Tips and tricks Kees Poelman Tips and tricks Kees Poelman

First, third, or another person? What writes best?

I always wrote my first stories in the first person. I wrote as ‘I’. I had good reasons for that. I had just started, the writing was still a bit difficult, and I actually started with stories about myself, which simply wrote best in the ‘I’ form. In a later stage, I sometimes converted my story to the third person.

Many writers tend to stick to paths they once chose. You can be successful in this. However, I recommend that you experiment as a writer. Throughout your writing life. No matter at which level, it will give you a lot of satisfaction as a writer.

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Inspiration Kees Poelman Inspiration Kees Poelman

Are you getting anywhere? Can I read something?

“Writing seems super to me, but where do I find the time? The inspiration? I have dozens of ideas, my head full of everything I’ve experienced at the office. Not to mention the winged words of my mother-in-law. But I can’t get a single sentence on paper. Let me face reality: this will lead to nothing. Never!”

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Inspiration Kees Poelman Inspiration Kees Poelman

The comfort zone claptrap

I don't even remember when it started, but suddenly it was there: the comfort zone. Managers, executives, consultants, psychologists, even writers cursed the comfort zone as the place not to be.

The comfort zone does exist. Play with it and expand it. But stay within it. A rubber band may stretch, not break.

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Inspiration Kees Poelman Inspiration Kees Poelman

Every beginning is easy

“When I finally have time, I’ll write the work of my life,” the tax inspector said.

Twenty years later, a week after her retirement reception, she finally sits in front of her own screen. The venom is in the words that just won’t come. The empty screen stares at her from her desk. The sneaky blinking of the cursor is starting to get on her nerves

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Tips and tricks Kees Poelman Tips and tricks Kees Poelman

Stuck with writing? The shoebox!

Write! Little bits, whenever it suits you. During your lunch break, on the train, while waiting for a meeting that just won't start, a pointless meeting that just won't end, or a soap opera that won't get exciting. Try it, fifteen minutes before going to bed. Or when you can't sleep.

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