Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Visual Perception in the Brain: How the Left & Right Brains See

How are the left brain and right brain different in the way they perceive objects? Do we need the function of each hemisphere to fully see something? Psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist seeks to dispel the myth of left-hemisphere superiority by showing that the right hemisphere is responsible for several of the brain’s most essential functions. To this end, he examines the different ways that each brain hemisphere perceives objects. Keep reading for an intriguing exploration of visual perception in the brain.

The Vital Question by Nick Lane: Book Overview & Takeaways

Why does life work the way it does? Are life’s features the product of random genetic mutations, or did organisms have to evolve in a certain way to overcome specific physical and chemical challenges? In The Vital Question, Nick Lane argues that genetics can’t give us the answers by itself. To explain the origin of life, we have to understand how cells make use of energy and what environmental conditions gave rise to the molecular power plants found in every living thing. Continue reading for an overview of this book that seeks to answer some of life’s biggest questions.

The Evolution of Eukaryotes: Following Clues From “Junk DNA”

How did eukaryotes evolve? How can we even go about figuring it out? Biochemist Nick Lane follows clues provided by introns to learn how eukaryotes evolved. He takes us on a journey through time, explaining how eukaryotic life might have experienced ever greater organization and complexity, eventually evolving into the plant and animal kingdoms we know today. Keep reading to learn what Lane believes about the evolution of eukaryotes.

Story Pacing: Give Readers a Break With Subplots & Flashbacks

How should flashbacks be used in a story? What role do subplots play in a narrative? Good stories are powered by conflict. Struggle moves a plot forward toward its resolution. But, our brains can get overloaded when we don’t get breaks from conflict in a story. Lisa Cron, who approaches story writing from a neurological perspective, explains that effective story pacing is the answer. Read on for Cron’s exploration of two story pacing techniques: subplots and flashbacks.

How to Avoid Debt & Set Yourself Up for Early Retirement

Do you have a car loan, a mortgage, or student debt? How could your life be different if you were debt free? According to early retiree Jacob Lund Fisker, most people can do without many things they think they “need.” When you lower your annual expenses, the time it takes to save for retirement drops rapidly. Debt implies significant expenditures, and it adds to your expenditures in the form of interest. Keep reading to learn how to avoid debt and minimize your cost of living.

Emotions and the Brain: The Vital Role of the Right Hemisphere

How can a brain injury impact someone’s ability to process and express emotion? How does looking at different types of art affect the brain? Psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist argues that the right hemisphere is more important than the left—and that a failure to recognize this threatens to rob our lives of meaning and happiness. One reason why he believes this is that the right hemisphere is primarily responsible for processing and expressing emotions. Continue reading to learn about McGilchrist’s important research into emotions and the brain.

How to Initiate a Conversation by Leveraging Small Talk

Do you avoid making the first move to talk with someone? If so, what opportunities are you missing? Social interaction specialist Patrick King argues that the oft-dreaded small talk is actually the best way to start a conversation that eventually can go in any direction and to any depth. He shares practical tips for approaching and engaging someone effectively and comfortably. Continue reading to learn how to initiate a conversation and make a good first impression in the process.

How to Develop a Plot That Satisfies the Readers’ Expectations

How’s a story’s plot different from what your story is about? How can understanding how the brain works help you create a compelling plot? Lisa Cron explains the formula that the human brain expects to encounter in a story. Then, she shows how you as a writer can employ that formula. She provides tips on how to develop a plot—exploring elements such as conflict, cause and effect, hooking the reader, suspense and reveals, and pacing. Continue reading to learn how to develop a plot that satisfies the expectations of your readers.

How to Live Off Your Investments: Let Your Money Do the Work

Would you like to work less and enjoy life more? How can you put your money to work for you instead of the other way around? In Early Retirement Extreme, Jacob Lund Fisker teaches you how to invest your savings and become financially self-sufficient for life. He shares two tips: Educate yourself on investing strategy, and pick investments based on the work you prefer. Read on to learn how to live off your investments and start enjoying the early retirement lifestyle.

Simon Sinek Book Club Exercises to Discuss & Put Into Practice

Have you read Simon Sinek’s books? Are you looking for discussion questions to use individually or with a group? Author Simon Sinek gives us a lot to talk about and act upon. We’ve put together several exercises based on the content in four of Sinek’s books. The exercises include questions that will help you discuss and implement each book’s ideas. Continue reading for Simon Sinek book club questions that will allow you to get even more out of Sinek’s books.