Have you ever done the thing where you think of a word for the year and use it to guide you? Some people do this quite successfully. John Maxwell comes to mind. Author Jon Gordon does it as well. I’m sure there are others and you may be one of them.

They start around the end of one year thinking and maybe praying and looking for that one word that will sustain and guide them in the year to come.

I’ve never really done the whole resolutions thing. I’ve never done the word thing either. …

Let’s see if you can relate to this problem.

You have a great idea. It seems to come from somewhere deep down in your gut.

Maybe it’s an idea for a book to write. A hobby to pursue. A class to take. Art to create.

Whatever it is, it lights you up and you are gung ho to complete it with style.

So you pour all your energy into it. You buy supplies. You research. You study. You listen to podcasts on the subject. You check out books to see what other experts are doing. …

Are you one of the 82% of people who say they’d like to write a book…someday?

If so, there’s never been a better time than now. There are countless options to get your book and message out to the world.

But it can be daunting to write a book, let alone release it to the world. After all, what if it’s not well received? What if no one buys it? What if it fails? What if you aren’t a great writer?

Believe me, I’ve heard them all because I’ve thought them all.

The truth is there will be people who…

You went to bed last night thinking “tomorrow’s going to be a great day.” The world’s your oyster and all that jazz.

Then your alarm goes off at whatever time and morning smacks you in the face.

(Especially if it was this morning. Thanks Daylight Savings Time, appreciate you.)

You struggle out of bed after a few snoozes and drag yourself begrudgingly to start your day.

All that enthusiasm is gone and it’s just another long to-do list of items that are important to someone else, but do little to light your fire.

Surely, there’s got to be more to…

I applied on a Wednesday. He called on a Thursday. I interviewed on Friday.

If I got the job, it would mean I was a professional writer.

When I interviewed that Friday morning I met the man who would become my writing mentor. He would stretch me and make me uncomfortable, but he would help me grow.

I’ll never forget Charlie’s words as he offered me the job, “You’re unproven, but your skill is there. I’m willing to give you a chance.”

It All Started With A Blog

My first blog launched in 2009. Now the world could judge my work.

People tell me my writing…

First, this is the click-bait-iest headline I’ve ever written and for that I apologize. But since you’re here I hope you’ll stick around. I think I can help you.

I did write that many words last week, but it wasn’t as spontaneous as it sounds. I prepared to give myself the best chance for success.

Here’s the back story:

One Door Closes

I lost my job as a full-time content writer at the end of last year. The week of Thanksgiving my family and I were celebrating with Mickey in Disney World. The next week I learned that my job was being…

In 1949, in the city of Hazel Park, Michigan a father and son opened a construction and remodeling business.

As the decade marked by war wound to a close, there was an optimism that fueled cities and towns across the land. Young people were marrying and starting families. Families needed homes in which to grow.

So this father and son discovered and seized an opportunity.

Armed with an old Ford pickup and a wooden toolbox full of tools, Barnett and Son Builders opened its doors. Its proprietors? My great Uncle Jess and my Great Grandpa Jesse.

They instilled a love…

The clock is ticking, and time is running out on me.

A writer’s best friend is a deadline, but the paradox is that our deadlines are often self-imposed. And without accountability, a self-imposed deadline is like the snooze button. If you don’t feel like working, you move the deadline.

But I have a deadline that I can’t move. It’s June 8th. That’s my birthday, and this year I’ll turn forty. I remember, when I was younger, seeing a sign that said, “40 isn’t old if you’re a tree.” I get it now.

Besides being a writer, I’m also a carpenter…