Ask the Author: Jim McCarthy
Answered Questions (4)
Jim McCarthy
Write what is fun for you.
Write about stuff you want to learn about, anyway, whether you write about it or not.
Write as if the only audience is you.
Don't try to write like anybody else -- although you can learn from others. Write like yourself -- it will be a lot easier that way, and will also differentiate you, since nobody can write exactly like you.
Post it as a blog, so you can start getting feedback, and validation. This will do a lot to build your confidence.
Write about stuff you want to learn about, anyway, whether you write about it or not.
Write as if the only audience is you.
Don't try to write like anybody else -- although you can learn from others. Write like yourself -- it will be a lot easier that way, and will also differentiate you, since nobody can write exactly like you.
Post it as a blog, so you can start getting feedback, and validation. This will do a lot to build your confidence.
Jim McCarthy
Often the greatest inspiration comes when I'm not TRYING to think about anything. Maybe I'm meditating, or swimming, or brushing my teeth. Something about freeing the brain allows it to make unexpected connections -- which we often call "inspiration" or "insight." It's good to try hard often. But sometimes it's even better to not try at all.
Jim McCarthy
A classic question! I suppose I try to write the easiest stuff first. Or whatever's the most fun. Or whatever is just ready to flow out of me. I'm often amazed that some of my most honest, intense, passionate, and intense writing comes at these times. Later, I often have to put my head down and do serious research and investigation. And that can be a lot of fun, too. Ultimately, you run out of the fun stuff to write, and then you have to grind though the parts which are not so easy. As I say to my wife, "If this were easy, I would have written it by now." But it's all part of the experience, and I try to enjoy the entire journey.
Jim McCarthy
I was diagnosed with cancer on February 5, 2013. That was a big wake-up call for me to think hard about my life, my legacy, and my purpose. I started speaking in public about this experience, and I was happy to learn that other people were interested in my perspective. As a result, I created my Happiness Keynote and Workshops. Later, I wanted to take all of my research and life experiences, and put it into a book. I also did a TEDx Talk called "What Cancer Taught Me About Happiness." So I've been very motivated to share what I've learned with others, because happiness is a skill you can develop!
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