More than a dozen years have passed since my ill-fated attempt to turn a financial planner’s investing insights into a novel. Time has only partially eased the sting of my collaborator pulling the plug less than two chapters into the draft. What possessed me to accept this assignment is an object lesson: Don’t let anyone—even…
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Because of my journalism background, I tend to be a “just the facts” kind of guy. In writing a story, I want full names, ages, locations, and other details. In his sparkling new book, Chasing Rich, author Nicholas Schwartz does the opposite. The man spotlighted in each chapter is identified only by first name. I…
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Former attorney turned author Allen Levi has accomplished the kind of feat most authors can only dream of: self-published his first novel, Theo of Golden, in his late 60s. Then, saw it become so successful that an imprint of Simon & Schuster bought the publishing rights. The book has sold more than 3.5 million copies…
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Just over two-thirds of the way into 2026, I can say it’s been a tough year for writers and freelancers, no matter what the field or endeavor. Not only has my income declined noticeably, I have seen numerous tales of woe on editorial email strings. And, multiple requests concerning finances from members of my Christian…
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More than a week has lapsed since the passing of country music legend Dolly Parton. Given the mountain of condolences and praises offered her—and the ultimate honor of flags flown at half-staff nationwide—I’m not sure I can add much to all the distinguished words. Still, I feel it necessary to note that one shining quality…
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The city where I live recently approved the acquisition of Flock Safety high-tech license plate readers and security cameras. To say the move has been controversial would be an understatement. The council meeting that ended in a 6-4 vote in favor of the move lasted until 4 a.m. the day after it started. Soon after,…
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Whether it is wildfires, earthquakes, or flooding—which struck my home state of West Virginia just over a month ago—news coverage of disasters largely concerns the loss of life, property, and security for victims. As well it should. Yet, behind the headlines are stories that are heartening and remind us we are not alone in this…
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It’s been more than three weeks since the crowning of the 2026 World Cup champion. So you might consider the topic old hat. I beg to differ. I think the five-week-long event spanning North America awakened a generation of Americans to soccer in ways not previously seen. Until the Cup came to our shores, I…
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Many years have passed since I read the advice in a book written by the keynote speaker at a writers’ conference. It was one of those nuts-and-bolts type collections, with the author’s insights on finances and other procedures for freelancers. One that caught my attention was about planning your day. In addition to making a…
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It’s the kind of story that could be featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Medical researchers make up a fictitious illness, give it a name, and then watch as the internet-juiced rumor mill—egged on by artificial intelligence (AI)—spreads the word. Until an editor in one of my freelance groups posted a link to the…
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