Moments of Musing

Business Tips for Writers, Influencers & Creators During COVID-19

Filed Under: career, working mom //

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This year was going to be the year ⁣⁣⁣of expanding my brand⁣⁣⁣, of traveling to Europe⁣⁣⁣, of paying off debt⁣⁣⁣, and of launching a new business⁣⁣. But then COVID-19 arrived in the Unites States, and all of my goals were halted.


As a blogger, writer and digital creator in the New York City area, which is the hardest hit area in the U.S., I have had projects paused or canceled, resulting in income loss. Back in late March and early April, I was really nervous and anxious as I realized my income would not be what it was just a month ago.

I decided to shift my focus from my goals and look at the bigger picture, the important things such as my and my family’s safety and wellbeing. Eventually, I did start getting more projects, and I am now hopeful our family’s lifestyle will not be as affected as I feared. I know that is not the case for everyone, though, and my hearts go out to those individuals and their families.

I am sharing tips on how other writers, influencers, and creators can continue doing business and staying afloat, mentally and financially, during a time of crisis, such as this COVID-19 pandemic.

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Continue applying to campaigns and reaching out to business partners and clients

Though it might seem like work is unavailable, apply to the campaigns that are currently open. Also, it can help to reach out to clients/brands and agencies you have worked with before or with which you had projects lined up. For example, you can email asking for an update on a project or ask that they keep you in mind for upcoming opportunities. By doing so, you can find out about existing work or projects; what the current business situation is for your clients and agencies; and maintain a business relationship. 

Continue pitching stories

While other work might have decreased, there are still many stories to be told, perhaps even more now than ever due to the crisis. It could be helpful to continue pitching stories to editors; and to email editors to find out about any current writing assignments. It could be helpful to pitch both crisis-related and everyday lifestyle stories to increase your chances of your pitch being accepted. This will help you continue a relationship with editors you currently work with or want to work with in the future.


Share your story

Regardless of whether any of your pitches are accepted, consider sharing your own personal story and how your life and/or business has been impacted by the current events. Post to social media and/or a blog. Your story might resonate with others. This could allow you to reach new and existing customers and clients, as well as to expand your audience and your business. Writing can also be therapeutic, and could also help you cope with your situation.

Relax with a stress-relieving activity

It is likely you are very stressed due to losing business and income. It is important to take care of your mental wellbeing to stay healthy, and to be able to get back to business when you are able. To help you remain calm during the stressful times, consider adopting a stress-relieving activity i.e. meditation, yoga, or exercise.

Think positively

Tough times do not last, and this will pass. It is important to remind yourself that this situation is temporary, and that things will get better. A positive mindset can help relieve tension and stress, as well as help you think more clearly.

I am thinking of everyone who has been impacted by sickness, death of loved ones, or financial loss during this time. We will get through this.

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Working From Home: 3-Month Recap

Filed Under: career, career and motherhood, motherhood, working from home, working mom //

It has been a little over three months working from home. Our routines have changed a bit, but for the most part things are going smoothly. Today, I’m spilling on what it has been like — what has worked, what hasn’t and how we’re all doing with this new change:

We have some new routines but I’m still figuring out my routine…

The very beginning was trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t. I was doing work at 2AM because I hadn’t carved out time during the day to do so. A couple days in, I did not know how I was going to do it — take care of the boys, the house, and myself while working in the middle of the night. It seemed impossible.

I soon realized I simply needed to make a new routine. I now try to wake up, check emails, serve the boys their breakfasts, feed them, and get back to work while they eat and play. I take little work breaks throughout the day to catch up on work so I am done by bed time. 
And though I hate to admit it, there are some days when I still do my work at 2AM …or 5AM or other odd hours. There are still times, I work in bed at night. I think this is okay though.  On days when I’m flying solo with the boys or they’re sick or extra needy for whatever reason, work waits until the late hours or bedtime or even weekends. 

All that being said, I think I work more odd hours now but also more efficiently. Motherhood has certainly helped teach me how to do so.

It can be overwhelming.

A big part of working from home can feel like stay-at-home motherhood plus the added work. I miss adult interaction. I do not get much time in my home office to get work done on my own. Instead the kitchen island has become my desk. 
It can be especially stressful when the boys are fighting or throwing tantrums or just want me to give them my time and attention. Focusing on work during those moments is nearly impossible so I just have to prioritize their needs above my work — being able to do so is the best part of working from home. 
Thankfully, I do not have to be by a computer for a set number of hours or during set times. I just have to be available somehow (cell is fine, usually); arrange in advance for video meetings or phone calls; and do my work in a timely manner. I have also had to discuss my capabilities, and what I need help with around the house with my husband, who is now mostly home, too.

I can’t do it all.

The biggest thing I have learned in this process is that as much as I want to do it “all,” I simply can’t. It’s impossible. I started out thinking I could work from home, take care of the house, care for the boys, and teach my older son preschool. I quickly realized I could not teach him the way he deserved to be taught and that he was missing out on socialization with other kids. 

So, we enrolled S in preschool. It gives us some time to spend with R, get things done around the house and possibly get some work done if R naps. S absolutely loves school and I know it was a great decision. I also realized that I need help with house work and taking care of the boys. I’ve had to ask my husband to help out more but I think we have a good groove now. 

It has been the best decision of my career thus far.

From what I’ve learned, the early years of motherhood are very busy chaotic. Some Many days, motherhood trumps all and takes most of my time and attention. This happens more often than not, in a ll honestly. Working from home enables me to shift my work priorities to prioritize my most important role – being their mom. My position also still challenges me,  fosters interaction with co-workers, and one of the best parts is that I do not have a resume or income gap. 
I am forever grateful that I have achieved as close to a balance as it gets in my career, and I can only hope it will continue this way while still being able to grow professionally. 

Chalk it Up to Luck … or Hard Work?

Filed Under: career, family, hard work, inspiration, luck, motivation, positivity, work, work hard //


Sometimes when speaking with my husband about our life, I call ourselves lucky. But then I remember how much hard work we’ve put in to get here. 

I think about hyperventilating and feeling overly anxious when I had to go back to work after my first maternity leave. 

I think about crying in the shower thinking up plans to be able to live a life more closely aligned with my vision of motherhood. 

I think about my plans, my hopes, my dreams. 

I think about what I did each step of the way to lead to me to the next step.

I think about how much studying, hard work and perseverance I put in and practiced to get to where I am today.

I think about my husband’s difficult transition into civilian life. (Side note: The military does not help as much as they should but that’s a post for another day.)

I think about his decision to get a college degree to better our future. 

I think about his decision to get his MBA to advance his career.

And then I think about his life story and how hard he has worked to get to where he is today.

So though I do think sometimes luck plays a part in life, I don’t think we would have gotten anywhere near where we are without putting in effort.

While I don’t know where exactly our journeys will take us, I am trusting our decisions and growing more and more excited (while still a little nervous) for us. We have worked hard to become the people, couple and parents we are. And we won’t stop working to become better.