Plunging into online dating is a daunting experience — One of the kids in my swimming class was terrified of the deep pool. I found his mother sitting poolside and asked if he’d had any traumatic experiences that might have caused it. “No,” she replied. “It’s me. I’m afraid of the water. I won’t even go in up to…

3 creative side-gigs for you to try too — I’ve been a working writer for over 12 years and the 70/20/10 rule is one I’ve always applied to my time. The 10 part is the most fun. Here’s how it works — I spend the majority of my writing time on work that pays, around 20% on testing out…

Even if you don’t believe in yourself — We’re running a personal essay contest at Inspired Writer (one week until deadline!). If you haven’t entered yet, consider this my elbow nudging your arm and saying: “Hey, you’re a great writer. Finish that story and send it in!” Because honestly, there are a couple of secrets about contests. Encouraging truth #1 I’ve…

And prompts to get you started — People often say to me, “I’m not that great at writing personal essays. If I entered a contest, I wouldn’t win.” But as a writing mentor and judge of several international contests, some of the best personal essays I’ve read have been from brand new writers! At their basic level…

It isn’t about you — One of the first stories I had published was a personal essay, except I didn’t know it was one. I’d never heard the term “personal essay” so I pitched it as my personal story. Which is pretty much what a personal essay is, right? What I didn’t realize is a…

3 of my top tips from 13 years of experience — Dear New Writer, I’m so glad you reached out. I remember what’s it like at the start. I didn’t know what I was doing wrong and I didn’t know who to ask. Thankfully, I had some great mentors along the way and I’ve been in this career for 13 years…

Was it worth the money? — The majority of my work comes from publishing personal essays. So, when I was looking for a course to improve my writing this year, I hunted out a personal essay one. “But, wait. Don’t you teach personal essays?” I hear you ask. You’re right, I do. But I’m someone who…

And what finally put an end to it — Imagine this scenario: A handful of emaciated sailors look warily at their captain. They’re stranded in the middle of nowhere in a small whaling boat and the food ran out days ago. The captain holds out his fist, five straws poking out the top. “We draw lots and see who…