inspiration

How To Get An Editor’s Attention

/ Stuart Danker / 26 Comments
Woman on phone in office

Photo: Dane Deaner

I remember reading a travel magazine and browsing the list of editors and writers, wondering how I could secure such a sweet gig. I used to picture these writers as a team of handpicked talents, each so sure of their craft, writers who could fly to Myanmar and find themselves a story behind every temple.

I would later land one such job and learn that things weren’t so mystical behind the scenes. The writers had trouble coming up with story ideas, their work often met the chopping block, and the editorial team didn’t function as smoothly as I had thought it would.

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How I Overcame Procrastination

/ Stuart Danker / 52 Comments
Woman doing sit ups

Photo: Jonathan Borba

Okay, let’s get this out of the way: I stopped procrastinating by turning tasks into habits. 

There, that’s the entire article summed up in one sentence. Now you can close the window if you’re the TLDR type, because you won’t be finding that one magic tip here.

But while I don’t have the magic solution, I think I’ve experimented enough to safely say that we’re all quite capable of rewiring ourselves.

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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 / 60 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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