just need to make it clearer.
In a nutshell, a good critique is one where it spells out what they liked about a certain piece, the highlights and what went well (realistic dialogue, great descriptions, good pacing) and what didn't (choppy dialogue, poor pacing, not descriptive enough).
Do you know someone who reads a lot? Ask that person to read it and give their opinion. This is what I've done and it's worked out well. Asking other writers may not work as well because, frankly, they're working on their own piece and do not have the time to review yours. But if you can snag one, in exchange to critique some of their own work, do it. This is what writers groups are for too.
It's healthy to let others read what you have written, for they can give you a perspective you didn't see. I've been told I write good dialogue, but I didn't know it until it was pointed out. So, I use that as a strength in my writing, but also by not ignoring where I lack and am improving upon.
Friday, August 30, 2024
Identifying Weaknesses / Happenings In The Outhouse 30-Aug-2024
"What is your greatest weakness?"
This is a loaded interview question because one doesn't want to admit they have a weakness.
However, if there are weaknesses that you can overcome, all the better. On one hand, if I had a deep passion to be a top NBA player but I'm only five foot nine and have minimal basketball skills, my chances are pretty much nil. On the other hand, if I have a fear of public speaking, I can take lessons and work to overcome them.
Sometimes it is difficult to identify your weaknesses. Ask for feedback and don't get upset by the results.
Speaking of public speaking, I joined Toastmasters through my employer to help with my public speaking skills. I won't divulge the various ways Toastmasters can help with this, as there are so many aspects of public speaking that one may not be aware of. One aspect for me is essentially troubling, but it is a task I am willing to overcome with practice. And Toastmasters helps me with that.
When you look at your weaknesses, try and discover a weakness that is realistic and that you can overcome. Create baby steps to overcome it, to turn the weakness into either a strength or something that isn't so daunting.
Friday, December 16, 2011
What not to do with a thriller
Thrillers are stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, with suspenseful tension, but how does one accomplish this?
One could write hundreds--if not thousands--of pages on this topic, but let me use a metaphor to show you.
The tension in your story is a lot like fishing. When you snag that big fish, you don't just reel it in with all the tension and strength you can muster. Your line will break and the fish will be gone. The best way is to keep the tension on at times, while other times you let up, allowing the fish/reader to take a breather.
The same goes with your thriller. Pull the tension too tight and you'll lose the reader, wearing them out. Keep the tension too loose and your reader will go do something else.
Read up on your favorite thriller authors and see how they accomplish this feat on tension.
One could write hundreds--if not thousands--of pages on this topic, but let me use a metaphor to show you.
The tension in your story is a lot like fishing. When you snag that big fish, you don't just reel it in with all the tension and strength you can muster. Your line will break and the fish will be gone. The best way is to keep the tension on at times, while other times you let up, allowing the fish/reader to take a breather.
The same goes with your thriller. Pull the tension too tight and you'll lose the reader, wearing them out. Keep the tension too loose and your reader will go do something else.
Read up on your favorite thriller authors and see how they accomplish this feat on tension.
Friday, November 15, 2019
Epitome of Greatness / Happenings In The Outhouse 15-Nov-2019
Close to a month ago, I listened to Lewis Howes interview Simon Sinek for his School of Greatness podcast. One of Lewis's final question was, what is your definition of greatness? My first and obvious answer would be Jesus. Seriously, you can't get better than that.
Then, another image came to mind. Pictured below is my grandfather Ray Johnson who passed away in late August 2019. There was so much I learned about him, his work history, and his personal life that I didn't know prior to attending his funeral and reading his obituary.
The other day, my sixteen-year-old daughter came to me and said, "I'm going to give you the greatest compliment that you have ever heard. The way people talked about how grand-grandpa Ray treated his wife, great grandma Adlyne. Well, that's the way you treat Mom." Her compliment certainly brought a few tears to my eyes.
My grandma Adlyne (whom I would also categorize in the greatness file) passed away in January 2005 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. My grandpa always called grandma his "forever loving doll" and treated her like an angel. They loved each other so much. And, without knowing it, those same values I have carried into my marriage with my wife, Melissa.
For those who have been following this blog for a while, you know my wife battled leukemia in 2011 and since May of this year has been battling other medical complications, from a failing liver to anemia and a whole host of other ailments. She has just finished a 2-week hospital stay (her 7th such stay since May) and is residing in a nursing home for rehab. She is struggling to regain her strength so she can return home, and we all know it is all in God's Hands.
Who do you think of when you think about greatness?
Then, another image came to mind. Pictured below is my grandfather Ray Johnson who passed away in late August 2019. There was so much I learned about him, his work history, and his personal life that I didn't know prior to attending his funeral and reading his obituary.
The other day, my sixteen-year-old daughter came to me and said, "I'm going to give you the greatest compliment that you have ever heard. The way people talked about how grand-grandpa Ray treated his wife, great grandma Adlyne. Well, that's the way you treat Mom." Her compliment certainly brought a few tears to my eyes.
My grandma Adlyne (whom I would also categorize in the greatness file) passed away in January 2005 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. My grandpa always called grandma his "forever loving doll" and treated her like an angel. They loved each other so much. And, without knowing it, those same values I have carried into my marriage with my wife, Melissa.
For those who have been following this blog for a while, you know my wife battled leukemia in 2011 and since May of this year has been battling other medical complications, from a failing liver to anemia and a whole host of other ailments. She has just finished a 2-week hospital stay (her 7th such stay since May) and is residing in a nursing home for rehab. She is struggling to regain her strength so she can return home, and we all know it is all in God's Hands.
Who do you think of when you think about greatness?
Friday, December 23, 2022
Lessons Learned From A Vince Neil Concert / Happenings In The Outhouse 23-Dec-2022
Earlier this month, I went to a Vince Neil concert at a nearby casino. It was a blast. The guitarist and bassist were both from the band Slaughter (who will be playing at the same casino in the middle of January) and the drummer reminded me of Animal from the Muppets. It was a smaller venue, but the crowd had a great time. And the band looked like they were having the time of their life.
For those who know me, I'm a huge fan of 1980's hair metal. Rock bands like Poison, Motley Crue, Skid Row, Warrant, Def Leppard, KISS, Van Halen, Cinderella, Tesla, and countless others (look up Hair Nation on SiriusXM and those are many of the bands I love).
Now, I had read articles prior about Vince's decline in his ability to sing. But that didn't stop me from going and having a great time. Heck, it was 1/4 of Motley Crue! Less than an hour from my house!
And during the concert, this was evident. However . . . the band made up for it by singing much of the vocals. And what the band didn't, the crowd sure did!
They improvised.
How many people in life go through struggles, pitfalls, and then just quit? Vince could just hang up his microphone and say, "I'm done!" But he doesn't. He keeps going on, keeps playing, keeps entertaining. Because at the end of the day, that's all that matters. What they may have seen as a weakness, they used as a strength. Vince highlighted the great talents of the other band members.
What are you struggling with that can be turned around?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)