Thank you.

Published: Mon, 12/21/20

Well, friends, it has been quite a year.

This is a note, simply to say thank you.

Clients -

Thank you for hiring me for so many writing projects of all kinds.

From books to podcast episodes to educational presentations for thousands of kids and teens to websites to inspirational card decks and beyond—we made so much art this year.

Students -

Thank you for diving into my courses on writing, communication, marketing, and publishing with such eagerness, hope, and excitement. Every "I did it!" email from you brightens my whole day.

Readers -

Thank you for reading my newsletter, articles, books, and other stuff. It feels good to know that the words I type are landing in someone's heart and making a difference of any kind, big or small.

Friends and fans -

Thank you for the kind words. During these isolating times when it's difficult to meet up offline, one kind email is especially meaningful.

Non-fans -

Thank you for teaching me that sometimes, criticism is helpful and constructive, and sometimes, it's just someone having a bad day that has nothing to do with you, and other times, it's a blurry muddle of both. And sometimes, it's just bizarrely mean-spirited. But even the meanest stuff fades and eventually becomes kinda funny.

Speaking of which: to the Amazon reviewer who gave my latest book a very terse 1-star review—I am sorry you felt the book was "not worthy of purchase" and with "nothing new" inside. What a dreadful experience for you. My deepest apologies. I hope you find something wonderful to read, soon. Might I recommend Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn? Now THAT is a good book.

My inner circle -

You know who you are. Thank you.

Zuki the dog -

Bringing you home was the best decision I ever made. Thank you for choosing me.

. . .

Thank you for riding along with me in 2020.

What a year. By hook or by crook, we made it.

And what's happening in 2021? What can you expect?

Things happening next year -

- The Marketing Without Social Media Course is coming back in 2021.

- The Email Course and The Tiny Book Course are both coming back in 2021, too.

- Enrollment for all 2021 courses will be open pretty soon. We are switching to a new (and better) payment system and mailing list system. As soon as all the techie bits are finalized, the doors will be open.

- A new project called Newsletter Magic is coming to you in the New Year, too. Those of you who write a newsletter, or want to start a mailing list soon, you'll love this.

- Another new baby—The Unplug Project—is coming, as well. If you feel worried that you spend too much time on your phone, computer, or staring at a screen, this is for you.

- I will finish writing my next book. Title: Turn Off Your Phone and Read This Book.

- I will probably be hiring a few more employees to join the team. More on that later. (One of the greatest surprises of 2020, for me personally, was realizing that I actually love being a "boss" and "managing people." I always thought I would be awful at this. I was wrong. It actually brings so much meaning into my life. Who woulda thunk.)

- My website is getting a long overdue makeover.

- Perhaps most importantly, in 2021, I hope to learn 3 magic tricks (probably coin tricks, maybe cards) and be a volunteer whale-counter during humpback season. The real priorities.

That's all for now, folks. I'm wishing you a peaceful end of the year, and hopefully, some quiet, stillness, and deep rest during the holidays.

Happy holidays. Merry everything. We're alive.

And what a blessing just to be here.

-Alex

PS. My soundtrack for the end of the year: the Soweto Gospel Choir (that cover of "Fix You," whoa), Silicone Boone, Beautiful Chorus, Active Child, Scala & Kolacny Brothers, Hapa, Ka'ikena Scanlan, and k.d. lang. How cool that I'm sort of an "old person" now who can introduce k.d. lang to the children. Welcome, children. Welcome.