Member Spotlight: Paul Austin Butler

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? In addition to my first book that’s about to be published, I write a column for the business section for my local newspaper (online and print). My article focuses on the workplace. People spend so much time at work and I hope my articles are an encouragement to them.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? I clear away every distraction in my calendar; close down every other computer application and imagine I am taking an exam at school. I start when I meant to start and finish when I am about to finish. In my mind I hear my schoolmaster say, “OK, pencils down.” I shoot for the ‘A’ grade in the time I’ve allocated until my next “exam” period. I also have a dedicated writing place which for me is on our balcony in Valencia, CA.

What is your favorite time to write? Very early in the morning which for me is 4:30am. I have found the only person who can take the very early morning off you is yourself. I tend to get my best ideas first thing.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? Imagine every word is going to cost you $100 and ask yourself if you need to spend it. Less is more. I write in the Business genre and I have found people won’t read your work if you’re verbose; theoretical or ambiguous.

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? My book, Business Financial Intelligence—a mindset and skillset few people have and all organizations need simplifies a subject which is often thought to b unnecessarily complex. I am excited about the notion of simplifying the complex. In my weekly articles, I am fascinated with the human condition and how it shows itself in the workplace.

Paul Butler’s Business Financial Intelligence: A Mindset and Skillset Few People Have and All Organizations Need is out this month