Well, this is embarrassing.
I’m a professional blog writer. I spend my days telling businesses why they need fresh, relevant content on their websites. I write blog posts for clients in industries ranging from financial services to healthcare to technology.
And yet, here I am, looking at my own blog and realizing I haven’t posted anything since September 23.
So, where have I been? Writing, actually. A lot. Just not here.
Between welcoming new clients, taking on new responsibilities, and releasing another book, my own website somehow slipped to the bottom of my to-do list.
Does that make me a bad blogger? Maybe. Does it mean I don’t believe in blogging anymore? Absolutely not.
New Clients, New Challenges, and Lots of Writing
One of the things I love most about being a freelance writer is the variety. On any given day, I might be writing about dental care, financial planning, home services, or technology. And just when I think I’ve covered just about everything, a new client comes along with something I’ve never written about before. That’s actually one of my favorite parts of this business.
Over the last couple of months, I’ve been fortunate to welcome several new clients. And while I’m certainly grateful for the additional work, what I’ve enjoyed even more is how much these projects have challenged me.
I love to learn. I love to research. And I especially love taking a subject I know little about and turning it into something readers can understand and, hopefully, enjoy reading.
Lately, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to do just that.
Apparently, Five Magazines Weren’t Too Many
If you’ve been following me for a while, you probably know that I’m a staff writer for Eagan City Lifestyle magazine here in Minnesota. I thoroughly enjoy the role because I get to meet interesting people, hear their stories, and share them with our community.
But apparently, one magazine wasn’t enough.
In the last couple of months, I’ve also taken on the role of copy editor for BrewView Tampa’s print magazine, which has been a fun change of pace. I review articles, polish copy, and help get content ready for publication.
I’ve also been doing some writing for Best of Central Vermont and Best of Burlington magazines. And most recently, I drafted my first articles for Modern Texas Living.
Yep. If you’re keeping count, that’s five different magazines!
What I especially enjoy about editorial work is the opportunity to tell stories about real people, businesses, and communities. Every interview introduces me to someone new, and every assignment gives me a chance to write about something different.
Plus, I get to switch gears between being a writer and an editor, which keeps things interesting.
Back to My Financial Writing Roots
Another fun development? I’m writing about financial topics again!
You may not know this, but financial services is actually where I got my start as a content writer. After years in the industry, including leadership roles at FICO and Experian, I’ve always had a soft spot for financial content.
So, when the opportunity came along to write for FinanceBuddy, I was pretty excited.
I’ve written articles on topics like cash advance apps, debt consolidation, credit scores, and banking. These are subjects that can be confusing, intimidating, or downright frustrating for consumers. And that’s why I do what I do. My goal is to break down complicated information into plain English so readers can understand their choices and make informed decisions.
It’s been fun getting back into an industry I know so well, especially after spending the last several years writing about so many other subjects.
And Then There Are the Topics I Never Saw Coming
Of course, not all my recent assignments have been in familiar territory. I’ve also been writing about property taxes, anti-loitering devices, and cybersecurity. Yes, you read that right. Anti-loitering devices.
I can honestly say that when I started my freelance writing business, I never imagined I’d be researching ways businesses discourage unauthorized gatherings or studying the finer points of incident response plans.
But here we are. And you know what? I’ve loved it.
These assignments require me to dig into unfamiliar subjects, ask questions, sort through technical information, and figure out how to explain it all in a way that makes sense.
Sometimes, I finish an article knowing more about a topic than I ever expected. And sometimes, I find myself telling my husband some random fact I learned while researching.
I’m sure he appreciates that. Or at least he’s very good at pretending.
Oh, and I Released Another Book
As if all that client work weren’t enough, I’ve also been keeping busy with my other writing career.
On October 6, I released A Pawsitively Merry Meet Cute, my latest holiday novella. And can I just say that sales have been absolutely nuts? In the best possible way!
The book hasn’t even been out for a month, and I’ve already placed my THIRD replenishment order to keep up with in-person sales. Online sales have been wild, too. And just yesterday, a local bookstore told me they’ve already had to place a second order!
I honestly couldn’t be more excited or grateful for the response. There’s something pretty special about writing a story, putting it out into the universe, and watching people actually buy it. And hopefully love it!
Of course, this release followed a pretty busy year on the fiction side, too. I published Jessica’s New Beginning, Liz’s Forever After, and The House Always Wins earlier this year.
And I’m not finished yet. My next novel, The Beachcomber, is scheduled for release in February 2027. It’s a thriller, so I’m switching genres and putting my imagination to work in a completely different way.
Apparently, I have a hard time sitting still. Or maybe I just have a hard time staying away from my keyboard. Probably both.
So, What Does All This Mean for My Blog?
Well, first of all, it means I need to practice what I preach. I regularly tell clients that blogging is an excellent way to connect with their audiences, answer questions, and demonstrate their expertise. And I believe every word of it.
But running a business also means choosing where to spend your time. When client deadlines are approaching, interviews need to be conducted, articles need editing, and books need finishing, something occasionally has to give. Unfortunately, this time it was my own blog.
The upside is that all this new work has given me plenty of ideas for future posts. I’ve learned a lot, met some fascinating people, and stretched my writing skills in ways I hadn’t anticipated. And I’m excited to share more of that with you.
So, if you’ve been wondering where I’ve disappeared to since September 23, now you know. I’ve been right here, doing what I love. I’ve just been busy writing. Just not here.
And if your business could use a little help keeping its own blog from disappearing, let’s talk. I might know a writer who can help.