Alice, just ask yourself the following question: When was the Outdoors anything other than a grand mess?
I was a frustrated person until this year; a Wildlife Biologist by education, an Occupational Safety and Operations Risk Management Professional career wise. I carved out time to hunt and fish from work (and life) time.
Since I retired in March (this sounds weird), I give me permission to hunt as much as I can. To pursue game when I want to vs. when able is kinda unique. Along with use gear I acquired years ago; for the first time in 12 years, I set up my ground blind for deer season. Unfortunately, weather has claimed Muzzleloader Season; there's always next year....
To do what you do was what I would consider a dream, one to be fully lived to the max. Your posts open up a window to a world I could only imagine as a young lad surrounded by copies of Outdoor Life, Field & Stream and Sports Afield.
Thank you for the kind words, Tom. I grew up reading Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, and Sports Afield. But those publications don’t exist in the same way they did in my childhood. The internet has almost ruined outdoor writing (maybe writing in general). There are still places for good writing out there, but they can be difficult to hunt down.
I believe the “too much voice” stories will be more and more relevant as AI becomes more sophisticated. I already have editors asking for more first person essays and less of the tips and tricks articles. As a reader, I seek out only those stories that put me in the moment or make me think more deeply about my experiences. Your stories check all those boxes for me!
I look forward to reading your unedited and authentic work. You are truly a role model for me. Carry on good soldier and may 2026 bless you with abundance, prosperity, and a heart that beats your authentic rhythm from within
Your writing is one of the bright spots in my inbox Alice. While your transition back to freelance had to be tough, I bet you’re glad to have the freedom (and time) to let your voice back into the room. We sure are glad for it! Happy New Year!
Alice, just ask yourself the following question: When was the Outdoors anything other than a grand mess?
I was a frustrated person until this year; a Wildlife Biologist by education, an Occupational Safety and Operations Risk Management Professional career wise. I carved out time to hunt and fish from work (and life) time.
Since I retired in March (this sounds weird), I give me permission to hunt as much as I can. To pursue game when I want to vs. when able is kinda unique. Along with use gear I acquired years ago; for the first time in 12 years, I set up my ground blind for deer season. Unfortunately, weather has claimed Muzzleloader Season; there's always next year....
To do what you do was what I would consider a dream, one to be fully lived to the max. Your posts open up a window to a world I could only imagine as a young lad surrounded by copies of Outdoor Life, Field & Stream and Sports Afield.
Thank you for that view!
Thank you for the kind words, Tom. I grew up reading Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, and Sports Afield. But those publications don’t exist in the same way they did in my childhood. The internet has almost ruined outdoor writing (maybe writing in general). There are still places for good writing out there, but they can be difficult to hunt down.
Agreed, this platform provides an outlet not found in the published world. Keep up the great stories!
I think this platform is what saved me after losing my job. I needed a place where I could just write, even if it ended up having “too much voice”
I believe the “too much voice” stories will be more and more relevant as AI becomes more sophisticated. I already have editors asking for more first person essays and less of the tips and tricks articles. As a reader, I seek out only those stories that put me in the moment or make me think more deeply about my experiences. Your stories check all those boxes for me!
Thanx Alice
I look forward to reading your unedited and authentic work. You are truly a role model for me. Carry on good soldier and may 2026 bless you with abundance, prosperity, and a heart that beats your authentic rhythm from within
Your writing is one of the bright spots in my inbox Alice. While your transition back to freelance had to be tough, I bet you’re glad to have the freedom (and time) to let your voice back into the room. We sure are glad for it! Happy New Year!
Thank you, Laura! The layoff really was blessing in disguise. I’m excited to see where 2026 takes me.