All essays
Everything I've written so far, newest first.
Guilt-free brownies, go to hell!
Health influencers have thrown the 128-year-old brownie recipe out the window. Life is short. Spend those few extra calories for your happiness, and go have that real brownie.
Lockdown is a sneak peek into our old age
The lockdown gave us a glimpse of what old age looks like — staying home, longing for connection, and missing those long, casual walks. We are nothing but wanderers who domesticated ourselves.
I'm Mediocre. But, I Show Up.
I'm not the smartest writer in the room. But I show up when others don't. The volume of work will have a compounding effect and eventually make me good.
Creating for the Unknown
A writer doesn't know who accepts or rejects them. You write believing the work is good and people will like it. Write, write, and write — there is no other way.
If You're an Artist, Be Patient
Good artists aren't creating for the current generation, but for the generations to come. Vivian Maier found her audience after death. Be patient.
Be Happy When Your Idea Gets Stolen
Your idea is not unique — thousands are thinking the same thing. Be grateful someone executed it. Have faith your next idea will be just as good.
The World Doesn't Remember
The half-life of someone remembering your work shrinks every year. Create for your own pleasure. It doesn't matter if the world doesn't remember.
Don't Sell Art Due to Peer Pressure
Don't turn something you love into a business just because others think you should. Continue doing it for your pleasure. Nobody will judge you for it.
It's Okay to Be Unoriginal
Before becoming a master, Michael Crichton set out to be entirely unoriginal. The output should come immediately. Let originality come eventually.
Surround Yourself with Smart People
I was never the smartest in the room, but I was lucky to make friends who were. Great ideas are rarely born alone — they emerge from a scenius.