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.
Educational Piece Building a Cohesive CME Deck That Actually Teaches Hi Reader, I’m back with my educational piece series, and today I want to develop a guide from my own experience for continuing medical education (CME), specifically slide deck project. A CME slide deck can look deceptively simple from the outside. The final deliverable may contain only 40 or 50 slides, but behind those slides are dozens of decisions about educational strategy, scientific accuracy, storytelling, visual...
Hi Reader, One of the most frustrating things about freelance medical writing is unrealistic deadlines. I can tell you that I have faced this aspect countless times since I started working in the medical writing business. Clients have no idea how long a project can take, and deadlines are often discussed before the work itself is fully understood. Questions I often hear from my clients: “Can you finish this by tomorrow?” “It’s only a short deck.” “We just need a quick review.” And suddenly...
Hi Reader, Thank you for being part of Guanine Medical Academy! First, I want to sincerely apologize for not being as active with my newsletter as I would have liked. That said, I haven’t forgotten about you—I’ve simply been dedicating my energy to something exciting behind the scenes… and now it’s time to share it with you. We’re on YouTube! 🎉 Yes, you heard that right! After much thought, I’ve launched a YouTube channel to teach, support, and inspire medical writers. On the channel, I’ll be...