After more than 20 years as a writer, journalist, author, editor and syndicated humor columnist, the next chapter in my own writer’s journey is helping other writers prepare their manuscript for the road ahead — and to have some fun together while doing it.
In 1984, I graduated high school in Oregon and moved to Dallas, Texas, where I found groundbreaking work… as a bus boy! But I eventually made my way into the kitchen and was promoted to corporate chef for L&N Seafood Restaurant in 1987, traveling throughout the South, coordinating restaurant openings. Two years later in 1989, I was promoted to regional chef and moved to Atlanta, Ga., where I oversaw kitchen operations for 15 L&N Seafood locations throughout the Southern region.
But what does any of this have to do with his WRITING credentials? you may ask.
Nothing really, but aren’t you getting hungry?
During my years in the restaurant business, I continued to write, getting short stories published in dozens of small press magazines. In 1999, I was hired as the sports editor for Siuslaw News in Florence, Ore. I also began writing a humor column.
During my time at Siuslaw News, I was awarded “Best Local Column” from both the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. I took my self-syndicated column online to newspapers in 2003. In 2013, my column became a syndicated feature with News Media Corporation. As punishment, I was then promoted to Editor-in-Chief in 2016.
I served as a volunteer firefighter with Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue from 2011 to 2021 and am the author of two books: Humor at the Speed of Life (2013), a collection of my columns; and Pearls of Writing Wisdom: From 16 shucking years as a columnist (2016), a writer’s survival guide offering tips, insights and inspiration gathered from more than two decades as a writer.
This past year (2022) after retiring from journalism, I established Easy Writer Novel & Manuscript Editing Services, where my motto is “Helping writers prepare for the road ahead.” (and yes, I love riding my Harley.) I’m also currently working on my third book, a murder mystery set in Seattle titled “No Safe Harbor.”
My wife and I continue to live in a small town on the Oregon coast, along with our dog, several crows and entirely too many sea gulls.
Ned's Blog 
You had me laughing!
Always glad to hear that 🙂
I’m never going to look at a garbage disposal the same….
You should be safe as long as I’m not the one who installed it.
If the lights in the house go out, which I’d bet is likely, be careful if you have to “go” at night. Wouldn’t want to sit on the wrong one.
Haha. Yeah, my fear of that often keeps me awake at night as a defense mechanism.
I love your blog and I was obliged to nominate more bloggers for the Liebster Award. I was supposed to nominate 11… I got around to nominating 2. You are 50% of the nominations I made. If you want to take part, my post has more information.
Wow, thanks so much, Charlotte! And I really like those odds. Thanks for reading — and for the nomination 🙂
Hi Charlotte 🙂 I just finished my Liebster info and posted it, along with my own nominees. The link can be found here: https://nedhickson.wordpress.com/about/liebster-award
Again, thanks for thinking of me, and for sharing your talents and unique perspectives in cyberspace. Cheers!
— Ned
NED!! Thank you so much for nominating me for this award. Because of my Liebster I have now got Mumsnet Blog of The Day for the second time! I’ve only been blogging for a couple of months so I’m totally psyched! (ref Q4.)
Mwah!
http://www.mumsnet.com/bloggers/specials
That’s fantastic! Congrats and well earned. I’ll check it out!
Ned, thank you for stopping by my blog and checking out my recent post. I do appreciate you “liking” it. Take care, Bill
Your humor mirrors mine. I don’t know if I should be happy, or frightened. Is there some sort of weekly meeting I can attend?
Absolutely! Don’t forget your hand puppets…
Perfect, and I just cut out some more paper dolls. I’ll make sure they clear their schedules so they can attend as well. 😛
Haha! We may have to get a bigger meeting place 🙂
Hey, Ned:
You’re a funny guy. Despite what you may have heard, I am not easy (to amuse).
Hey, thanks — and no worries; I didn’t believe the rumors 😉 Cheers to you in the New Year!
I think I’m going to like this place. 😉
Thanks, Maddie — make yourself at home 🙂
Love your blog header! We are huge amusement park fans, scratch that, roller coaster fans (except my daughter) and we have passes to 6 Flags magic mountain for 2nd year in a row. My 9 year old has been a daredevil since 3 and has always wanted to ride the BIG coasters. Therefore, I got a kick out of your header. 🙂 I’ve got shots like that of my son on Lex Luther’s Drop of Doom!
FUN FUN…I clicked to follow. I truly enjoy a great sense of humor.
Sandi
http://www.ahhsome.wordpress.com
Lake Forest, CA
P.S. We travel to OR every so often…my FIL lives in Bend. My hubby has sales work in OR/WA areas. Not sure where Siuslaw is…
Thanks, Sandi 🙂 I grew up in the Redondo Beach area of California and visited 6 Flags (aka, Magic Mountain in those days) many times. I even had my high school graduation night there! I remember going to the Magic Pagoda eight times in one night and the strobe lights making me sick — that’s how much of a daredevil I am! As for Siuslaw, that’s actually the name of the river that borders the town, which is Florence. It’s exactly in the middle of the Oregon coast, along Hwy. 101, about 60 miles west of Eugene. If you guys ever make it out this way, please let me know 🙂 I’ll give you a clam or something…
So many awards, so little time!! I have nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. I love your writing and you make me want to keep going.
I’m so honored by that, Poly. Truly — thank you 🙂
Well deserved…and I guess I should introduce myself….my name is Susan. Thanks for being inspiring.
You’re so very welcome, Susan. It’s terrific to meet you and to be able to share the blog world.
I see that we are carrying the same handyman gene, Ned. Btw, love the tagline for the Siuslaw News. Brilliant.
Are you following Ad-libb3d? If not, I’ll send you a link sometime. You guys were cut from the same cloth.
It’s been six years since I rewired my house, yet every time we have a power outage I still run to see if the fuse box is on fire… Thanks for the kind words, Adam, and I look forward to checking out Ad-libb3d and following your posts.
Hey thanks for checking out Whatsbroken. I popped by here to follow the favor. Quite a site. Wish I could make you laugh half as much, but the emo are well, only slightly funny.
Your JURNALIST card reminds me of when I wrote my GED exam (Grade Twelve equivalency) and passed with flying colors (I assume.) The Dept of Education handed out certificates to all the ones who passed, with a heading that said CONGRADULATIONS!
Hahaha! That’s fantastic! About three years ago, the city here in our small town was re-painting the streets. At one of the intersections, they had painted a white stripe and the word “Sotp.” Priceless…
Hi, erm… Larry?
Just letting you know I have nominated you for the Versatile blogger Award and Very Inspiring Blogger Award.
This is what you do:
Display the Award Certificates on your website
Announce your win with a post and link to whoever presented your award
Present 15 awards to deserving bloggers
Drop them a comment to tip them off after you’ve linked them in the post
Post 7 interesting things about yourself.
Happy posting!
Z x
We really like what your writing, and have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award.
I really enjoy reading your blog so I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award!
Wow! Thanks so much 🙂
Not sure what exactly is but you definately desearve it, so you’re wellcome! 🙂
Haha! Well, as long as “Versatile” doesn’t mean I have to cross-dress while shoeing horses or something… 😉
You are a popular man! I am also nominating you for the Versatile Blogger and Inspiring Blogger awards. Thank you for your awesome posts. Keep ’em coming. And no, I don’t think you need to cross-dress…unless you want to.
Garsh — I’m very flattered, Cassie. Thanks so much 🙂
Thanks for visiting my blog, liking my post, commenting, and following! I appreciate it very much. 😀
My pleasure, Jackie!
Can you come to my house and rig it up to where my dryer buzzer goes off and scares the shit out of my cats when they try to drink out of the toilet? Thanks.
Consider it done. As long as your neighbors don’t mind their garage door opening every time you flush the toilet, I’m your man.
My neighbors are senile. Shouldn’t be a problem. They will think they did it.
That could definitely be a lot of fun 🙂 Let me grab my tool belt. I think it’s in the drier. It makes a lot of noise, but my tools always smell dryer fresh.
In the interest of robust health, I strive for a minimum of fifteen hearty laughs a day. You’ve provided me with at least seven in the space of ten minutes, and for that I’m inordinately grateful. I’ll be back …
Thanks, Judy 🙂 Always glad when I can contribute to good health, especially when it doesn’t involve heavy weights. You keep stopping in, and I’ll do my best to help you achieve your daily allowance of laughs!
Thanks, I have no doubt!
Seriously one of the best blog to read and not just to look at…
I like to notice even if you are from Oregon and I am from Rome we do have things in common, such as the Wolf!
Keep it up, this is great
Not to mention I am a HUGE fan of wolves, I even helped sponsored a wolf pack — so, like everyone on this planet, have more in common than we realize. Thanks for reading!
A friend of wolves, is intellectually my friend…
Thank you Ned!
Ned,
Apologies for being a tad tardy… I’m here. What are we having for diner?
Le Clown
No worries, Le Clown — I always keep a seat open at the table. One of the only good habits left over from the hospitality business. Get comfortable while I heat up a skillet…
Ned,
Will do. I did not want to come empty handed—here’s my haggis.
Le Clown
And here’s a bag with my stomach contents.
Thanks for visiting dentaleggs, Ned. I love that you’re a volunteer firefighter. Cool stuff.
My pleasure! I wasn’t sure what to expect judging from the name of your blog, but am really glad I stopped in. I’ll be back again soon!
You found my lost credentials! Thank you…Hey great stuff here. Continued success and I’ll check in on ya from time to time. Skip.
Thanks, Skip — and I’ll do the same!
I see you like mean-spirited people with no manners. I like that.
I learned how to deal with — and appreciate — them through 15 years in the restaurant industry. Sometimes mean-spirited or a lack of manners is really just blatant honesty in disguise. At least until there’s a club involved.
I usually leave my club at the entrance, you’re safe.
I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Yay! Should you choose to accept, please follow this link: http://meganhasocd.com/2013/03/08/the-versatile-blogger-award/
Best,
Megan
Many thanks, Megan 🙂 Like you, I’m afraid I’m a bit of a procrastinator when it comes to responding to these things. I took the easy way out and did an “award wrap-up” a couple of weeks ago. Shameful, I know. But sincerely, your kind words are greatly appreciated 🙂
Hi, Ned!
This is just to let you know that I have nominated you for the Shine On award. ( The Debbil made me do it!!)
If you would like to participate and display this award, the information and the badge can be found here:
I hope you will enjoy taking part, and congratulations on a great blog!
Marcia
I’m truly flattered, Marcia 🙂 Thanks so much for passing this along to me. I will get on this tomorrow. Cheers, and many thanks!
:You’re welcome. I’m glad you want to participate, and I can’t wait to read your answers. Sans my usual cup of Earl Grey, of course.
Ned, how are you?
Good news, we are giving you the “BEST MOMENT AWARD“. Congratulations and enjoy the rest of the day!
I’m very flattered and appreciative — Thanks so much!
Hi, Ned. Beacuse I love your writing, I nominated your blog for a few awards. http://tracicarver.com/2013/03/18/and-the-winner-is/
Congrats and keep writing!
Thanks so much, Traci! Now, I can finally mark “Get good grade from a teacher” off my bucket list. I’d pretty much given up on that after high school 😉
Please accept this award, Tagged In – Blog Nomination
Thank you!
– Catrizia.
Thanks so much, Catrizia. I’m very appreciative and flattered 🙂
I’m glad to know that. 🙂
Hey Ned; it is my honor to notify you that you have been nominated for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Take a look at this page for rules and requirements. Best of luck to you! 🙂
Many Thanks 🙂
Most welcome. Good luck 🙂
Ned, delighted to have found you through your notes with Susan at http://polysyllabicprofundities.com/about/comment-page-1/#comment-4517
You both had me laughing ~ Thank you! Best ~ HuntMode
My pleasure — and thanks for stopping in. Please be careful handling any half-frozen raspberries 😉
Hi, Thanks for following ‘The Savvy Senorita’. I appreciate it!
Bex
I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. I’ve done this because I want people to know how much I enjoy your blog. You don’t have to pass this award to others, but I hope you will. You can read about your nomination here:
I used to be a very proficient fry-cook at my local Sonic Drive-In. Do they have those in Oregon? Mmmm. . . .tator tots with chili and cheese. . . .
We have lots of fry cooks in Oregon. Who do you think cooks all that elk? Seriously, we do have Sonic here — it’s one of my favorite burger joints, along with Dicky Joe’s. And chili cheese tater tots… you’re speaking my language.
Ok, it’s killing me..who’s the kid in your header picture. Frikking cracks me up every time I am on your page! And hey, we were in Florence last week, I’ve never been there before…cute town!
It still cracks me up, too. I took it last year during the Rhododendron Festival. He’s a friend of my son’s who was talked into the ride. The woman laughing in the background makes it even funnier because she’s such a contrast to the look of panic on his face! Glad you liked Florence; I’m kind of partial myself. Next time you’re here, give me a heads up. We live in Old Town and I can show you where to get the best burger in town. Or pancakes. Hey — And congrats on getting ‘Pressed.’ Absolutely well deserved.
Your Friday is now even more exciting because you have been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award (again). Thanks for being funny!
http://aressler042.wordpress.com/
I knew there was a reason I liked Fridays! Many thanks 🙂
Hi Ned. I wanted to give you the WordPress family award. It’s not an award that means a lot of work on your part, it’s just a way to say thanks for being a great support in my journey through blogging and through life. 🙂
The link is here: http://polysyllabicprofundities.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/wordpress-family-award.jpg
4 kids? You poor bastard.
When I read your comment, I don’t think I could push the “approve” button fast enough. Does that make me a bad person? Seriously, I absolutely love my kids. Most of the time.
Hey friend
I have nominated you for a Sunshine Award because chain letters are so much fun and chain mail is kinky, unless it’s well made.
You can see what I know of the rules at: http://createdbyrcw.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/sunshine-award/
I really appreciate that. The image of you in chain mail, I mean… Seriously, thank you my friend 😉
Heyyy!
Please accept this Shine On Award Blog Nomination.
Thank you!
-Cat.
Apparently I’m the only blogger I know who doesn’t follow your blog. My bad. So I’m remedying this right now.
I’d start with liberal amounts of ipecac, just to be safe…
I’m a little late to the party, but I’m here now! Love your blog,,, exceptional hilarity is ensuing.
I’ll take some of the blame since I didn’t send out invitations. Thanks for coming to the party, Katie 😉
In truth, the professor chuckled!
This is too funny! Thanks for making my day! http://www.segmation.wordpress.com
Any time — thanks for stopping in!
Hurray for Freshly Pressed – it’s how I found you. You are funny! I like funny. Yay team!
Looking forward to reading your posts.
Thanks, Robyn! And I look forward to reading yours as well. Your post “Someone to Watch Over Me” was terrific 😉
Thanks so much for reading that Ned. You, and my five other friends who read it, were very kind to comment. I am just learning how to be brave enough to write a little more personally, so positive feedback is sort of spine strengthening support. Cheers!