communication

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November 15, 2024

How to Build Friendships That Last: 7 Keys to Lifelong Friendships

Lasting friendships are surprisingly rare. While most people have dozens of acquaintances throughout life, very few enjoy friendships that continue growing for decades. The good news is that lifelong friendships aren't accidental—they're built intentionally. One of my closest friendships has lasted for more than 30 years. As I reflected on why that relationship endured while so many others gradually faded, I identified seven principles that consistently strengthen friendships over time.

November 16, 2022

Why Most People Struggle to Be Authentic

Most people don't intentionally hide who they are. Instead, they slowly learn which parts of themselves feel safe to share and which parts feel risky. We introduce ourselves by our job title, degree, hometown, or company because those identities are easy for other people to understand. But our interests, dreams, failures, and passions often remain hidden. I've found that authenticity isn't about sharing everything with everyone—it's about having the courage to let people see who you really are when it matters.

November 9, 2022

Common Marriage Roadblocks (And How to Keep Them From Becoming Bigger Problems)

Every marriage encounters obstacles. Most don't appear overnight as major crises. Instead, they begin as small habits, misunderstandings, or unhealthy patterns that quietly grow over time. I've found it's much easier to address a roadblock early than recover from a major setback later. The encouraging news is that many common marriage problems are surprisingly preventable when both spouses learn to recognize them before they become deeply rooted.

August 31, 2022

Why We Reject Ourselves Before Anyone Else Does

Many opportunities disappear long before someone tells us "no." We assume the answer will be no. We assume people won't help. We assume exceptions won't be made. We assume asking would be awkward, selfish, or uncomfortable. As a result, we quietly reject ourselves before anyone else gets the chance. One conversation during a trip to Catalina Island reminded me how often we lose opportunities not because we asked and failed, but because we never asked at all.

May 18, 2021

What Literary Agents Look For in Children’s Books: Insights from Adria Goetz

Literary agents occupy a unique position in the publishing industry. They evaluate thousands of submissions, identify promising talent, negotiate publishing deals, and help shape books that ultimately reach readers around the world. In this interview, literary agent Adria Goetz shares insights into querying, children's publishing, author platforms, book pitches, illustrator portfolios, and the qualities that help writers stand out in a highly competitive market. Whether you're pursuing traditional publishing or simply hoping to better understand the industry, her perspective offers a valuable behind-the-scenes look at how literary agents evaluate books and creative careers.

May 4, 2021

How Grief Shapes Growth, Grace, and Emotional Resilience

Grief is one of the most universal human experiences, yet many people feel completely unprepared when loss arrives. In this interview, grief counselor, author, and podcast host Mandy Capehart shares practical insights on emotional resilience, healthy grieving, communication, personal growth, and creating space for healing. Whether you're navigating loss yourself or supporting someone through a difficult season, these lessons offer a thoughtful framework for approaching grief with greater grace and understanding.

March 2, 2021

Brian P. Cleary on Writing, Publishing, Copywriting, and Selling 3 Million Books

What can writers learn from an author who has sold more than 3 million books, published over 50 titles, and spent four decades writing professionally? In this interview, bestselling children’s author, poet, speaker, and American Greetings Senior Editor Brian P. Cleary shares insights on writing concisely, copywriting, creativity, publishing, school visits, poetry, and the realities of making a living with words.

February 2, 2021

How Branding and Storytelling Help Writers Build Audience Trust

Great communication shapes everything—from marketing campaigns and brand messaging to books, websites, and social media posts. Few people have seen both sides of that equation as closely as author, illustrator, and communications professional Shay Fan. Having worked in branding, public relations, content strategy, and publishing, Shay has spent years studying how people connect with ideas, stories, and each other. In this interview, she shares lessons on communication, audience trust, branding, storytelling, publishing, and what creators can learn from both the corporate and creative worlds.