The most important unpleasant task of your life. — Earlier this year, my mother-in-law passed away. The event was not wholly unexpected given certain health conditions, but, just the same, we were unprepared. Can anyone ever be truly prepared for a loved one’s death? The short answer is no. My mother-in-law’s passing has left a massive hole in our…

Take charge of your writing. — I have been doing this for some time. I mean, writing. Writing has played a significant role in my life since elementary school, and I now make a living from it. Naturally, I’ve encountered the dreaded blank page on occasion. Writer’s block has even prevented me from creating anything for…

This year’s holiday challenge. — “Anything can be a Christmas ornament if you put a little hook on it.” — Kurt Vonnegut Okay, I don’t think this was anything Kurt Vonnegut ever said or was ever likely to have said. …

Actionable self-care for anyone and everyone. — I am deeply ingrained in “hustle culture” due to my work as a freelancer and solopreneur (for lack of a better term). That is the environment in which one is constantly trying to get the next customer, the next job, the next sale, or the next thing that will help…

You’re going to hate it, but it’s real. — A few years back, I had a discussion with a buddy who was thinking about making freelancing her full-time profession. Her main challenge was a concern that she lacked the self-discipline necessary to attempt it successfully. Could she sit down every day and work? Had she the self-control to make…

Five good reasons to try the freelance lifestyle. — For the past twenty-five years or so, I have worked as a freelancer in the publishing industry. More recently, I have expanded my services to freelance writing. I’ve also been fortunate to support myself solely through freelancing. That might make you ask, “Should I start a freelance business?” It’s not…

No, really! — What if I told you that those perfect home offices you see on social media aren’t the only way to work from home and still be productive? You’d assume I was a sociopath of some sort. Maybe you’d be correct, but hear me out. I live in a small house…

It’s not hard. — People start initiatives or pursue ambitions for a variety of reasons, many of which never materialize. Frequently, it has nothing to do with being unmotivated or lazy. Timing and logistics are often concerns. Personal situations can occasionally interfere. Fortunately, there are a number of useful tactics you can use when…

What do I really have to lose? — Look, it’s no secret that earnings are down on Medium for many writers — myself included. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m much to blame for lackluster earnings. …