I teach foundational medical-writing courses and share practical insights to help aspiring and developing medical writers grow with confidence. But professional growth does not happen in isolation. As a wife, mother, and independent medical writer, I understand the challenge of pursuing a professional career while caring for a family. I believe busy parents make time; they don’t wait for it. That belief inspired Pen & Parents, a newsletter for parents navigating medical writing and science communication. It is where I share honest reflections, practical productivity strategies, and encouragement drawn from my own journey.
Kids Back to School, Freelance Focus Back On
Hi Reader, My kids are back to school, and suddenly the house feels… quiet. September has finally arrived after a summer of sticky ice cream fingers on my keyboard and constant “Mom, can I…?” interruptions. If you’re also a parent and a freelancer, you know what this season feels like. It’s not just back-to-school for the kids; it’s back-to-focus for us. But before this fresh start, the summer brought its own mix of challenges and joys. What Was My Experience Like This Past Summer?Freelance life as a medical writer and mother has always meant flexibility, but it also meant learning to write under less-than-perfect circumstances (like editing a manuscript while someone yells “I can’t find my shoe!” in the background). All summer, I balanced my work and client calls while scheduling swimming lessons for two of my kids and managing endless food requests. And, yes, I worked less—about 15 to 20 hours a week—but I cherished the family time and celebrated my daughter’s sixth birthday! These moments are very important to me as I grow my business and learn to adapt to different situations. This is why I chose flexibility over a traditional 9-to-5 job. What Now?Now, with the kids back in their classrooms, I find myself with a strange and wonderful gift: space to think more clearly and to dream about what the rest of the year could hold. September and the fall sessions have always been my favourite times. There’s something about the crisp air, golden/red leaves, and fresh routines that makes everything feel like a new beginning. I understand that September can sometimes feel overwhelming, as if there’s a constant pressure to make up for lost time. It’s important to remember that it doesn’t have to be that way. It can be about steady progress, reclaiming focus, and finding joy in both: the science we write about and the stories we live at home. I used to have what I call the "reset rituals" when this time comes. My September Reset Rituals:
I know many of you are in the same boat: balancing family and freelancing, deadlines and dinner plans. So, here’s to a season of fresh starts. For our kids and for us. Do you have any rituals for September? If so, I would love to hear about them! To your success, Guanine Medical AcademyIf you're new to my newsletter, visit the academy website to learn more about what I offer!
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Guanine Medical Academy
I teach foundational medical-writing courses and share practical insights to help aspiring and developing medical writers grow with confidence. But professional growth does not happen in isolation. As a wife, mother, and independent medical writer, I understand the challenge of pursuing a professional career while caring for a family. I believe busy parents make time; they don’t wait for it. That belief inspired Pen & Parents, a newsletter for parents navigating medical writing and science communication. It is where I share honest reflections, practical productivity strategies, and encouragement drawn from my own journey.
Hi Reader, Finding medical writing clients can feel difficult, especially when you are still building your portfolio and professional network. If you have not watched it yet, I’ve created a four-part video series to help you tackle four common challenges: showing proof of your skills, positioning your service, making your expertise visible, and building a steady pipeline. Each part includes a short quiz to help you put the ideas into practice. I hope it helps you take your next step with...
Guanine Medical Academy is turning five! Hi Reader, This newsletter is especially meaningful to me because Guanine Medical Academy is celebrating its fifth anniversary. I initially started Guanine Medical to build my own career as a medical writer. Soon afterward, I realized how many aspiring writers needed help understanding what medical writing really involves, who can enter the profession, and how to get started. That realization led to the creation of Guanine Medical Academy. When I...
Hi Reader, What if I told you that I used AI to write this article for you today? Would you continue reading it? Probably not! Or perhaps you would continue, but with a little more caution. You might wonder whether the ideas are truly mine. Did I verify the evidence? Are the references real? Did I protect confidential information? And, perhaps most importantly, did I contribute enough thought and expertise to deserve your trust? These questions capture much of the discomfort medical writers...