Team Sounds Sweeter than Solo

Writer's block.

Every writer has fallen into a literary dry spell. Where words once gushed like an untamed river, there lies only drought. The past year has been dry. Rich with experiences, nourishing in content, but dry in my expression and portrayal of it. I haven't been overwhelmed and compelled to pour forth my experiences and emotions. My spring of ideas and creativity has felt stunted. Forced. So I haven't written much.

What compels me to write? What overwhelms my heart to the point that I lay it out on paper? What motivates, awes, inspires, captivates me to the core?

As much as I fight it some days, it's people.

Noticing people. Understanding them. Falling in love with them. Being amazed at the cracks and quirks and irregularities in their person. It all takes time. It takes patience. It takes slowing down. Stopping, even. And that's something I haven't much done over the past year.

Solo, I have no impetus to slow down and appreciate the world around me. Solo, I remain uninspired. That is not unique to me. We all operate that way. Emotional solitary confinement, whether externally or personally inflicted, deadens us.

That is why several authors have agreed to rejuvenate this blog. These are writers that I also call my friends. I have been inspired in some way by each one of them, and I know that their presence here will be incredible. They are each quite different from each other. I love that. Some are very analytical and will stimulate your intellect with their political analysis. Other are very compassionate, and will leave you in tears. Others are incredibly genuine, leaving you feeling known and understood. Regardless of who happens to be contributing to the blog, I have faith in their ability. I have faith in the variety and depth that they will invariably provide.

Let me introduce each to you.

Jared Bailey is a bright mind and a big heart, wrapping up his senior year in highschool. He has been one of my closest and dearest friends for years. Jared wanted to just put it out there that he is moderately attractive and equally as romantic. Humble guy. He is also one of the most kind, thoughtful, John Green-esque guys I've ever had the opportunity to know. You'll love him. Just get ready.

Moriah Cassano is a freshman at a coastal college, pursuing a major in communications and Christian studies. She is one of the greatest minds and sweetest souls I've known, heading into her sophomore year of college. And although she's sweet, she is also a fiesty, sassy Italian. That said, I've stalked her Instagram forever. Her outlook on life, people, and her surroundings is truly captivating. I am ecstatic that her worldview, and all the philosophy, genuineness, and joy that comes with it, will be poured out here.

Grant Looper is my self-dubbed crazy liberal friend, heading into his senior year as a creative writing major. I met Grant in my very first year of debate (which was a lifetime ago somehow), and have been sharpened by his dry wit, incredible mind, and kind soul. He's the slightly better version of Groucho Marx though. It's entertaining. He also writes album reviews for Indie Band Guru. He's wonderful. I'm excited about the variety he's going to add here.

Robert McCallister is a good friend of one my best friends, Jared Bailey. He is joining the Marines very soon. Even though I've only met Robert briefly at a tiny Waffle House for a late-night-snack with Jared, his broad mind, discerning outlook, and sharp intellect stood out. He is brilliantly capable of understanding and communicating intricate ideas. I'm excited that his love of truth and philosophy will be able to be communicated here.


Alaina Moore is our youngest contributor. She is heading into her junior year of highschool, and I love her to death. She's dating my brother, and if they break up, I will probably date her myself just to make sure she's still in my life. Alaina is incredibly funny. She's also smart as a whip, and sassy as one, too. I've watched her go through some crazy stuff. Alaina is a fighter. She inspires me, loves me, and humbles me daily. I am honored to know her and co-author this blog with her.

Jared Neikirk is a New York City dweller in his sophomore year of college. Jared is incredibly dear to me. He has found the tender medium between advice and judgement, and has held my heart while giving me clear direction so many times. Furthermore, he finds it pivotal to understanding his essence that I mention his affinity for ice cream. If character was measured in the quality of espresso you sip, he would universally be classified as one of the greatest.

Hannah Shope is going into her junior year at a small university in Tennessee. She is one of the most dear-hearted souls I have ever met. I tried to teach her how to be sassy once, and she couldn't say "honey" without sounding affectionate. She has zero sass within her, but she's a hopeless romantic in love with coffee, music, classic literature, and her Savior. Her blog posts will probably feel like a mixture of smooth coffee, cathartic laughter, and the tiniest hugs you will ever receive.

Thaddeus Tague is going into his senior year as a public administration major. He's an old acquaintance and recent lovely friend. He is a debate coach with me at Ethos Debate, and is incredible at what he does. He loves debating, of course, and also knows how to smoke a pipe. Thaddeus is hilarious, dearly thoughtful, and equally analytical. I love that he's a fellow-ENTJ. And yet not a scary one. I'm excited for the world to hear what he has to say.

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