I\u2019m still vacationing, but carved out a pocket of time to touch base with all of you who enjoy this blog. Besides, all play and no work makes for a rather dull mind, right?<\/p>\n
It has occurred to me that a writer is never completely at play or at rest. It seems that there is always a story or an article idea rolling around in our heads. We\u2019re constantly thinking about ways to promote our books. While relaxing on the beach this week, for example, I\u2019ve been doing some pleasure reading\u2014something I do far too seldom. I’ve had time to sit and ponder and contemplate all sorts of thoughts as I watch the waves and walk in the surf. I\u2019m also engaged in face-to-face conversations with the various family members, friends and new acquaintances who show up to enjoy the beach house we rented. <\/p>\n
This week-long beach vacation is providing me with many varied opportunities to come up with article and blog ideas, to enrich my perception and thought processes and even to better serve my clients\/students and our SPAWN members. <\/p>\n
My daughter has started teaching in the nursing program at our local college and, a few days ago, we discussed techniques for bringing forth our years of learned and experienced knowledge into the classroom. We agreed that one often doesn\u2019t know what he or she knows until students begin drawing it out of you. The same is true of conversations. We really must listen to our students, clients and customers in order to be able to better help or serve them.<\/p>\n
I urge you to get out among people. Discuss your book and aspects of your career. Pay attention to what interests or intrigues others. What sort of questions do they ask? What do they want to know about your field? How do they respond to the information and anecdotes you share? <\/p>\n
Participate eagerly in conversation. Listen. Be observant. And then take what you can back with you to your career, your classroom or your potential customers. <\/p>\n