Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

The 4 Steps for Critical Thinking: A Process for Any Problem

Do you apply critical thinking to problems that come your way? Could you use a step-by-step process? In Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving, Bigrocks Thinking explains how you can enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to improve your learning, your work, and your personal life. They share four steps for critical thinking that you can apply to any situation. Continue reading to learn about these four critical thinking steps.

How to Make a Story Interesting: Escalate the Hero’s Risk

What does your protagonist care about most? What do they have to lose? If you want to make your story more engaging, Robert McKee recommends that you continue to escalate the risk that your protagonist faces throughout the story. Make it clear what they care about, and put them in increasing peril. Continue reading to understand McKee’s advice for how to make a story interesting.

Who Is William Cooper? An Inveterate Liar or a Heroic Rebel

Who is William Cooper? What are his theories? What are his claims based on? Milton William Cooper was a U.S. Navy veteran, a UFOlogist, and the author of Behold a Pale Horse. In one of the most influential conspiracy theory books ever written, Cooper lays out the roots and methods of a secret movement to topple the American government and establish a global totalitarian order. Continue reading to learn about this intriguing figure.

Super Human: Book Overview & Key Takeaways (Dave Asprey)

How can you naturally reduce inflammation in your body? What’s the best way to rebalance your gut bacteria? Is it possible to reverse hormonal imbalances? In the Super Human book, Dave Asprey draws on advancements in anti-aging science to explore ways to slow down and reverse the aging process, optimize your mental and physical health, and extend your lifespan. He shares practical advice on how to keep your body young. Continue reading for an overview of Super Human by Dave Asprey.

Five Elements of a Story That Provide & Intensify Meaning

What quality is a must for your protagonist? What’s “subversion of expectation”? How can you create a story that involves high stakes? Screenwriter and storytelling expert Robert McKee says that humans are obsessed with stories because they fill a core human need: We need to find meaning—truth about the world that influences how we live our lives. The best stories are rich in meaning. Read more to learn the five elements of a story that provide and intensify meaning.

Illuminati Goals & Methods: The New World Order Conspiracy

Who are the Illuminati? What do they want? How do they intend to get it? According to William Cooper, Illuminati operatives are everywhere, and they always have been. They’re getting all of their ducks in a row and will one day establish a global totalitarian socialist state—the New World Order. Continue reading to learn about the Illuminati’s goals and methods, according to Cooper.

The Benefits of Free Radicals: Why They’re Not All Bad

What are free radicals? Do they benefit the body in any way? Free radicals get a bad rap. And, much of that is deserved. However, they do benefit the body in some ways—specifically, regulating the heart and supporting the immune system. Read more to learn about the benefits of free radicals.

How to Identify the Problem: 2 Ways to Figure Out What’s Wrong

When you’re stuck, what’s the first step to getting back in gear? What’s a good way to identify a problem in a group setting? To solve a problem, you must first identify the problem. Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving by Bigrocks Thinking shares two practical frameworks to do just that: 5W2H and SCQH. They walk you through each framework in steps. Keep reading to crack the 5W2H and SCQH codes and clearly identify the problem that’s holding you back.

Story: Substance, Structure, Style, & the Principles of Screenwriting

Why do people love stories? What’s story theory? What’s the difference between text and subtext? In Robert McKee’s book Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting, he discusses what makes a story good, the elements of a story, and how a story is structured. He also shares his recommended writing process. Here’s our overview of McKee’s guide for screenwriters, which covers fundamental principles that apply to any kind of storytelling.

William Cooper’s Illuminati Conspiracy Theory Explained

Who are the Illuminati? What’s the connection between the Illuminati and the New World Order? William Cooper believes that, since the dawn of civilization, a secret organization of self-styled intellectual elites called the Illuminati has worked from the shadows to manipulate economies, governments, and religions for their own gain. He discusses their aims in Behold a Pale Horse. Read more for an overview of William Cooper’s Illuminati conspiracy theory.