Outdoor writing doesn’t really pay well, and it doesn’t get much glory, but it can be immensely rewarding. Here are five mistakes I’ve made (plus a bonus category) so aspiring writers won’t have to repeat them.

For the first time since 2009, I attended a Bassmaster Classic and was not in a boat blogging during fishing hours. That set me free to write about things I wanted to investigate. That led to a morning analysis and evening analysis each day, but also some human interest stories. In case you missed any or all of them, here are links.

In order to make the most of a side-hustle or dream career, you need to look at every bit of drudgery or repetition as an opportunity. Treasure what you GET TO do more than regret what you HAVE TO do.