Dedicated to helping writers find their voices, develop strong visibility, and earn a living. I’ll promise never to bore you. I read carefully and diligently because I love to read. I might comment about your writing, and rest assured, it is never unkindly meant.
Maryan Pelland (that’s me) joyfully identifies as a writer/self-publisher/editor/mentor and baby boomer. She began professional writing at 16 when she convinced the editor of The (Chicago) Daily Herald to let her write and produce a weekly section for local teenagers. That may have been her boldest career move—it allowed her to span seven decades doing what she loves.
With an ingrained passion for communications, she learned writing and developmental editing skills from some of the wisest (and meanest) editors and publishers in the business.
Transitioning into editing, developmental editing, and publishing, she served as editor-in-chief for a weekly newspaper and then wrote for dozens of major newspapers, magazines, and websites. Her writing-related credits include a dozen books, thousands of articles and features, mentoring, teaching, and publishing a well-circulated magazine for women.
For the past ten years, Maryan Pelland has mentored burgeoning writers who want to make money writing. She writes about surviving the struggle, and about technology, artificial intelligence, relationships, and creativity. Her keen eye for detail and commitment to the craft make her a sought-after professional in the publishing world.
She describes herself as an upbeat, energetic, Buddha-centric grandmother who will never get too old to engage. She dotes on her 15 grandchildren, makes pottery in her basement, hangs out at Pen2Profit.online, and dabbles in art and photography. Maryan doesn’t have a dog. She doesn’t love cats, seldom takes moonlight walks on the beach, and is a barrel of fun and opinions.
A few salient facts about Maryan Pelland:
The book I am reading is The Autobiography of Blackhawk by Blackhawk.
The last book I wrote was Ivy and Her Not Magical Tablet with an illustration assist by artificial intelligence. For 21st Century kids. (pssst- click the link to see it!)
My favorite TV series of all time was Treme, an amazing story about New Orleans people’s recovery post-Katrina. I lived there during that traumatic time.
My favorite music is widely eclectic. Particularly fond of authentic blues, Janis, and I’m a rabid fan of 1960s-1970s singer/songwriters. (I truly miss John Hartford.)
I’m happiest when I’m doing exactly what I choose to do—often writing and teaching writers. So I’m pretty much happy most of the time.
This gets under my skin—people who don’t know the difference between opinion and fact. They’re known as ultracredpidarians.
I’m on Substack because I got really exhausted digging my way through the detritus on social media. Here, I can share my thoughts with people and earn authentic connections if my story resonates. I am so over other social media.
This makes me laugh—most of the stuff my grandkids do that drives their parents to distraction. I have the luxury of finding such things charming and delightful because I don’t have to be responsible for outcomes.
This is on my mind—the US government treats our military and Veterans shoddily. There is no excuse for what the people who serve our country go through when they need help and support. I come from a Veteran family that has served in every conflict back to the Civil War.
My most-read Substack article is called Demystifying Substack—it’s a clear description of how I earned 2500 subscribers in three weeks. Paid annual subscribers can access it in the premium archives on my Substack.
This one underperformed, but I think it has merit, and it’s funny. Want to Make Money Writing? Understand How Language Works. Again, I share my entire archive (hundreds of articles) with annual subscribers.
One thing I’d rather not admit is that I’m not 20 years old anymore, and while minds endure (and mine is always brewing up a storm of ideas for you), bodies may not do so well (groan).
My best writing tip—respect your readers and don’t make them struggle to figure out what you meant. Polish, polish, polish until the story shines.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read about me and my work. Your comments and engagement add high value to my day. Let me know you saw this by dropping a quick comment, please. May you be well.
I really enjoyed reading more about you, amiga querida. You are amazing and you always inspire me. One of these days I would love to have coffee with you over Zoom. ❤️
Can relate to the “what makes me laugh.” My grandson wears his parents out.