Hello Reader!

The school year has officially started, and with it, my return to the English classroom. It reminded me of this hilarious video by Frank James called “If Lit Terms Were People.” See how many terms you can spot and recognize!

​

Of course, beginning anything new—whether a school year, a job, or even a writing project—comes with its share of excitement and worry. This year, though, the gap between the two felt dialed up to 11. On the very first day back, I found myself in a moment of decision: would I let worry and frustration set the tone for the year, or would I choose hope and a good attitude?

The choice felt so heavy that I literally had to step into a school bathroom, take a deep breath, and pray. I realized in that moment that the attitude I chose would shape everything that followed. So I decided—right then and there—to walk back out hopeful.

Now, a little over a month into the school year, I can see how much that decision has mattered. The hard days are still there, of course. Teaching (and life) doesn’t get magically easier. But the difficulties don't get to write the script. Every day we have to ask ourselves: Are these challenges going to make me bitter, or are they opportunities to make me better? So far, I’ve been choosing the second path—and I’m praying I can keep it up.

Meanwhile, over at my writing desk, I had to face another kind of choice. I recently realized that much of my first chapter needs to be scrapped and rewritten. Not because it was bad (in fact, I really liked it), but because a small change later in the story had a ripple effect that broke the foundation I had carefully laid in chapter one. Pages and pages are headed for the chopping block. As the old writing advice goes, sometimes you have to “kill your darlings.” Painful, yes. But necessary.

Thank you for walking with me through both the classroom and the writing desk—the ups, the downs, and the quiet, stubborn choice to hope.

Until next time,

Jason

PS - A bunch of authors (myself included) have come together to build a massive giveaway of fantasy and sci-fi ebooks.

With over 80 authors participating, you're bound to find one that catches your interest. Check them—click the image below:

​

​

​

​

​