Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Cancel Culture & Free Speech: Insights From Douglas Murray

Do you feel free to express your opinions and share facts? Do you wonder whether you’re getting the whole truth and all perspectives on important matters? Douglas Murray argues that woke ideology attempts to force consensus where it doesn’t exist and punishes those who don’t conform. In this “cancel culture,” free speech is the victim. Murray identifies a couple of examples that illustrate how this works in today’s society. Read more to learn about cancel culture and free speech.

American Work Culture: How Work Came to Dominate Life

Is your job a big priority in your life? Do you feel pressured to work more and more? In his book The Pathless Path, Paul Millerd discusses the traditional approach to work in America. He points to the historical events that made it popular to prioritize work ahead of everything else. And, he outlines the negative consequences of prioritizing work. Read more to learn how the American work culture came about and the ways it causes harm.

The Intersectionality Framework: A Path to Justice or Division?

What’s intersectionality? Where does the adoption of this framework lead? Does it tend to bring people together or drive them apart? The intersectionality framework has been around since the 1980s. Douglas Murray believes that it’s a pillar of the leftist ideology that’s tearing Western society apart. We’ll explore his views, as well as the perspectives of Ben Shapiro and the woman who first used the term—Kimberlé Crenshaw. Keep reading to learn about the intersectionality framework, its aims, and its consequences.

The Freelancing Life: Why & How Paul Millerd Made the Switch

Is the freelancing life for you? What can you learn from others who’ve made the switch? Like most people, Paul Millerd was taught to place conventional, full-time work at the center of his life—but it made him miserable. Now, he’s a freelance blogger, consultant, career coach, and online course creator—and he’s much more satisfied with his life. Keep reading to get informed and inspired by Millerd’s story.

How to Start Writing a Story: Mindset & Drafting Tips From Experts

Do you have a great idea for a story and wonder how to actually get something down on paper? Where should your mindset be? Should you map out the plot first? When you’re ready to write the first draft of your story, you’ll likely benefit from the wisdom of some experts in the field. We’ve put together some advice from Stephen King, Elizabeth Gilbert, Robert McKee, and others on the drafting mindset and specific drafting strategies. Continue reading to learn how to start writing a story.

Free Will by Sam Harris: Book Overview & Key Takeaways

Why does Sam Harris think we should reject the concept of free will? How does he think we operate instead? In Free Will, Sam Harris defines free will and argues that it’s an illusion. He explains why it matters whether we have free will and outlines the ways in which he thinks we can let go of free will without losing our sense of self. Continue reading for an overview of this book that might have you rethinking everything.

Stoked by Woke: The Rise of Societal Violence in the West

Are acts of violence in the name of social justice justified? Will they provoke retaliation that’s even worse? Douglas Murray predicts serious consequences for our civilization if we’re not able to effectively stem the tide of the woke ideology. One of the effects he explores in The Madness of Crowds is the increased risk of societal violence. Keep reading to learn about Murray’s concerns.

An Example of Post-Traumatic Growth: Paul Millerd’s Big Switch

Have you experienced trauma? How might you turn it into something of value? Paul Millerd embarked on a conventional career path by default. Two difficult events taught him one major lesson: stop prioritizing work, and start prioritizing life. He considers the shift he made to be an example of post-traumatic growth. Continue reading to be inspired by Millerd’s story.

What Is Libertarian Free Will? Sam Harris Explains

What is libertarian free will? What part of the view does Sam Harris disagree with? Libertarian free will describes a philosophy that contends that external factors affect but don’t determine our actions. In his book Free Will, Sam Harris explains the concept and discusses how he thinks the theory is right in one respect and wrong in another. Keep reading to learn about libertarian free will.

6 Steps in Writing a Story: Strategies From Storytelling Experts

Is a story outline the right strategy for you? What tactic makes it easier for you to “kill your darlings” when it’s time? What trait might you need to overcome to complete the last step in the writing process? We’ve drawn on the advice of several storytelling experts to distill the story-writing process into six steps. You’ll get advice on how to find story ideas, get into the right mindset, write a first draft, take a break, revise your story, and share your finished story with others. Keep reading to learn the steps in writing a story with insights from