Problem: Article: Think about how you want to write your book. As technology develops, the number of choices becomes greater and greater. You will need to choose a method which works best for you but keep in mind that it may affect how you go about publishing your work. You can write the text with a pen and paper, type on a typewriter, type on a computer, or use a software program which records your voice as you talk and translates it into typed text. Different methods work best for different people. You will need an acceptable space, which allows you to work without interruption. It will need to accommodate your chosen writing method and be comfortable and not distracting.  Common options include a coffee house, office, or library. It is helpful to have access to tools such as dictionaries, thesauruses, articles on your topic, etc. You will want to be sure that you do not become distracted while writing so have everything you may need. Many people develop a specific thing, which they cannot write without, such as a particular food or sitting at a particular chair. Make sure that these needs are met before continuing.
Summary: Choose your writing method. Find a writing space. Cover your creature comforts.

Problem: Article: To make the starch spray, you’ll need a jar with a lid that is larger than a pint (473 ml). Open the jar, and add 1 pint of distilled warm water.  You can make the spray in a bowl if you prefer. However, you’ll have to mix it by hand rather than shake it to combine the ingredients. You can use tap water for the spray, but it’s better to use distilled, especially if you have hard water. Once the water is in the jar, sprinkle in 1 heaping tablespoon (8 to 10 g) of cornstarch. Secure the lid on the jar, and shake the mixture vigorously to combine the water and cornstarch. You don’t have to be precise with the amount of cornstarch. As long as it’s approximately 1 generous tablespoon (8 to 10 g), the spray will be effective. If you want the spray to have a fragrance, add 1 to 2 drops of your favorite essential oil to the jar. Shake it again to ensure that the oil is fully incorporated. You can use any essential oil with a fragrance that you like. Lemon and lavender are particularly nice, though. When the spray is fully mixed, carefully pour it into a spray bottle. Label the bottle so you know what it is and store it with your laundry supplies.  You may have an easier time transferring the spray to the bottle if you use a funnel. The spray typically lasts for two to three months, though it may start to degrade. Discard it if you notice it becoming discolored or developing mold.
Summary: Fill a jar with the water. Add the cornstarch and shake the jar. Sprinkle in the essential oil. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

Problem: Article: In order to get along with people in conversation, you should avoid bragging about how great you are at work, tennis, or writing novels. If you’re really good at something, then people will be able to see that for themselves over time or they’ll hear about it from someone else. If you dominate the conversation by talking all about how awesome you are, then it’ll be hard to get along with people because they may think of you as self-absorbed and may get bored or even annoyed.  You can talk about your interests without talking about how great you are at them. There’s no need to mention any awards you won and it’ll make people cringe a little. Instead, praise the virtues of other people. That’s much more interesting to them. One key part of being a good conversationalist is taking the time to consider your words before they come out of your mouth. If you’re the kind of person who thinks before he speaks, or who even thinks by speaking, then it’s time to slow down and consider how your words will impact the people around you so you avoid offending people. It’s also a good trick because you may realize that you may be saying something just a little bit awkward or even boring to the people around you. Spend a few seconds forming a question in your head if you know it’s going to be of a sensitive nature. This is far better than blurting out something you may regret. A good conversationalist never takes over a conversation; instead, he knows how to get people talking and how to make them feel comfortable. If you want to get along with people, then you can’t go on and on about yourself; instead, you should talk enough to be interesting and winning, but make sure not to do more than roughly half the talking when you’re having a one-on-one convo so the other person doesn’t feel bored or uncared for.  If you’re in a group conversation, then you can tell a funny anecdote or two, but make sure other people contribute to the conversation. Let other people talk when they have something to say and don’t interrupt them just to prove them wrong. Even if someone is saying something a bit untrue, you should avoid the temptation to argue with every little thing he or she is saying. This won’t win you any friends and definitely won’t help you get along with people. Another way to get along with people more easily is to avoid topics that may cause people to get easily upset. These include abortion, gay rights, general political views, and controversial views on marriage or raising children. Once you get to know people better, you’ll be able to discuss more serious topics with them, but when you’re first trying to get along with people in conversation, you should stick to more agreeable topics, such as your weekend plans, your hobbies, or your favorite bands. If someone else brings up a sensitive topic, then it can help you get along with people if you can tactfully steer him or her away from that subject to something more user-friendly. Tact is key when it comes to getting along with people in a conversation. Having tact means choosing your words and your timing carefully. If you want to give someone personal advice, for example, you should do it when you’re alone so the person doesn’t feel embarrassed; the same goes for telling a person he has something stuck in his teeth. You should avoid making careless comments, like saying “Marriage is the most important part of life” to someone who has just been divorced, and you should always be sensitive to the feelings of others before you speak.  Another way to be tactful is to avoid revealing too much personal information to people you don’t know all that well. While you may feel like this will help you get along with people, it can actually push them away. Tactful people also acknowledge cultural differences when they talk to people. This can help you see whether or not your comments will be received well. Another great way to get along with people conversationally is to find common bonds to bring you closer together. As you talk to people, keep your ears open for hints that you might have similar interests; if it turns out you come from the same state, for example, then it may be a sign that you follow the same sports teams. Though you don’t have to have everything in common with the person you’re talking to, just finding one or two things to bond over, whether it’s your love of The Bachelor or your obsession with cooking pastries. Even if you and a person disagree about almost everything in the world, if you’re both 49ers fans, you can build an entire relationship out of that. Never underestimate how important it is to have something to bond over.
Summary:
Let your virtues speak for themselves. Think before you speak. Don’t dominate conversations. Avoid topics that are likely to lead to a disagreement. Be tactful. Find common ground.