Imbolo Mbue

Every author has a story beyond the one that they put down on paper. The Barnes & Noble Podcast goes between the lines with today’s most interesting writers, exploring what inspires them, what confounds them, and what they were thinking when they wrote the books we’re talking about.

You never know where the idea for a great story is going to come from. For the writer Imbolo Mbue, a scene glimpsed as she strolled through a bustling New York City neighborhood offered the inspiration for her first novel. Six years later, her novel Behold the Dreamers was tapped as the latest Oprah’s Book Club pick. In this episode the Cameroonian-American author talks with Bill Tipper about how her moving, timely tale of two very different families was born.

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A compulsively readable debut novel about marriage, immigration, class, race, and the trapdoors in the American Dream—the unforgettable story of a young Cameroonian couple making a new life in New York just as the Great Recession upends the economy.

Find out more about Imbolo Mbue here.

Like this podcast? Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher to discover intriguing new conversations every week.

 

The post Imbolo Mbue appeared first on The Barnes & Noble Review.

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Loggerhead Key – located almost 70 miles west of Key West,…

Loggerhead Key – located almost 70 miles west of Key West, Florida – is the largest island of Dry Tortugas National Park. Covering about 49 acres, it is home to a 160-year-old lighthouse and some truly excellent sites for snorkeling and diving. Along with amazing coral formations, divers can find a variety of colorful reef fish, including parrotfish, angel fish, triggerfish and damselfish. Just remember, look but don’t touch. Not only will an accidental brush up against the coral probably kill it, you may be bumping into any number of potentially dangerous animals, include fire coral, jellyfish, sea urchins or the exotic venomous lionfish. Photo by Bryan Goff (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Fantastic Resort in the Crystal Clear Waters of the Maldives

Who would not want to enjoy some wonderful days in a resort with white sand beaches and crystalline waters? I’m in! This luxurious resort is located in the Maldives. It has bungalows hanging over the ocean, beachfront villas, and more. The resort provides guest with a variety of options – choose from a Beachfront Villa, Over Water Bungalow, or Ocean House … the list goes on. But if you want..

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Beautiful House Full of Color Located in the Taipei City Suburbs

This beautiful house, full of color and greenery, consists of 105 square meters and is located in the suburb of Taipei city, a modern metropolis with Japanese colonial lanes, busy shopping streets, and contemporary buildings in Taiwan. It was designed by Ganna design, more specifically by its designers Shin-Jie Lin and Ting-Liang Chen, between the years 2015 and 2016 for a middle-aged couple with two children. The original house was..

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How And Why To Work On Your Emotional Intelligence

Parents and educators have done a serious disservice to many people by leading them to believe that IQ is everything and that your grades actually matter once you are out of school. Learning is good and getting good grades can certainly open a lot of doors, but your IQ is basically set for life in childhood. So, if you are going to depend on that for the rest of your life, it will just be a losing game for you.

There is good news, though.

Your emotional quotient, or EQ, can be developed throughout your life and can have a greater impact on your career success than anything else. How to work emotional intelligence? Read on.

What Is EQ?

Your emotional quotient, like your IQ, is a measurement of your emotional intelligence. The more you develop different areas of your emotional intelligence, the higher your EQ climbs.

These are things like:

Social skills – How well do you interact with people and get along with your coworkers?

Empathy – Can you put yourself in other people’s shoes to really understand their point of view? Are you in the habit of doing this regularly?

Motivation – Are you passionate about your work or your hobby? Are you motivated by money and power?

Self-regulation – Are you able to accept things that are out of your control and think before you act?

Self-awareness – Are you aware of your own personal strengths and weaknesses? Can you acknowledge these and admit your mistakes?

How Are EQ And IQ Different?

Your IQ is consistent throughout your entire life. It basically measures your ability to learn. There are no major differences between men and women.

Your EQ, on the other hand, is a flexible set of skills that can be acquired and improved with a little effort on your part. There may be some differences between men and women in general, but it is unclear whether they are biologically or socially driven.

Typically, 70% of the time, a person of average intelligence will outperform someone with high intelligence and EQ is likely the reason behind that.

Some Of The Most Successful People Have High EQs

oprah winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is so well known for her emotional intelligence that it has its own name: Oprahfication. She has used her ability to get people to open up to build a television empire.

Matt Damon has also used his emotional intelligence to build and maintain relationships with fellow actors as well as to launch the H2O Africa Foundation. Pepsico’s Indra Nooyi once wrote to the parents of 29 of her employees to tell them they had raised good kids.

Emotional intelligence traits like these have allowed each of these people to accelerate their professional lives much more than if they were completely reliant on IQ.

Why Work On Emotional Intelligence?

People with high levels of emotional intelligence earn on average of $29,000 more per year than those with low levels of emotional intelligence. In fact, for every point your EQ rises, you can expect to earn an average of $1300 more a year. The majority of top job performers have high emotional quotients. Clearly, increasing your emotional quotient is something you can’t afford not to do.

See Also: The Importance Of Emotional Intelligence For A Leader

How Can You Improve Your Emotional Intelligence?

There’s no one way to improve your EQ and there’s no magic class or text you can take. It comes from hard work and perseverance. You will have to do some hard work and some introspection.

Here are some of the things you can start on:

Practice empathy – Putting yourself in another person’s shoes is something you have to consciously do. It won’t come naturally at first but once you do it enough, it will become second nature.

See Also: How To Develop Empathy By Understanding Subjective Hardship

Admit your own faults – Know your limits and admit to them. If someone else is better at something than you are, acknowledge it!

Listen – Don’t shut someone down because you think you know more than he does. Listen and try to understand where the other person is coming from.

Deal with your stress in a positive way – If you notice it building, take up yoga or meditation to keep it under control.

yoga mental health

Give honest feedback nicely – Sometimes, tough things need to be said. Learn how to do it in a constructive way.

Look at failure as an opportunity to learn

Check out this infographic to learn more about emotional intelligence.

Source

 

The post How And Why To Work On Your Emotional Intelligence appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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Elegant Penthouse Designed by 2arquitetos in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Celeno Ivanovo and Luiz Henrique Ribeiro, partners at 2arquitetos, designed this elegant penthouse located in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.It was designed with a couple with three children in mind, which is why they chose to use a simple yet elegant décor, where the essential pieces of furniture would not be missed. With the children in mind, obstacle-free spaces were created in order to provide for their safety and comfort in this..

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July 31st

Maybe the grass is greener on the other side depends who was standing in it. Sometimes you have to go over there and look.

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10 Reasons Why Introverts Should Become Writers

You’re reading 10 Reasons Why Introverts Should Become Writers, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Are you an introvert?

Yes? Then there are two of us.

Nobody knows better what it means to be unable to fit into the society than introverts. We’re too quiet, too withdrawn, too lost in our heads and too individualistic to be accepted by the extrovert majority.

Our friends and family find it hard to believe that we might in fact WANT to spend our free time alone, on a comfortable armchair, under a blanket, with a book in hand and hot tea on the table.

What’s wrong with that?

Don’t worry about what other people say! Do what makes you happy!

I know from experience that what gives an introvert sleepless nights is finding the ideal profession.

Thus, let me share with you my golden means to a happy and satisfactory life.

I don’t fit anywhere.

It’s difficult to find a perfect job. You’re right.

It’s easier for extroverts. Since they are outgoing, sociable, enthusiastic and attention-seeking, they feel great in professions where human interaction is a must.

For introverts, on the other hand, the choice of profession is tough to make.

Although you might find many jobs difficult to cope with, there are still those that are suitable for you!

One of them is writing.

Why should I become a writer?

If you’re wondering why you should become a writer, check the 10 ultimate reasons why this job is ideal for you.

Let’s begin!

  • No more recharging!

Isn’t working alone a dream come true? When you write, it’s just you, your laptop and a coffee on the table. Nothing else. No direct human contact needed.

  • Creativity appreciated!

Aren’t the creative tasks or hobbies those that you enjoy most? It’s been proven that introverts might be the most creative people, so why not to have a profession that will allow you to express that creativity?

  • Daydreaming allowed!

How much time do you spend in your head pondering about new ideas, rehearsing for possible future conversations or imagining yourself in various situations? You adore it, don’t you? But, you are also being scolded for it. What would you say if you could have an excuse for living inside of your head?

  • No more uncomfortable communication!

Isn’t it hard to give immediate feedback once you’re asked a complicated question? No wonder. Unlike extroverts, you need time to process information, so speaking off the cuff is difficult. Discussing issues, especially with a group of people, is also tough. Ask yourself, do you prefer oral or written communication?

  • Reading! Reading! Even more reading!

You love reading, don’t you? There isn’t a better evening than the one spent in bed with a new bestseller. As Stephen King teaches us, good writers read a lot. Doesn’t it mean you might be perfect for this job?

  • Boredom at bay!

What would you say for going to a party? Do you want to say, “spare me, please”? I know what you mean. Nothing makes introverts more exhausted and bored than such socializing. Writing, on the other hand, will keep you engaged all the time. Isn’t it fascinating to spend your time creating new worlds and characters, educating others by writing compelling posts or researching topics and writing down your opinions and findings?

  • Comfortable clothes allowed!

Do you like dressing down? It’s been observed that introverts prefer comfortable and practical clothes. Isn’t it great that once you’re a writer, you can dress the way you like? If you work from home you can even write in your pajamas!

  • Work in the right environment!

You easily get distracted by over-stimulating environments, don’t you? You need peace and quiet for good concentration (check the success guide for all introverts). Thus, working in such places as hospitals, restaurants or schools sounds uninviting. Wouldn’t it be easier to choose the place to work? Depending on the type of the writing job you have, you can either work in a quiet office or at home. Wouldn’t you like that?

  • Feel energized for social interaction!

Do you seek solitude? That’s because unlike extroverts, you gain energy by spending time alone. Imagine how energized you’ll be if you spend most of your day on such a solitary and fun activity as writing. It will prepare you for meeting your friends, family or the significant other. Will you not have more strength to spend time with people once you spend some time alone?

  • Recover through writing!

Do you suffer from depression? Since introverts are the most misunderstood people (deemed to be anti-social, unemotional or no fun), they tend to have a lot of social problems. Many find it difficult to make friends. Others feel they don’t belong anywhere. If you also have such problems, writing might help you recover! Won’t you give it a try?

As you can see, writing has a number of benefits for introverts, thus it makes a desirable profession. There is one problem, though.

Can I earn my living by writing?

Yes, you can!

Depending on your aspirations, talents and aptitudes, you don’t have to be a novel writer. If you want to have a job with a steady income, you might consider being a freelance writer, journalist or a blogger. There are many possibilities!

Need more reasons to start your writing career?

You’ve read 10 Reasons Why Introverts Should Become Writers, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2vWGedZ

10 Reasons Why Introverts Should Become Writers

You’re reading 10 Reasons Why Introverts Should Become Writers, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Are you an introvert?

Yes? Then there are two of us.

Nobody knows better what it means to be unable to fit into the society than introverts. We’re too quiet, too withdrawn, too lost in our heads and too individualistic to be accepted by the extrovert majority.

Our friends and family find it hard to believe that we might in fact WANT to spend our free time alone, on a comfortable armchair, under a blanket, with a book in hand and hot tea on the table.

What’s wrong with that?

Don’t worry about what other people say! Do what makes you happy!

I know from experience that what gives an introvert sleepless nights is finding the ideal profession.

Thus, let me share with you my golden means to a happy and satisfactory life.

I don’t fit anywhere.

It’s difficult to find a perfect job. You’re right.

It’s easier for extroverts. Since they are outgoing, sociable, enthusiastic and attention-seeking, they feel great in professions where human interaction is a must.

For introverts, on the other hand, the choice of profession is tough to make.

Although you might find many jobs difficult to cope with, there are still those that are suitable for you!

One of them is writing.

Why should I become a writer?

If you’re wondering why you should become a writer, check the 10 ultimate reasons why this job is ideal for you.

Let’s begin!

  • No more recharging!

Isn’t working alone a dream come true? When you write, it’s just you, your laptop and a coffee on the table. Nothing else. No direct human contact needed.

  • Creativity appreciated!

Aren’t the creative tasks or hobbies those that you enjoy most? It’s been proven that introverts might be the most creative people, so why not to have a profession that will allow you to express that creativity?

  • Daydreaming allowed!

How much time do you spend in your head pondering about new ideas, rehearsing for possible future conversations or imagining yourself in various situations? You adore it, don’t you? But, you are also being scolded for it. What would you say if you could have an excuse for living inside of your head?

  • No more uncomfortable communication!

Isn’t it hard to give immediate feedback once you’re asked a complicated question? No wonder. Unlike extroverts, you need time to process information, so speaking off the cuff is difficult. Discussing issues, especially with a group of people, is also tough. Ask yourself, do you prefer oral or written communication?

  • Reading! Reading! Even more reading!

You love reading, don’t you? There isn’t a better evening than the one spent in bed with a new bestseller. As Stephen King teaches us, good writers read a lot. Doesn’t it mean you might be perfect for this job?

  • Boredom at bay!

What would you say for going to a party? Do you want to say, “spare me, please”? I know what you mean. Nothing makes introverts more exhausted and bored than such socializing. Writing, on the other hand, will keep you engaged all the time. Isn’t it fascinating to spend your time creating new worlds and characters, educating others by writing compelling posts or researching topics and writing down your opinions and findings?

  • Comfortable clothes allowed!

Do you like dressing down? It’s been observed that introverts prefer comfortable and practical clothes. Isn’t it great that once you’re a writer, you can dress the way you like? If you work from home you can even write in your pajamas!

  • Work in the right environment!

You easily get distracted by over-stimulating environments, don’t you? You need peace and quiet for good concentration (check the success guide for all introverts). Thus, working in such places as hospitals, restaurants or schools sounds uninviting. Wouldn’t it be easier to choose the place to work? Depending on the type of the writing job you have, you can either work in a quiet office or at home. Wouldn’t you like that?

  • Feel energized for social interaction!

Do you seek solitude? That’s because unlike extroverts, you gain energy by spending time alone. Imagine how energized you’ll be if you spend most of your day on such a solitary and fun activity as writing. It will prepare you for meeting your friends, family or the significant other. Will you not have more strength to spend time with people once you spend some time alone?

  • Recover through writing!

Do you suffer from depression? Since introverts are the most misunderstood people (deemed to be anti-social, unemotional or no fun), they tend to have a lot of social problems. Many find it difficult to make friends. Others feel they don’t belong anywhere. If you also have such problems, writing might help you recover! Won’t you give it a try?

As you can see, writing has a number of benefits for introverts, thus it makes a desirable profession. There is one problem, though.

Can I earn my living by writing?

Yes, you can!

Depending on your aspirations, talents and aptitudes, you don’t have to be a novel writer. If you want to have a job with a steady income, you might consider being a freelance writer, journalist or a blogger. There are many possibilities!

Need more reasons to start your writing career?

You’ve read 10 Reasons Why Introverts Should Become Writers, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2vWGedZ

God’s Gift to Men

Wonder Woman allows its heroine all the trappings of free, courageous, independent womanhood. It even cheers her on when she bashes up men. It merely propagates the unhelpful myth that if a woman is nice enough, pretty enough, feminine enough, she can do such things without ever causing offense, or being called a bitch.

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