Mike Scantlebury - Articles

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Internet Authors Don't Use Quills
Every artist has a hero, someone they admired when younger and then set out to emulate. But do they copy the person or just follow in their footsteps? If you want to go the way of William Shakespeare does that mean you have to use a quill pen and write on parchment? Or is their another way? Perhaps we can learn from the best of new techology, while not ignoring the lessons of the past. Read
By: Mike Scantlebury | 30/03/2008 | Writing
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Internet Authors are Farmers, Really
As the age of Traditional Publishing draws to an end, authors are finding that the internet can now meet all their needs, for getting published and being heard. Writers make contact with readers through the web, get feedback and improve their craft. Their work grows in the sunlight of positive criticism, watered by the rain of encouragement. The author brings in a well-deserved harvest. Just like farmers, maybe? Read
By: Mike Scantlebury | 23/03/2008 | Writing
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Alternatives to Making Do
Why prepare? After all, a lot of famous people are renowned for being able to 'wing it', coming up with the goods off the top of their heads. Isn't it good to be spontaneous? Why not copy the rich and famous? Yeah, good, if you can. On the other hand, it might be better to make that all important first impression by knowing what you're talking about. Yep, that's an alternative. Read
By: Mike Scantlebury | 08/03/2008 | Self Improvement
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Alternatives to Pretending
We are who we think we are. Are we? Or are we who we say we are? Or, more accurately, we seem to be whom we pretend to be. That's good, surely, making out you're more than you are; more important; more - everything. Not according to this author. You spend effort pretending to be who you're not and you'll spend up, with nothing to show for it. Try another way. Read
By: Mike Scantlebury | 03/03/2008 | Self Improvement
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Alternatives to Positive Thinking
What's all this 'positive' stuff? Why do we have to keep smiling? What's this obsession with always looking on the bright side. Maybe there are other world views, and this article points you in that direction, out there in the world, maybe China. Find out more about being positive where it counts, in planning and doing. After all, the question is, where are you - now and in the future - not what you can say about it. Read
By: Mike Scantlebury | 01/03/2008 | Self Improvement
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Alternatives to Arrogance
We all get above ourselves, sometimes. We think we're pretty smart, pretty important, but as one successful entrepreneur likes to say, really we're just 'insignificant worms'. Actually, as the author of this article points out, we're lower than that, really a lot lower, which makes for humility maybe and a greater sense of perspective. After all, it's a big universe, isn't it? Read
By: Mike Scantlebury | 22/02/2008 | Self Improvement
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Alternatives to Being Rescued by Dolphins
Scientists are funny people. They're not content with knowing what they can see with their own eyes: they want to know 'why'. That's great, it's the foundation of modern civilisation, but not so helpful if you're in the sea, surrounded by sharks. And most of us are, aren't we? Read
By: Mike Scantlebury | 11/02/2008 | Self Improvement
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Internet Authors Don't Need Friends
You want to write a book and see it in print? So who do you think is going to help you? Not your 'friends'. Not the people who like you as you are and don't want to see you change. Not the people who are jealous of your talent and your ambition. Not the people on the same road, the same race track, aiming for the same finishing line. You think they'll help? Think again. You're on your own. Make the most of it. Read
By: Mike Scantlebury | 03/02/2008 | Writing
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Alternatives to Torture, Part 2
Bad things happen to bad people, don't they say? If people get tortured, it must be their fault, right? Nobody is going to break your legs without a good reason. Probably. On the other hand, if you had actually done something, you'd be in court, not in a dungeon, far from home and not known about. If you're secret, then who has got something to hide - you, or us? Read
By: Mike Scantlebury | 01/02/2008 | Politics
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Alternatives to Driving your Life
Who are these people, speeding down the highway, overtaking dangerously and threatening lives and property? One thing is certain: they aren't successful in any other part of their lives, apart from burning rubber! Check out the reasons why we all need to be behind the wheel and in charge of our driving, not intimidated by it. Read
By: Mike Scantlebury | 26/01/2008 | Self Improvement