This story is crazier than you think. — You know who President John Tyler is, right? You should know he spent some time in the White House, and that even though he died in 1862 in the early days of the American Civil War, he still has one grandchild living today. How is that even possible? It’s strange…

I’m still talking about this night — and now writing about it! — Last week, I met presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin at the Champaign Public Library. It was part of the library’s author series throughout the year. Once I heard she was coming to town, I registered for the event right as free tickets went on sale. Thankfully I did too. She…

As many of you know, I was born and raised in the small town of Taylorville, Illinois. Growing up, I became used to all the customs like: Cheaper restaurant prices Welcome mats on the porch No public transformation Cornfields all around the town And so much more. As much I…

It’s something you’ve probably never done. — Are you ever stuck on ideas? You want to write, but you don’t know what to write about. It’s okay; we’ve all been there a time or two. Inspiration just isn’t coming for us. It’s frustrating and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a writing exercise you should…

I should’ve learned these lessons much sooner. — I accomplished a writing milestone today. By nine o’clock this morning, I completed the first draft of my non-fiction book regarding my time in college at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I couldn’t believe it. All of the hard work, effort, dedication and pride I put into such work…

“Who Moved My Cheese?” changed my life as much as it will change yours. — In my pursuit to read as much as I can in the worlds of self-help, biography, business, finance and other related books, I’m always searching for my next great read. As I scour list after lists of must-read books in those genres, I see many of the same books repeated…

Taylor Nation has entered a new era. — If you’re a fan of Taylor Swift, you have also been patiently waiting for the arrival of TS10. In other words, her tenth studio album. It’s been a long time coming. For us fans, it’s as if we haven’t seen Haley’s Comet in 80 years. Last night at the Video…

And how to become more so in your life. — Do you want to become a better version of yourself? Of course, you do! Those who don’t are missing out on the meaning of life: becoming a better version of you. It’s difficult to do and does take time. But the benefits are wonderful. …

They were so good; I would read them all over again. — I love reading biographies about those who have come before me. They inspire me to live my life to the fullest and make the most out of my time. Biographies allow me to travel back in time as I journey along with the book’s subject and live their life right…