Age: 43

Location: Northeast, OH

What has been your most difficult project of late and how did you deal with its challenges?
My most difficult projects are the monthly news features for IEEE's Computer magazine. I make sure every ounce of effort I put in accomplishes something necessary to the piece, I keep pressing sources for what I need and I work fast. I find and cut out any redundant or unnecessary work in order to continue to try to cut back on the amount of time I spend to get the same results.

What's the most helpful thing you've learned about writing?
Once you learn what you need to do to make it, just do it and have faith in the industry and the people in it. Have patience and work hard. Take risks and do your own thinking.

What's the worst career advice you've ever gotten?
Whatever it was, I'm sure I didn't let it into my head.

You say that this is the first year that you are looking to earn more the second half of the year than the first: What are you doing differently, and why typically do you find that earnings slack off the second half of the year?
Normally, earnings slack off because people's editorial calendars are assigned. However, I'm completing my fifth year in business and have learned a lot. Momentum is starting to pay off. I have redone my website and have it at or near the top of Google results for numerous important keywords. I am getting work from some who find me through search engines. It also works well when I send a new editorial contact to my site. I do more networking, know more editors, market myself and try to help writers and editors when I can. I have added a blog to my site, which has upped exposure. I save a lot of time for good work by staying away from stuff that's just not for me. The profession disciplines you to do all the things you need to in order to succeed.