Summary In this episode, Nathan Bollman interviews Michael Pickard, a multifaceted individual with a rich background in science fairs, technology, and writing. Michael shares his journey from being a science fair judge for over 50 years to working at Apple and eventually becoming a published author. He discusses the importance of creativity, the value of persistence, and the lessons learned throughout his diverse career. Michael's story is one of inspiration, showcasing how ordinary individuals can achieve extraordinary things through dedication and passion.     Takeaways Michael has been a science fair judge for over 50 years, inspiring young minds. He emphasizes the importance of adding value to others' lives. Michael has contributed to 36 patentable items during his career. His transition from technology to writing was driven by a passion for storytelling. The first book he wrote was inspired by his daughter, showcasing a personal connection. Michael believes that students today are more advanced than previous generations. He values the feedback from his readers and uses it to improve his writing. Persistence is key; if something is important to you, pursue it relentlessly. Michael's writing process involves multiple rounds of feedback and editing. He aims to publish at least one book a year, with plans for future projects.     Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Michael Pickard 03:02 The Journey of a Science Fair Judge 09:54 Innovations and Patents: A Creative Career 20:27 Transitioning to Writing: A New Chapter 29:24 The Birth of a Writer 30:37 Inspiration from Family 31:40 Exploring New Genres 32:30 Character Development in Detective Novels 34:54 Personal Experiences in Writing 35:49 The Journey of Self-Publishing 36:53 Writing Process and Techniques 40:57 The Importance of Feedback 41:58 Navigating the Publishing Landscape 44:07 Dude Q&A: Quick Insights 50:19 Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Writers 54:08 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors   Keywords Michael Pickard, science fairs, patents, writing, Apple, technology, creativity, innovation, storytelling, perseverance Want to be a guest on Just A Dude Podcast? Send Nathan Bollman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/justadudepodcast Our Website: https://justadudepodcast.com Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/justadudepodcast https://ko-fi.com/justadudepodcast Please remember to follow, review, like, and share! Your support helps us grow!