I've always had a connection to the written word. It isn't to language itself - I can be quite inarticulate when speaking - put a pen in my hand and words just flow. I'd love to get paid to write, to have others read the novel, still in its shitty first draft phase, on my shelf, but like so many of the writers profiled here, life's distractions currently take precedence. Luckily, I can nerd out with my favorite authors by reading their books and going behind the curtain of their individual...

Being an active writer is about practice. Writing is a skill you have to work at to perfect. You must be prepared to muddle through many drafts of a single piece and realize that a first draft is never perfect as is. Writing also requires an understanding of style. As a freelance content creator, I’m often called upon to write for different audiences in different tones. In creative writing, understanding style can help you put substance into a story that simply sets the stage. While you can...

I’m sitting here at 10:45 at night, the Thursday before my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. I’m working since there hasn’t been enough time during the day to really get anything done, and as I write away for my clients, all I can think about is the big day.

It’s such a milestone moment for my daughter, but it’s also a special moment for me. As part of the service, I get to express my hopes, dreams and wishes for her directly to her. I get to talk to her about what makes me a proud mama. It also...