The Crotchety Old Man

Category: Advice

  • Hasten My Retirement

    Successful blogging tip number one: Never add blog posts on weekends. People read blogs on weekdays during working hours. Posting between two o’clock Friday afternoon and nine o’clock Monday morning is the blogging equivalent of masturbating–a solitary act that nobody will know about. Unless, of course, it goes viral on the internet. Advice for becoming…

  • The Real Me?

    My life as a professional writer isn’t exactly profitable. Three blogs and two completed manuscripts have yet to generate a dime of revenue. At least blogging doesn’t cost anything. After paying a freelance editor to review them, I’m in the red on both books. Consequently, I’ve not yet given up my day job. I happen…

  • More Puppy Parenting Tips

    Here’s another round of tips dedicated to my high school pal and her new best friend, Katie. Sounds like they’re bonding, but the new is starting to wear off a little. Now’s when the real work comes. Hang in there! The first few months are the hardest. Hopefully these and the tips I provided in…

  • Puppy Primer, Part Two

    In the middle of the night last night, it dawned on me that before I give out advice about raising puppies, I need to establish some credibility. And of course, I also thought of several more tips. I offer the following true-life story as evidence of my dog-whispering ability. How’s that for an intro? We…

  • A Puppy Primer

    A high school friend of mine just got her very first puppy. Judging from her Facebook posts, she’s already head over heels in love with the pup and perhaps a tad bit overwhelmed. I can so relate. Especially if you’ve never raised a child (the ultimate commitment), taking on a puppy is a big responsibility.…

  • Lessons Learned: Conference Planning

    A great many years ago, I worked at a reasonably upscale hotel. During my years of employment with this establishment, I had several different positions. I waited tables, tended bar, helped out in catering, worked at the front desk, and served as a manager in both the dining room and the front desk. Because of…

  • Never Say Never

    Things I’ve always said I’d never do have become regular habits over the last year or so. Recently quite a few people–including some of my regular readers–have asked me how I do it. In today’s post, I’m going to attempt to explain. Writing Glass Houses was the beginning of my transformation. I never thought I…

  • Please Take Care of Yourself

    Yesterday I learned that a dear friend has colon cancer. I don’t know how involved it is or what the treatment plan will be. Additional tests later this week should answer those questions. Until then I’m trying not to over-react and hoping for the best. In addition to eating a high fiber diet, the chief…