Client Spotlight: Raman Shah, Ph.D., is a data craftsman who consults with local governments on performance measurement and operational improvement. A graduate of Pathway to Publication, he wrote “Sorting Stuff Efficiently” for Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL), which named him a 2024 top influencer in local government.

Good morning, ,

Some time ago, I was on a call where we were asked to share our favorite technology — the tools we use every day.

My response?

Paper, pencils, and pens.

Why?

Because one of the many things I love about writing is that it doesn't require anything more than a piece of paper and a writing implement.

I also wanted to add a bit of the unexpected into the conversation because the last thing I need are more apps to manage.

Yesterday, something sparked my memory and I thought about that call. And then I thought about the article I read once upon a time about how pencils are made in a factory in Jersey City, New Jersey.

And down the rabbit hole I went.

There are a surprising number of articles about the history of the pencil! The article I was seeking is behind a paywall for The New York Times. The photographs by Christopher Payne, however, also appear on the online art magazine, Colossal.

(If you'd like to dive down that rabbit hole or could just use a little break, take a look at the photographs. They really are beautiful.)

What I should have been doing was polishing up a draft of an article for my Writing Practice community, which gathers tomorrow for an editing workshop. I'll be carving out a couple of hours to get to that today.

As for the trip down the rabbit hole, let's just call it productive procrastination, shall we? After all, it provided the inspiration for my letter to you this morning!

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"[W]hat really matters in a pencil is not its wooden exterior, but the graphite inside. So always pay attention to what is happening inside you."

~ Paulo Coelho, Like the Flowing River

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Join the Conversation

On Embracing the Struggle

In this LinkedIn post, I share an excerpt from John McPhee's Draft No. 4: On the Writing Practice, which I highly recommend. McPhee was a longtime staff writer at The New Yorker and a popular writing professor at Princeton. The excerpt is from a letter he wrote to his daughter when she was struggling with a writing project. In many ways, the struggle is part of the practice. Join the conversation.

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Recommended Resource

The Relationship Between Articles and Books

Whether you're planning to write a book, have a book in progress, already published a book, or have no interest in writing a book, articles are flexible marketing assets that can help you achieve your business goals. This infographic details the relationship between articles and books. Get your copy.

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Featured Appearance

Podcast: Work From the Inside Out

I recently joined Tammy Gooler Loeb to talk about Sir Thomas Moore, leaving the practice of law to live in a tent in Colorado, embracing the unknown, and returning to writing (again and again) to try to make sense of the world around me. Take a listen!

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Speaking Engagements

ATD New England Area Conference: Fitchburg, Massachusetts

On October 18, I am facilitating a workshop that will provide learning and development professionals with essential tools and strategies to start writing and publishing articles that shape conversations around talent development and the future of work. The conference offers sessions on technology, innovation, culture, change management, and leadership. Registration is $290 for members, $365 for non-members. Register here.

WRITE & G.R.O.W Retreat: Hartford, Connecticut

On November 9, I will be facilitating a workshop on designing a writing practice that helps you receive guidance, build resilience, own your power, and access your inner wisdom. Created by Michelle Lemoi and Mary Carangelo, this live, in-person retreat will be held at the Mark Twain House and includes a nourishing lunch and time to write, connect, and reflect. Tickets are $117. Register here.

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Upcoming Events

Pitched to Published™

Interested in learning how to write, pitch, and publish articles for high-visibility publications? Join me Wednesday, November 13, at 11:55 AM Eastern for a mini-training on how to use published articles to achieve specific business goals, followed by a Q+A. There is no cost to attend this monthly event. Register here.

Master Class: How to Write for High-Visibility Publications

In this 60-minute master class, I will share the SILVA Method™ and walk you step-by-step through the process I use to help my clients secure bylines in publications like Harvard Business Review, Inc., and TD Magazine. Join me at 3 PM Eastern on Tuesday November 12 or December 10. Register here.

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The Writing Practice Community

Writing Practice is a community of experts who want the support, structure, and time to complete one article, blog post, or other writing project each month. Membership includes monthly writing workshops, editing workshops, and deep work sessions, along with regular writing practice sessions. Membership is $100 per month, and you may cancel at any time. Interested in learning more? Reply to this email and I'll send you the details.

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I'll see you in a couple of weeks!

In the meantime, if you have any questions, would like to talk about writing articles for high-visibility publications, or would just like to get to know one another better, please book a call. I'd love to learn more about your business goals and how I might be of service.

Take good care,