The blank page, the impossible deadline, the rush of inspiration: There is no profession more maddening or more rewarding than being a writer. Yet surprisingly, all writers pass through the same sequence of stages in the course of their careers. It was this remarkable insight that inspired veteran authors Nancy Pickard and Lynn Lott to write one of the wisest and liveliest guides to the literary life ever penned— a volume of astonishing revelation, warm reassurance, brilliant encouragement, and welcome humor. No matter what you write or how much recognition you’ve received, you are bound to pass through the seven steps on the writer’s path: Unhappiness, Wanting, Commitment, Wavering, Letting Go, Immersion, and Fulfillment. Whether you’re a wannabe writer or a published literary veteran, you’re bound to find this book a source of true delight, vital wisdom, and lasting inspiration.

"This book provides a "how to" approach to mastering business analysis work. It will help build the skill sets of new analysts and all those currently doing analysis work, from project managers to project team members such as systems analysts, product managers and business development professionals, to the experienced business analyst. It also covers the tasks and knowledge areas for the new 2008 v.2 of The Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) and will help prepare business analysts for the HBA CBAP certification exam."--BOOK JACKET.

One of Poets & Writers’ “Best Books for Writers”: The behind-the-scenes stories of eleven debut books, from their authors, agents, editors, and publishers. Every book has a story of its own, a path leading from the initial idea that sparked it to its emergence into the world in published form. No two books follow quite the same path, but all are shaped by a similar array of market forces and writing craft concerns as well as by a cast of characters stretching beyond the author. Behind the Book explores how eleven contemporary first-time authors, in genres ranging from post-apocalyptic fiction to young adult fantasy to travel memoir, navigated these pathways with their debut works. Based on extensive interviews with the authors, it covers the process of writing and publishing a book from beginning to end, including idea generation, developing a process, building a support network, revising the manuscript, finding the right approach to publication, building awareness, and ultimately moving on to the next project. It also includes insights from editors, agents, publishers, and others who helped to bring these projects to life. Unlike other books on writing craft, Behind the Book looks at the larger picture of how an author’s work and choices can affect the outcome of a project. The authors profiled in each story open up about their challenges, mistakes, and successes. While their paths to publication may be unique, together they offer important lessons that authors of all types can apply to their own writing journeys. “Essential.” —Poets & Writers

An expert guide to resolving coworker conflicts and healing hurt feelings and resentments, to create a more productive—and pleasant—environment. Are you feeling less engaged, less committed, and more skeptical at work? Do you find yourself isolated? Or are you caught in the middle of co-workers’ interpersonal conflicts? If so, you may be experiencing the symptoms of broken trust in workplace relationships. Small but hurtful situations accumulate over time into the confidence-busting, commitment-breaking, energy-draining patterns consistent with broken trust. Everyone has experienced gossiping, missed deadlines, someone taking credit for other people’s work, or “little white lies.” You may have been hurt. You may have realized that you inadvertently let others down. Or you may be wondering how to help others reeling from broken trust. No matter your vantage point, this new book from two award-winning authors and consultants to top-tier organizations offers a proven seven-step process to heal pain and rebuild trust. This compassionate, practical approach helps you reframe the experience, take responsibility, forgive, let go, and move on. You can feel motivated to go to work again—and safe to be more fully who you are, giving your organization your best thinking, highest intention, risk-taking, and creativity. And in a place of self-discovery, self-trust, and authenticity, you can connect more fully with others in your personal life as well. While there have been many books on recovering from betrayal in personal relationships, this is the first to focus specifically on the workplace—and the first to give equal weight to what to do when you have hurt others. “Rebuilding trust is a job you cannot ignore if you want a thriving workplace. Don’t miss this book.” —John Kador, author of Effective Apology

Overbooking? Running late? Feeling overwhelmed by clutter and to-dos? Management consultant Dr. Marilyn Paul guides you on a path to personal change that will bring true relief from the pain and stress of disorganization. Unlike other books on getting organized, It’s Hard to Make a Difference When You Can’t Find Your Keys offers a clear seven-step path to personal development that is comprehensive in nature. Drawing on her own experience as a chronically disorganized person, Paul adds warmth, insight, humor, and hope to this manual for change and self-discovery. She introduces the notion of becoming “organized enough” to live a far more rewarding life and make the difference that is most important to you.