Yes, it’s raining, humans are weird, and you can make a living telling us...
The other day, I was on my walk (fyi – when I say “a walk” it means just a putter around the neighborhood where I might stop into a clothing store and try on a top; when I say ”my walk” it means a...
View ArticleThe F-word I don’t use (and maybe you shouldn’t, either)
“Are you a freelancer?” When someone asks that, I nod yes-ish and answer, “I have a copywriting business.” I’ll call myself a consultant, a professional copywriter, an independent contractor. I’ll say...
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Easiest money you ever made?
The easiest buck I ever made was in 1994. Before I tell you what the job was, let’s talk about easy money. I often see business coaches posing this question: “Do you feel guilty charging for work that...
View ArticleAfraid to repeat yourself? Take a tip from every dumb ’80s sitcom.
“Did I ever tell you about my crush at Camp Well-Met? Her name was Laura Mills…” “We know.” “Have I ever told you about Grandpa refusing to take illegal kickbacks in his lumber business during World...
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My new favorite writing prompt is even more fun if you’re old as dirt
OMG best thing ever A fellow copywriter/word nerd posted this Merriam Webster tool in a Facebook group, and all I can say is, what a perfect birthday gift. It lets you see what words were made...
View ArticleMake your name by doing the unsexy work. (AKA Puff Is Pissed, AKA Grownups...
At the company off-site, they had tubs of ice cream waiting for us first thing in the morning. Breakfast of cry-babies. This day was planned to manage all the upset about the big re-org. To help us...
View ArticleBlog post vs. email — the death match
“What content should go in my emails and what should go on the blog?” It’s one of the questions I get asked the most (for real). Also: “Can they overlap? Should they be the same, or different?” I...
View ArticleFor Some of Us, “A Time of Fear” is Always.
Written February 22, 2020 at the Gateless Writing Retreat “You seem to have a long list of interesting fears,” she says as I decline her offer of pouring coffee into the cup while I hold it. We’re at a...
View ArticleI’m a born procrastinator who hates homework. Here’s how I designed a “no...
My fall semester, Frosh year—that’s what we called first year instead of the male-centric “Freshman”—I stayed in my room most of the time. I passed up invitations to go to the student center, to go...
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Shrimpmukkah! A 2021 roundup of must-have opt-in freebies from Shrimp Club...
Happy seasons! There are plenty of gift-buying guides out there. I thought I’d add one that’s a gift-getting guide. Free gifts, for you. All they cost is your email address. Whether you’re shopping for...
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