Be thankful for pie, and so much more
It's Canadian Thanksgiving, which always surprises people who aren't from Canada. But yes, we do have a Thanksgiving of our own. So last night in my house we had pumpkin pie and the whole works.
We asked the girls what they were thankful for and their unhesitating answer was, "the pie". So, that's nice and cute and the pie was really good, but we're working on building their sense of gratitude to be a bit more expansive. A bit less pie-focused. It's a work in progress.
Speaking of works in progress, I have an update/correction on the book I'm writing, some course reminders, and a quick story of a sliding doors moment I had, many years ago when I first arrived in Amsterdam.
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A correction on the book front
Last email I told you I'm working on a new book. Well, I lied. Sort of.
What's happened is the following. That improv book that I've been working on is still there, in its being-worked-on state. But maybe six weeks ago it got nudged aside by another book project. I knew things were evolving when I wrote my last email, but wasn't quite sure how it would go.
Well, it went quickly. This new project has flown into a bookish shape and is now close ( a couple months away?) to being published and available. It's about public speaking and aimed at people who are uncomfortable speaking publicly or loathe presenting. (And yes, I'm aware that that's a lot of people. I'm working as fast I can.).
It's amazing when something like this happens so quickly. I think there was a flow state flurry, as the book went from a 5k-word kernel to a 25k manuscript in a little more than a month.
So far, it's been through a couple of rounds of editing, and then, once I'm satisfied with where it's at, it'll get a line edit, then a proofread and then it's onto formatting and cover. After that, it's printing time!
This book also has some illustrations, so if you know an illustrator who wants to make some fun drawings (and have them paid for and published), let me know!
In the meantime, I'll keep you posted on progress. Plus, I'll still need your help deciding on the cover, and of course, helping it make a big splash upon release time! Stay tuned...
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Running some autumn courses
Turns out I love running online (and in-person) courses and people find them useful. So I've lined up a few of them for the fall. Here's what's coming up. If you want to learn more about any of them, like timing and all that, just click the link.
12 October: Unlocking Storytelling (Online)
This is happening so sooon! This two-hour session will show you the power of stories and give you a framework so you can be a better storyteller immediately.
26 October: Writing Matters (Online)
This free 60-minute session will show you how better writing can make a difference in your life and give you some tools to do just that
4 November: Learn to Love Public Speaking, Amsterdam
This one-day workshop will give you the tools to actually learn to enjoy presenting — and deliver with greater impact
16 November: Boost your Personal Impact (Online)
Increase your ability to lead, influence, and make a lasting impression on others and on the world around you.
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An unexpected Amsterdam rescue...
20 years ago I hopped off the train and popped out of Amsterdam Centraal Station. I was still a little fuzzy from the valium I’d taken on the plane.
I wandered, extremely overawed, to a hostel in de Wallen, following the printed map in my hand. That hostel, overlooking a storybook canal, was to be my home for a few nights before I moved into student accommodations and began a year-long academic exchange. Read the rest.
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I shared the above story (and the excellent photo, taken by my friend James Liston) on my LinkedIn last week and was amazed at all the responses. It really made me feel good. People like stories, as it turns out. Anyway, I love this story, about how improv and Boom Chicago saved me during my student year in Amsterdam, and I'm happy I shared it.
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Two links this week. Both about the value of getting out and about
The next walk you take could save your life -- Walking is powerful. And not just on the beach or hiking in the mountains, but just taking a stroll through your neighborhood, or getting a sandwich on your lunchbreak.
The value of mind wandering -- Turns out, it's not just you who can benefit from getting out for a stroll. Your mind also benefits from having a little wander.
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Looking to buy or review TAKE IT EASY?
You can do that on Amazon or Goodreads
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