I've previously written about the Dunning-Kruger effect, here, explaining why people are often terrible at judging their own abilities. Five minutes ago I just stumbled across this short video (5 minutes long) from TED-Ed and thought I wanted to share it with you. It elaborates what the Dunning-Kruger effect is and also briefly explains how … Continue reading The Dunning-Kruger Effect and how to Avoid it
Month: April 2018
Hey, Your Writing Sucks
Reblogged: True words. Being honest with yourself,constantly assessing your abilities, striving to improve every aspect of you writing is what makes professional writers, not sheer talent.
Top Ten Peeves of Creative Writing Teachers…
Reblogged: A hilarious post about the perils of a creative writing teacher.
By Melodie Campbell 
on Anne R Allen site:
It all started in 1992. I’d won a couple of crime fiction awards, and the local college came calling. Did I want to come on faculty and teach in the writing program? Hell, yes! (Pass the scotch.)
Over the years, I continued to teach fiction writing, but also picked up English Lit, Marketing (my degree) and a few odd ones, like Animation and Theatre. Such is the life of an itinerant college prof. (Pass the scotch.)
Twenty-four years later, I’m a full-time author. Except for Wednesday nights, when I put on my mask, don a cape, and turn into SUPER TEACH! (Okay, ‘Crazy Author Prof.’ Too much time alone at a keyboard can be scary. (Pass the scotch.)
Recently, a jovial colleague asked me if I was a good teacher or an evil one. I’m definitely on the kind side of the…
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What are the Chances of Making a Living Writing Fiction?
In my last post I talked about the self-doubting that can come creeping in when chasing your dream. And no doubt the risk of failure is probably bigger than the chance of success, but how slim are the odds of making it as a professional writer of fiction actually? If you are an amateur writer … Continue reading What are the Chances of Making a Living Writing Fiction?
You can Achieve Anything, not Everything
I've been practicing my fiction writing skills for a couple of years now, and though it happens less and less frequently, self-doubt often comes knocking. Is this dream of making a living out of my hobby a vain pursuit? Am I too far behind to catch up to those who've practiced since they were kids? … Continue reading You can Achieve Anything, not Everything
March Stats – Goal Grabbing
So, yeah, I'm kind of bombed. I finally reached my goal of doing, on average, three hours of deliberate practice per day throughout an entire month. I should be happy. I should be smiling all over. I should celebrate achieving one of my major writing goals. And don't me wrong, I am happy. The thing … Continue reading March Stats – Goal Grabbing
The 2018 Hugo Finalist
The finalists for the 2018 Hugo Awards, one of the most prestigious awards in the world of speculative fiction, have been announced. One shouldn't put to much into a story being an award winner/nominee; it doesn't make the story any better or worse after all. But I still become all giddy waiting to seen who's … Continue reading The 2018 Hugo Finalist
Toby Backman 