Writing a how-to chapter

 

For some reason I am finding it fiendishly difficult to structure the chapters in my current how-to book.
I think I found an answer this morning. While reading the Vancouver Sun, I came across a brilliantly structured article by Rick Steves, Plot Your Way Through Europe via smartphone.
Steves uses this structure:

• Interesting opening
• Problem stated personally
• Solution 1
• Solution 2 
• Solution 3 etc.
• Upbeat ending

It could work!!

Writing is the art of applying the ass to the seat.

“writing is the art of applying the ass to the seat” Dorothy Parker

Organic farms in Lake County CA

I forget sometimes just how many organic farms are near us in Lake County CA.

Dr Daniel Amen's program for brain health

Dr Daniel Amen claims that diet, exercise, and intellectual challenge can delay onset of Alzheimer's symptoms.

Four links to articles and books describing Dr Daniel Amen's work...

1. A web page with a good summary of Dr Daniel Amen's program  for brain health. He claims his program will delay onset of Alzheimer's by six years. Since 50% of people show Alzheimer's symptoms by age 85, the idea of delaying onset of symptoms is a good thing.

2. A mildly technical book on Alzheimer's research Preventing Alzheimer's: Ways to Help Prevent, Delay, Detect, and Even Halt Alzheimer's Disease and OtherForms of Memory Loss [Paperback]

 3. His recent bestseller on slowing the aging process: Use Your Brain to Change Your Age: Secrets to Look, Feel, and Think Younger Every Day [Hardcover]

4. A review of Dr. Amen's PBS presentation.

Arthur's inspirational video - vet with bad knees does yoga

Your intuition knows what to write...

Your intuition knows what to write, so get out of the way. ~ Ray Bradbury (at Write to Done)
 

I think Ray's connection to his intuition was better than mine. Mine wants to go have a pint of Cherry Garcia ice cream instead of writing.

50 Inspirational Quotes For Writers

At Alltop this morning, Guy Kawasaki links to 50 Inspirational Quotes For Writers. He says:

"Cheryl Craigie of Write to Done has collected a wonderful variety of quotes to keep you inspired even in the darkest moments."

How to be a writer
5. The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to says ~Anais Nin
6. Start before you’re ready. ~Steven Pressfield
7. Do the work. ~Steven Pressfield
8. If you want to be a writer, you must do two things about all others: read a lot and write a lot…reading is the creative center of a writer’s life…you cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you. ~Stephen King

What to write
40. Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart. ~William Wordsworth
41. Write what you know. Write what you want to know more about. Write what you’re afraid to write about. ~ Cec Murphy

Full story at Write to Done.