Welcome to my storytelling home.
Pull up a chair so we can talk about the good stuff, the messy stuff, and the hidden stuff that wants to be found.
Whether I’m in my kitchen with friends or at my computer, this is what I do. I look for the unusual connections and the uncommon threads that stitch us together. I tell our stories. I tell them with my fingers flying and heart beating, with my legs curled underneath me and my eyes and ears open to dialogue and details, bumping into unexpected corners along the way.
I’m doing that in this newsletter, too. Although I’ve been a journalist for a long time, my interest has never been breaking news. It won’t be in these pages, either. Instead, I’m bringing new perspective on what makes us human. I’m reaching out to you with stories informed by my life and others’, hoping to give you more to think about in your own.
A Look at What You’ll Find Here
I write about connection through topics ranging from culture, family, politics, sports, mental health and more, always with a focus on giving readers more to think about. Here are a few best-loved examples.
I’m also an experienced editor and journalist who has published dozens of profiles and features in magazines. To get a taste of my writing, you might enjoy these pieces, which appeared in the Carolina Alumni Review:
About Time — New York Times opinion writer and sociologist Tressie McMillan Cottom on breaking through barriers. November 2022 (opens on my website due to paywall)
The Guiding Light — Sam Anthony’s captivating skills as a National Archives tour guide and his resilience living with cancer. March 2019
What Others Have to Say
My storytelling resonates with readers, both here on Substack and in my magazine work. I love to hear when we’re connecting with each other—and here are a couple of examples of the feedback I’ve received:
“You are a storyteller extraordinaire! So much of what you so beautifully wrote resonates. As always, I admire, and applaud (OK, and envy) your courage.” — Miriam Kleiman, paid subscriber
“I thought only fiction had the power to move, to inspire. I could see the years of friendship bursting from the pages; years and years of smiles and laughter, even some tears. I feel wealthier for this story of friendship …” — Austin Root, writing about The Missionary, a mag feature published in the May/June 2016 Carolina Alumni Review.
I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition from national magazine peers at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) on 10 occasions. These are the judge’s remarks for two of those.
“This highly distinguished and extremely compelling piece grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go. It’s well-written, fun, educational, heartfelt, and emotional. This is a profile that is ‘felt’ rather than ‘read.’” — “The Guiding Light,” Best Feature Writing/Profile, CASE 2020
“[This profile] took unexpected turns and impressed the judges with its perceptive insight into the subject.”— “Converting the Shot,” Best Feature Writing/Profile, CASE 2019
Joining and Enjoying This Space
About twice a month in this newsletter, I’ll share what I’ve learned or what I’ve observed in a narrative essay. Occasionally, you’ll also see a profile of a person with life advice or wisdom to share. When you subscribe, these will come right to your inbox—and hopefully find their way into the parts of your heart and mind that are looking for connection.
I will never send you spam or abuse your email or privacy, and you can unsubscribe any time. Always feel free to get in touch with me if you need assistance. You can contact me here: bn32105[at]gmail.com.
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