Chapter 1: The Writer's Journey

For three continuous years, I’ve dedicated twelve hours each day to writing, and to be honest, I’m exhausted. I’ve spent this time reflecting on my first forty years, producing nearly one million words centered around my experiences and identity. Medium has become my chosen platform, and I've encountered a myriad of situations and stories that resonate with some of you. Thanks to your interest, I've managed to scrape by, living in near poverty from my writing. It’s a dream realized—mostly.

Becoming a writer was always my ambition, but I envisioned a much different lifestyle. In my ideal scenario, I would awaken in a spacious Downtown LA loft around noon, indulge in some recreational activities, and pen a few chapters for my next book as part of a lucrative multi-book contract.

By evening, I’d socialize with fellow renowned authors at a bar, engaging in stimulating conversations while enjoying whiskey and playing pool. Every couple of hours, we’d step outside to share a smoke, and I’d choose a companion from the bar to accompany me home for a thrilling night, only to send her off in an Uber after a passionate encounter. I would then write a bit more before falling asleep, ready to repeat the cycle.

What my reality looks like, however, is quite different. I’m up by 6 AM, thanks to my dog who hears my mom preparing for work and insists on a morning walk. Once awake, I sit down at my computer, but instead of writing, I find myself scrolling through Twitter, browsing items on Amazon that are well beyond my budget, and wasting far too much time on distractions.

By 5 PM, it hits me that I haven’t accomplished much, so I push myself to write, often staying up until 3 AM to repeat the process. Oh, and on Fridays, I indulge in some pro wrestling for fun.

This has been my life as a writer. Initially, writing served as an outlet while I coped with the lingering effects of long-term heroin withdrawal. It became a way to document my life before my memories faded or I succumbed to an early death. My initial plan was to author an epic book that no one would ever read, starting with a few answers on Quora as a warm-up.

One of my responses unexpectedly gained traction, racking up 300,000 views and 20,000 upvotes in a month. My follower count skyrocketed, and with it, my spirits lifted as I received messages and comments. It felt validating.

The book project I had in mind was abandoned in favor of my newfound addiction: the craving for attention.

As a teenager, I was influenced by Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Even though I hadn’t yet experimented with psychedelics, the escapades described in the book seemed thrilling to my 15-year-old self. I aspired to emulate Hunter S. Thompson, and in a way, I have. While I’m my own person, I write about wild experiences and the colorful people I meet—drug dealers, the homeless, and pro wrestlers—drawing inspiration from their stories as well as my own.

I’ve lived recklessly, often sidestepping the idea of establishing a family in exchange for material to write about later. I deliberately sought out the fringes of society for the sake of storytelling. It was exhilarating, and I enjoyed that outlaw lifestyle.

Now, I find myself consumed by the demands of being a writer. While it’s a rewarding job that allows me to work from anywhere, it still requires dedication. I lack a boss but face the realities of bills and financial obligations. I am tethered to my craft.

Despite my fatigue, I embrace my identity as a writer. Yes, there will be challenges, temptations, and countless distractions, but I must remain focused. My goal is to articulate my experiences in fresh ways, connecting with a growing audience who appreciates what I do.

I appreciate your clicks, but my intention is to reach your hearts. I strive to craft sentences that resonate deeply and leave a lasting impact. Remember my name—I want to be unforgettable.

My mission is to inspire and entertain. Each story begins the same way, with a blank text box. There are no shortcuts or tricks in my writing; I aim to create something truly captivating.

I’m committed to changing the world, one mind at a time. My adversaries are negativity, fear, and ignorance, and I confront them daily, armed with my HyperX keyboard and Cherry red switches.

You deserve to feel valued, and you possess more power than you realize. That’s the essence of my message.

What message do you want to convey?

Chapter 2: The Downsides of Success

In the world of writing, there is a flip side to achieving success, especially when your brand embodies angst.

Catching Big Fish in Small Ponds explores the intricate balance between ambition and reality, showcasing the struggles that accompany the pursuit of a writer's dreams.

Big Fish in a Small Pond or Small Fish in a Big Pond? A Developer Career Strategy delves into the choices faced by writers and developers as they navigate their careers in a competitive landscape.