November 18, 2021

Best Meat Gifts for Men Who Are Hard to Shop For

Guys can be hard to shop for and if they're also a dad...good luck! Men traditionally fit within a few major categories. There's the gadget dude who loves all the latest tech wizardry (what's a Raspberry Pi again?). The audiophile, with his headphones and earbuds, is always on the prowl for new music, podcasts, and audiobook platforms. There's the golf guy in need of golf balls (still can't escape the sand trap), tees, and club gear. There's the modern man searching for new shades (that means glasses for you "unwoke" folk), watches, and skinny jeans. And the hunter, who's currently lost at a Bass Pro Shop near you checking out arrow tips and fishing rods. While all these men have different interests, one thing unites many of them. They're mostly meat lovers. Based on current surveys, 96% of men welcome meat on their plate. And that makes beef jerky bouquets from Manly Man Co. an excellent gift idea for the special dad, husband, fiancé, boyfriend, "just a friend", or son in your life. Also, they let me in on a little pre-Black Friday and Black Friday coupon code, so read through to save yourself some piggy bank bacon.

November 15, 2021

Browser-Based Video Games Are an Easy Way to Relax

Anyone who knows me beyond the corporate veil knows I love video games. They're so much more than mind-numbing, pixelated sessions of cause and effect. Video games encapsulate how we interpret the world around us. Video games hold our hopes and dreams in a world of unlimited possibilities. Video games allow us to focus on something other than workplace or family stress. For a moment, however brief, video games become not just an escape but a gateway to endless wonder and excitement. Intrigue, emotion, and imaginative plot twists are up for grabs in the modern world. Whether you're looking for your own escape or wholesome activities to keep kids busy and entertained, please welcome Plays.org!

October 28, 2021

How to Build Influence Without Sacrificing Your Values

Influence has always existed. Parents influence children. Teachers influence students. Friends influence one another. Authors influence readers. Leaders influence organizations. Social media simply made influence more visible. Today, anyone can build an audience online, but not all influence is created equally. Some people pursue attention at any cost. Others focus on building trust, credibility, and long-term relationships. In this article, I share lessons learned from growing my own online audience, working with brands, and navigating the opportunities and challenges that come with becoming a value-driven influencer.

October 21, 2021

The Gift Shop Bear Review: A Heartwarming Christmas Picture Book for Families

Christmas picture books have a special way of capturing the wonder, warmth, and anticipation of the holiday season. The Gift Shop Bear by author and illustrator Phyllis Harris combines beautiful illustrations, a memorable stuffed bear character, and a heartwarming Christmas story that celebrates friendship, family, and the magic of Christmas. In this review, I'll share what makes The Gift Shop Bear stand out, who it's best suited for, and why it may deserve a place among your family's favorite holiday read-alouds.

October 15, 2021

What Successful Children’s Authors Know About Writing, Rejection, and Creativity

Writing is often portrayed as a magical process fueled by inspiration and creativity. In reality, most authors spend far more time wrestling with self-doubt, revising imperfect drafts, managing rejection, and learning how to stay consistent when motivation fades. To better understand the realities of the writing life, six accomplished children's authors share insights into their creative process, writing habits, challenges, sources of encouragement, and proudest career moments. Their answers reveal common themes about persistence, creativity, community, and the mindset required to build a sustainable writing career. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a published author, or simply curious about the creative process, these lessons offer a valuable behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to be an author.

May 18, 2021

What Literary Agents Look For in Children’s Books: Insights from Adria Goetz

Literary agents occupy a unique position in the publishing industry. They evaluate thousands of submissions, identify promising talent, negotiate publishing deals, and help shape books that ultimately reach readers around the world. In this interview, literary agent Adria Goetz shares insights into querying, children's publishing, author platforms, book pitches, illustrator portfolios, and the qualities that help writers stand out in a highly competitive market. Whether you're pursuing traditional publishing or simply hoping to better understand the industry, her perspective offers a valuable behind-the-scenes look at how literary agents evaluate books and creative careers.

May 4, 2021

How Grief Shapes Growth, Grace, and Emotional Resilience

Grief is one of the most universal human experiences, yet many people feel completely unprepared when loss arrives. In this interview, grief counselor, author, and podcast host Mandy Capehart shares practical insights on emotional resilience, healthy grieving, communication, personal growth, and creating space for healing. Whether you're navigating loss yourself or supporting someone through a difficult season, these lessons offer a thoughtful framework for approaching grief with greater grace and understanding.

April 20, 2021

How to Refresh Your Blog Branding Without a Complete Website Redesign

Every blog eventually reaches a point where it no longer reflects the person behind it. Your interests evolve, your audience changes, and your website may begin to feel disconnected from your current goals. Fortunately, refreshing your blog branding does not require a complete redesign. Small updates to your brand vision, visual identity, and website structure can help your blog feel more aligned, professional, and memorable. Here are three simple ways to refresh your blog branding without rebuilding everything from scratch.