Balancing Passion And Responsibility: Writing, Caregiving, And Consistency
I love conversations with authors about their struggles to becoming self-publish. Discover how author MK Stangeland Jr. juggles full-time work, caregiving, and his writing career. In this podcast episode, he shares his creative journey, tips for overcoming writer’s block, and inspiration for aspiring authors.
His story is one of persistence, passion, and finding creative momentum despite life’s challenges.
Stangeland, who published his first novel through a hybrid publishing service, opens up about the realities of staying consistent with writing while managing caregiving duties. He also offers grounded advice on dealing with writer’s block, avoiding over-editing, and staying inspired—even when the path to authorship feels uncertain.
Key Takeaways
His story is one of persistence, passion, and finding creative momentum despite life’s challenges.
Stangeland, who published his first novel through a hybrid publishing service, opens up about the realities of staying consistent with writing while managing caregiving duties. He also offers grounded advice on dealing with writer’s block, avoiding over-editing, and staying inspired—even when the path to authorship feels uncertain.
Inspiring Quote
“The first draft doesn’t have to be good. It just needs to be complete. That’s your starting point.”
— MK Stangeland Jr.
MK Stangeland Jr. is a novelist and full-time worker who also cares for his grandmother. His debut book, Junk World: The Ballad of Leeroy Brown, is available on Goodreads and major book retailers. He is currently working on a children’s fairy tale with classic storytelling and imaginative visuals.
Tune in to hear how MK combines creative ambition with caregiving, and why persistence—not perfection—is the key to every writer’s journey.
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