Welcome to Balancing Opposites
The new home for my thoughts on the writer's (and editor's) journey
It’s been a year since I successfully fulfilled the House of Fear Volume 2 Kickstarter campaign. I’ve been quiet during that time, at least as far as emailing and social media is concerned.
Over the last year, I’ve focused on my editing business (spoiler alert: I’m a professional fiction editor and book coach).
I also spent time improving my physical health (it took me two years of daily core workouts and yoga to overcome the pain from a herniated disc, but I got through bicep tendonitis in only four months...yay me).
I’ve been writing, too. I recently finished a novella and quickly started another.
Life’s good, but something’s been missing. What I miss is connecting to and sharing myself with the broader creative community.
While considering how best to reconnect, I’ve heard concerns from clients that share consistent themes that I want to address in a larger format.
Which is why I’ve created Balancing Opposites...
Why Balancing Opposites?
We have an E.E. Cummings quote hanging near our dining table that perfectly summarizes my struggles as a writer, an editor, and, well, as a regular human living in the modern world:
Some writers come to me seeking guidance and support. They want to tap into my experience and improve their skills.
But some writers seek an answer as if there’s only one right way to do a thing. Like so many others, they’re bombarded with messages from well-intentioned friends, social media influencers, and random strangers about who they need to be and what they need to do to find success. And they want me to tell them what to do.
I’m not an opinionated person. And I’m not the type to dole out advice. But I’ve done at least moderately well mastering what Mark Manson calls the art of not giving a fuck.
And it turns out that one of my greatest strengths is my ability to see both sides of an argument.
However, that skill complicates the decision-making process when there are too many options, which makes it one of my biggest weaknesses too. Especially when The Algorithm feeds me input designed to make me feel like I’m doing it all wrong.
In other words, I’ve been there. I know how hard it is to be myself when everyone’s telling me to follow the herd.
I’m an artist and an athlete. I sometimes lead with logic, but sometimes I listen to my heart. I love public speaking, but there’s something enticing about living all alone in a cave without wifi. I prefer editing over writing, but only when I don’t prefer writing.
For me, it’s all a balancing act. And because I’ve lived a life as editor and writer, I want to share insight from both sides of the desk.
So this is about writing.
And editing.
It’s about thinking for yourself and finding your voice.
Who’s it for?
Balancing Opposites is for writers who are struggling to listen to their own creative genius. Writers who want to find success on their own terms, without the constant striving, looking for more, and feeling like they’re not doing enough.
It’s for writers who know what they want to do next but still seek permission from others.
It’s also for people who simply enjoy hearing about the writer’s life.
Sometimes, I’ll put on my editing hat and provide practical suggestions on storytelling. Other times, I’ll be more philosophical, and my thoughts will be a little less tangible.
Anyone who has followed me in the past knows I’m not afraid to share a peak behind the curtain, so I’ll share my fears and weaknesses or shine a light on my failures, too.
And with a name like Balancing Opposites, I’ll often provide more than one point of view.
While I sometimes share what works for me, I know we’re all different. That's why my goal is to provide insight and share my experiences in a way that helps you find your truth.
I hope you’ll follow along...
Great to hear from you, James! Looking forward to your next post!
:)