Mark Shatz – Comedy Writing Secrets

Parenting

Ronald McDonald is my Nemesis

This piece originally appeared in Fatherly. Like many single fathers, I felt fast-food shame. There were days, with back-to-back events, when my son and I…

Mark ShatzApril 2, 2026

Parenting

Fatherhood’s Biggest Lie: Always Tell the Truth

This piece originally appeared in BLUNTmoms. Good dads never lie. What bull. All parents lie to their kids, including moms — especially BLUNTmoms. Parenting is…

Mark ShatzMarch 10, 2026

Parenting

I Study Grief for a Living. The Empty Nest Still Won.

An earlier version of this essay appeared in YourTeen Magazine. I’m a death educator. My job is helping people understand loss, grief, and the emotional…

Mark ShatzMarch 5, 2026