Sunday Serenity

I originated this blog in an effort to share some of my personal thoughts about mental health, serenity, and tools for optimal health and wellness. I have not been present here for a while because I have been pursuing other writing opportunities, including a memoir writing class through an organization called Project Write Now. The class was very inspiring and enlightening and as I began to be honest with myself and others about my dream of being a published author.

As the first step in moving toward that goal I applied for a program called the Incubator program though Book, Inc. which takes you from concept to query letter (for potential publication) in one year. The program starts in January of 2025. I needed to commit

to write daily and attend weekly classes engaging with other writers regularly.

It was an intense vetting process that included a writing sample and references. Fortunately, my previous instructor enthusiastically supported this next step and gave me a very favorable review. I had my online interview with the program's director on Monday, October 14, 2024 and to my great surprise was offered one of the 12 nationwide spots at the end of my interview.

I am excited for this next chapter in my writing journey and hope to use this blog as yet another way to practice my writing skills on a more consistent basis. I hope that you will follow along!

I was told to expect a lot of emotions to surface as I begin this next chapter, as my memoir will touch on the universal themes of grief and loss, and I was advised to make sure that I surround myself with lots of people in my support network to help me through this process. I am hoping that my blog readership will continue to grow over time and be a part of that cherished group.

As a man of a certain age I was taught to muffle my emotions and not talk about things that were bothering me. Years later and many, many therapy sessions later I have found that although meant with good intentions that this advice serve me particularly well.

My hope is that as I get more proficient in my writing that I will do my best to remain authentic and truthful and to write with integrity and vulnerability sharing my own experiences while working to write in such a way that universal themes will resonate with my readership. Thank for coming along for the ride.

"If something inside of you is real, we will probably find it interesting, and it will probably be universal. So you must risk placing real emotion at the cneter of your work. Write straight into the emotional center of things." ~Anne Lamott

Until we meet again I wish you peace and happiness as you make your own journey down Serenity Road. ~Edward John