I’m stoked to finally share what I’ve been working on over the past few weeks. Between my daily blogs, I’ve been editing, creating art, and setting everything up to launch my next book. That’s right—Subterrania is polished and ready for print! The official launch is October 1, 2025, and I can’t wait to share it…
The plants here in South Carolina are like something out of a fever dream. I’m not talking about the wild vines or the endless expanse of pine trees, but the smaller, often overlooked plants you can find here. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve had time to explore the outdoors around where I live,…
I had a thought that died today,It was never written down,I smiled when I had it,But now can’t help but frown. The thought shone hopeful lights,Upon my dusty mind,It made my eyes shine true,And helped my gears to grind. But thoughts unwritten float away,They harden to obsidian,Like fungal spores in gentle breeze,They float calmly to…
After weeks of slogging, I’m glad to share that I finally had another good day today. I don’t know what changed, but when I left my classroom I had a pep in my step and a wide smile on my face. So, why don’t you join me on a quick journey to figure out what…
There’s a strange poetry found when beauty and ugliness share the same space. Every morning at around 7:31 a.m., I step out my front door and my senses flood with South Carolina air. This time of year, it’s a beautiful thing. It’s still humid, but in a soft sort of way. Instead of oppressive and…
Have you ever thrown yourself into something so fiercely that you felt as though nothing in the world could stop you? I have—and it’s exhilarating. There’s something about devoting your time, attention, and energy that creates a snowball of success. I’ve seen it in missionary work, learning to play the guitar, and in my academics,…
Do I have depression, or am I depressed?I think there’s a fine distinction between the two. I’ve seen what real depression looks like. It’s dark, it’s lonely, it’s hopeless—and it lasts. Simply being depressed feels different. You have the same symptoms, but they don’t linger for days, months, or years. That’s how I know I’m…
Between lesson plans, grading, and wrangling middle schoolers, you’d think I wouldn’t have much energy left for writing. Turns out, the opposite is true. Since moving to South Carolina and starting my new job as a middle school teacher, I’ve managed to fall into a solid writing routine. If you haven’t noticed, I’ve posted blogs…
Why are kids so interested in getting thrown into dungeons? Seriously, that might sound crazy to you, but my students practically beg for it. It started when I told them the decommissioned bathroom in the back corner of my classroom was the closet of doom. Instead of shying away from it, they got excited and…
How many jobs have you had? A handful? Several? I bet I’ve had more. For much of my adult life, I’ve switched jobs several times a year. I’d get excited about a new position, love it for a few months, hate it by the third, and be on my way to the next one by…