Hey, my name’s Dan! I’m an ordinary, middle-aged guy, husband, and dad of three who somehow ended up making a living from writing.

Over the years, I’ve built an audience of more than 100,000 readers across Medium, Substack, and other platforms. I’ve learned \(often the hard way\) what it takes to grow a genuine audience, stay consistent, and actually get paid for putting words into the world.

I started Backyard Writers Skool because I wanted a space where real people could learn to write with heart, find their voice, and turn their stories into something meaningful — maybe even profitable.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubtful, or unsure how to start writing online, you’re not alone. This is a place for everyday writers who want to grow their craft, connect with readers, and discover what’s possible when you just keep showing up to the page.