ABSOLUTELY NO ONE HAS NOTICED that I haven’t posted anything new to “Below the Fold” since June. Don’t worry, I’m not offended — I’d be shocked if anyone did. Hell, I didn’t even notice until now.
I’ve had this blog since 2005 (I think anyway, that was like so MySpace ago) and I don’t have any intention of shutting it down. But I do need to make this little break “official” so people don’t think 1) I died; 2) I joined ISIS; 3) I went to work for the Trump campaign; or 4) I’ve been in the garage for six months trying to build a working TARDIS. Those who know me know that I can’t even make a piece of toast.
The truth is I’ve been writing — a lot. Close to 80,000 words so far in fact. I’m about finished with the first draft of my third book, after which I’ll be starting the second draft. And then the third. Most likely a fourth, too. No matter how many drafts I write I’m always going to think it sucks, so I figure I’ll just wait until I create the least-sucky version and try to sell that one.
Writing takes time. With a demanding job and occasionally having to work as a parent, the book has consumed my fleeting free minutes. It has consumed my brain, to be honest — the more I get to know the characters, the more I want to know about them. And the only way I can learn more about them is to write.
So I’m going to stay focused on the book and step away from Below the Fold and posting on LinkedIn. I’m not going to write about marketing or PR or “storytelling” or social media or digital or any of that stuff anymore, because if there’s one thing I’ve learned in 22 years of being in the business, some things are more important.
I’ll keep you posted on my progress from time to time. And hopefully I’ll be able to share the final product when it’s done.
But for now, it’s back to my other world, the one still taking shape. The one demanding my attention like a petulant child. The one that needs me.
Thank you, Below the Fold. You’ve been a great friend, and someday soon I will see you again.
Gary Goldhammer -- Strategic storytelling for brands, organizations and executives 
As we all know, writing is a dirty and disgraceful waste of time. So if you’re going to do it, at least enjoy it.
So true, Stevie — I’m pretty sure that Starbucks will make more money from my writing than I will.
I hope your current writing project avoids this kind of hyperbole: ” I’m not going to write about marketing or PR or “storytelling” or social media or digital or any of that bullshit anymore, because if there’s one thing I’ve learned in 22 years of being in the business, it’s pretty much all bullshit.”
Fuck, I better change my current title, “The Joy of Hyperbole”…
Well said Gary. What most people think but can’t or won’t say. We’re a self fulfilling machine, eating and drinking out own bullshit and pimping it to the highest bidder. Good luck with your book. Creativity and expression are two of the things that bring us into the business and it’s great that you are going to be able to channel those in a positive way.