I’m learning that launching a new blog is a bit like starting a novel. I want to make the lead as strong as possible, with enough of a hook, to immediately pull in the reader. I have a general idea where I want things to go, but I know that there will be plot twists and unexpected developments along the way, and the ultimate destination remains an open question. I’m open to epiphanies.

So that’s my lead paragraph, and I hope I’ve pulled you in enough for you to read on, take a look at the various works and other things I’ve put up, and will continue to put up, on the site, to subscribe, participate, and become part of Stoned Cherry and allow it to become a part of you. Yup, a lot like reading a novel, too. I will do my best to make it a really good one, one worth reading, and I hope you’ll enjoy it and it will become part of your life much like a good book does.

Also much like starting a novel, I put off launching this blog way too long. I knew I had to do it, it’s been eating at me for more time than I care to say, and it’s a bit of a catharsis to finally get it going. The road up to the gateway is often the hardest part of the journey, and once through that gate a new world opens up. That’s how I feel right now.

I’m sure all different kinds of writers and readers will visit Stoned Cherry, and one size does not fit all. I welcome the prolific, those with big if not huge publishing credentials and portfolios, but I welcome the neophyte writer, too, and everyone in between. And I welcome those who just enjoy reading and who may not be inclined themselves to write. And while I assume an adult frame of mind both in this blog and in my writing, I welcome people of all chronological ages, and hope you will find much to interest and inform you here, whatever your age.

I’ve been writing almost all my life, but in many ways this is a time of a new beginning for me. It’s a time of pushing into new spheres of writing, focusing more on book-length works and fiction, after decades of journalism, diplomatic reporting, marketing, and essay writing. Sure, I’ve written fiction and poetry and things that defy description along the way but, like Stoned Cherry, I am focusing now on writing the things, for better or worse, I put off over much of my writing career. I’ll be sharing more of those things as they appear and merit your attention.

I’ll tell you something else I very much look forward to, and which actually is a big part of the driving force behind this site. And that is that many newer writers, writers themselves either starting out or embarking into new territory or who just are unsure and suffering all the torments that writers are prone to, will share in my journey and allow me and other visitors to share in theirs. I hope we can write this blog, build this site, and find our best and highest voice together. If Stoned Cherry can serve that purpose alone, it will be a success.

Well, I think I’ve said enough for now, so I’ll end this here and cast it off, and with it launch this new site, Stoned Cherry. Anyone have that bottle of champagne? I think I could use some.