About Unsolicited Advice Books

About Us  Linda & Doug Hamilton

We’re Linda and Doug Hamilton — writers, educators, parents, and now, co-authors of the Unsolicited Advice book series. We’ve combined decades of experience helping young people grow into themselves, both professionally and personally, to create resources we wish we’d had when we were starting out.

We believe that independence shouldn’t mean going it alone — and that real advice, given with warmth and humor, can make all the difference. Our goal is simple: to be genuinely helpful.

We live in Oakland, California, with our dog, cat, and python. Our two sons, both college students, inspired this book (and tested out a few of the tips).

The advice we wish we’d gotten?
💬 That it’s okay to ask for help — and how to take care of your money before it disappears.


🖊️ About Linda

Linda Parker Hamilton is an award-winning author and founder of Stories to Last, an independent press specializing in memoirs, histories, and practical nonfiction. She’s written over 60 personal histories, feature articles, outdoor guides, and fiction for readers of all ages, and she’s also the College Essay Guru — helping young adults find their voice and share their story.

Before writing full-time, Linda taught high school and college writing. She lives for creative expression, deep conversations, singing in a band with Doug, dancing, gardening, and anything involving storytelling.

The advice she wishes she’d gotten:
💬 How to take care of her money, how to ask for help, and that it’s okay to follow her own path.


🎸 About Doug

Doug Hamilton is an educator turned sustainability leader, currently working as a sales director in the solar energy field. He’s taught in both Japan and the U.S., written about energy policy, contributed to legislation, and helped launch a new middle school science curriculum approved by the state of California. He holds degrees from UC Berkeley and Stanford.

Doug brings a love of teaching, a head for systems, and a rock & roll spirit to everything he does — from battery recycling policy to late-night band rehearsals.

The advice he wishes he’d gotten:
💬 What a credit score is — and how to use a credit card without wrecking that score.