A writer I know once told me, when he was asked about how to start writing something and the fear of the blank page, just start writing, you’ll figure the rest out as you’re going.  Like most things you lose, I can’t recall exactly when I stopped writing, but I can recall why.  Writing was, like much else in my life, a casualty of circumstance; when rebooting my life and my career from catastrophe became a full-time affair.  There simply wasn’t time to for anything that wasn’t work or survival, and survive, I did.  At some point, I’m quite certain I’ll give greater treatment to those particular circumstances – but that’s not for today.  Today, I’m coming back to writing.

So… what am I going to write?  That’s a good question – but I think it comes to the two things I like writing the most – humor and opinion.  Deep down, I’ve always known I’m an essayist.  Of course, in the world of writing, the essay does not hold a particularly popular (or fiscally beneficial) place.  But, try as I might, nothing else really took, and it’s time to give myself to the craft that chose me – and not the one I chose.  I’m going to write essays.  Most will be short – but I’ve always wanted to write long-form essays, and while I’m not quite sure how they’ll happen, I expect them to happen.

I’m also going to try to find my old catalog and publish it, here.  The best part of writing is reading it again.  Writing for me (and I suspect most writers) is catharsis.  The words are wrapped with emotion – even if they aren’t transmitted to the reader.  To read them again is like looking at an old photograph or watching an old home movie – you get to feel it again.  So, I admit, I go back and read my own stuff – just to feel it again.  Some make me laugh (Three Things), and some make me cry (Requiem for a Jack), but they are exquisite feelings, each of them.  This effort wouldn’t be complete without them.

One last thing… what we’re gonna call this whole new thing.  So, always one for cheeky titles along with a little personalization and pun work, I’ve settled on: Says Tru.  This (obviously) my last name woven into one of my favorite news clips of all time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBLokraThgY

Why is this my favorite?  Because no other words encapsulate why I’m writing (again). Ignorance is a disease.  Watching a grown man invest in an easily debunked conspiracy theory about martial law instructs why education is so important.  The idea that once presented with the facts you can simply shake your head, mutter “says you” and wander off and continue to believe the nonsense is symptomatic of this disease.  I understand the discomfort of calling people ignorant – but I’ve never been one to stand on manners, when the truth is sacrificed for their benefit.

It’s time to find a voice again.  My voice.  Welcome back, everyone.  For the new folks, buckle in.  The going here isn’t always easy, but I like to think it’s always worth the read.

P.S. That wise old writer that said to just start writing?  Yep, that was me.