Colleen Taylor Sen is a Chicago-based author and culinary historian. Her articles have appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Travel and Leisure, Food Arts, Chicago Sun Times, Yoga International, The Hindu, and many other publications. She is the author of six books, including Food Culture in India; Curry: A Global History; Turmeric: The Wonder Spice; A Guide to Indian Restaurant Menus; Street Food Around the World: An Encyclopedia of Food and Culture (with Bruce Kraig, and, most recently, Feasts and Fasts: A History of Food in India. Colleen Sen has a B.A. and M.A. from University of Toronto and a Ph.D. from Columbia University.
Colleen Taylor SenWhen I haven't been writing for a while, I set a timer at, say, 5 minutes. During this time I have to sit at my desk at my computer. I can work or not…moreWhen I haven't been writing for a while, I set a timer at, say, 5 minutes. During this time I have to sit at my desk at my computer. I can work or not work but I can't leave. At the end of the five minutes I have the option of setting the timer for another five minutes or stopping and going away. After a few rounds I get so involved in my writing that I don't need to set the timer any more. The advantage of this system is that it gives you freedom of choice. For me it always works. (less)
Colleen Taylor SenFor nonfiction writers -- - - specialize. Become an expert in one subject; then branch out into related topics and use your contacts with editors and …moreFor nonfiction writers -- - - specialize. Become an expert in one subject; then branch out into related topics and use your contacts with editors and publishers to write about these topics. (less)