Non Fiction

A Drunk Letter To My Sober Self

/ Stuart Danker / 44 Comments
Woman with wine bottle

Photo: Andrey Zvyagintsev

Dear Stuart,

If you’re reading this, you’re probably sober, and you’re looking for a reason not to drink. Thankfully I’m writing to you now from beyond the land of the tipsy to address exactly that.

But since drunk you and sober you might as well be two totally different people, I’m going to assume that you don’t share my current viewpoints, and will thus strive to be crystal clear, especially for someone in your state. Together, I hope that we can nip your next craving in the Bud (hehe, get it?).

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Why You Need To Write For Your Eyes Only

/ Stuart Danker / 61 Comments
Eyes Only Eyes - Alexandru Zdrobau

Photo: Alexandru Zdrobau

Would you continue writing even if no one reads your work? On the other hand, would you voluntarily write something meant for your eyes only?

Would the act of expression itself please you? Or would you write only to the promise of monies and adulation?

Oh, don’t look at me that way. I assure you that this question isn’t as silly as it seems. There have been famous authors who didn’t set out to be published, after all.

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Why Making This Mistake Was The Best Thing I Ever Did

/ Stuart Danker / 42 Comments
Mistake Falling - John Fornander

Photo: John Fornander

“Oh wow, The 2013 Tax Handbook is here!” My colleague tore through the protective film and rifled through the tome. “I wonder what’s new this year.”

“Wait,” I said. “People actually read this? I thought it was only for reference.”

“Of course! You work in auditing and you don’t?”

“Uh, don’t we look up the terms as needed?”

“Shh,” my colleague said, holding up her palm.

“Oookay… I think I’ll go do some spreadsheets now.”

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This Is A Sucky Title But You’ll Still Click On It

/ Stuart Danker / 42 Comments
Confused man looking at laptop

Photo: Bruce Mars

We’re always told to never judge a book by its cover, but we always do. We can’t help it. It’s how we survive. For instance, what goes on in your mind when a stranger approaches you in a dark alley?

First, you’d probably call yourself an idiot for wandering in dark alleys. Next, you’ll be sizing up this person to see if they’re a threat.

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How To Write An Article With Zero Inspiration (And Do It Quick)

/ Stuart Danker / 35 Comments
No Inspiration Journal - Sticker Mule

Photo: Sticker Mule

So you have writer’s block, or you could be behind on your blog-posting schedule. Your creative well might’ve run dry, or you’re just not looking forward to writing yet another article about the property market.

Well fret not then, because you’ve come to the right place. I’ve spent most of my life writing articles I didn’t care much about, with tight deadlines to boot.

Doing that taught me a very valuable lesson, and that is you don’t need inspiration to actually do the work. Also, writer’s block doesn’t really exist.

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