I do not have much experience in writing, but I let myself to write down the helpful principles, a kind of guide for me. I hope that they also come in handy to you.
- Have fun and love what you do.
- Use concrete, real examples (it will be best if examples are from people that are most commonly known, but it is not a requirement)
- Thought-provoking metaphor (appreciating intelligence of reader, instead of neglecting)
- Desire to help, which is not connected with earning money and raising your ego.
- Humor, but not primitive, brazen, in excessive amount. Subtle (irony, allusions, blink eye to reader)
- Arguments and conclusions should be original, maybe slightly surprising but simple, obvious, real and honest (like in Dale Carnegie books)
- Suggestion, encouragement not „do’s and don’ts”.
- You’re shouldn’t be a mentor, but a friend. (look at Pt. 3)
- Use everyday, simple language, not poetic – scientific (again, look at Pt. 3)
- Constantly expand your knowledge, but focus on the issues, which can be really helpful to others.
- When you develop your knowledge, focus on 2, 3 issues max, and one book on each of them at the same time.
Democritus’s said:Do not try to understand everything, because you will find everything incomprehensible.
- I believe that’s very important principle of motivation (and help):
Alan Loy McGinnis in his book „Bringing out the best in people” wrote:Thomas Aquinas, who knew a great deal about education and motivation, once said that when you want to convert a man to your view, you go over to where he is standing, take him by the hand and guide him. You don’t stand across the room and shout at him; you don’t call him a dummy; you don’t order him to come over to where you are. You start where he is, and work from that position. That’s the only way to get him to budge.
- Have fun and love what you do.
Take care,
Janusz