Let’s Celebrate One Another
Editor’s pick — fave reads from TOJ Writers

I just want to start this message by saying that you folks rock my socks! 🧦 If I have said it once, I have said it a hundred times that I am honored that each and every one of you wonderful people want to publish something (and often many things) in The Orange Journal.
Your stories are so vibrant and vivacious. They are thrilling, enticing, nail-biting, emotionally-charged works of art. They make my days better. They give me a sense of purpose when it dwindles.
They recharge me and uplift me. I know I can only speak for myself about how this work is received, but I’m sure that other readers feel the same.
I don’t care how many followers you have. If you have been published with TOJ, then you are an incredible writer! (That’s based on my opinion, so yeah I still hope you think it’s special.)
This week’s shoutouts, in no particular order. It’s so hard to choose!
Written by Rex Shadeseagle, this article has to be my top favorite that I have not only published but read on all of Medium this week. Rex talks about his journey of heroin addiction after surrendering to childhood sexual abuse. This eventually led him to a failed suicide attempt. In time, he learned how to cry and process his emotions. Now eight years clean, Rex has a beautiful family and is more emotionally intelligent and connected than he ever was. He is a survivor and a fighter.
A beautiful love story written by Kelly Leigh Moran… She takes us through an unplanned love for her French tutor, and the emotional wave of attraction she experiences over the course of many months. This piece was written with such fascinating imagery that as I read, I actually saw a movie playing in my head. For lovers of Pari, hopeless romantics, and visual readers alike, this one is for you.
Written by Paul Walker, a retired priest, talks about the inability of some religious folks to forgive, though we all ask for forgiveness at one point or another. When he parted ways from his first wife, she made waves and started rumors that forced Paul to relocate to various churches. He talks about the double standard he faced for many years, though it never shook his faith. Religious or not, it’s worth a read and provides great perspective.
Written by Bernie Pullen, she shares her story of the impact of being widowed in her early twenties and raising an infant as a single parent. Her wedding ring remained on her finger for many years, as it provided her with much comfort through grieving. This is an emotional read that offers a sense of self-reflection, whether you are wed or not.
Jeanne Marron describes a home she regularly visits in a recurring dream. Both creepy and unusual, her depiction of the setting and characters keep the reader wanting to know more. In a tremendous home with so many rooms, you will find your imagination wander as you try to figure out what may happen next.
Written by Krystyn Lowe, she digs deep into how depressive thoughts spares no one from a downward spiral into self-hatred. She tells readers about realistic methods that help eradicate her from the trap of pain. Her words are powerful and relatable and worth a read for anyone who struggles with depression.
Written by Micheal Woodruff, he focuses on the life-long impact of his mother’s constant beratement. He brings awareness to a harsh reality in life that attractive people tend to be more successful, in one way or another. …And that when he writes, there needn’t be a face attached, just words. He takes his mother’s words and turns them into a better version of himself with each passing day.
Written by Ginger Tran, we learn about how to come to grips with our “victim identities” — many of which stem from trauma. Ginger talks about the disconnect between ‘what happiness is and what happiness holds.’ That through acknowledging and releasing our pain, our soul understands how to embrace true joy.
And last but certainly not least, Andrea Decker writes about finding her teenage daughter’s suicide note. This piece moved me so much that I actually wrote an entire commentary article about how many of us tend to take life for granted. You can read more on that here.
There are so many phenomenal writers here at The Orange Journal. And truly, I feel such gratitude that you talented folks have decided to find a home here. It just warms my heart.
It doesn’t matter if you haven’t hit your first 100 followers yet. And if you have, kudos! The sky is the limit. Here’s a friendly reminder. We all started at zero, and some writers literally make a killing on here. Anything is possible, and your hard work is not going unnoticed. I see you, I hear you, I love you!
If you weren’t featured this week, it does not mean your piece was anything less of amazing! These particular selections just resonated with me on a personal level, and I want to share this specific display of craftsmanship with others.
New writer resources can be found here.
Best,
🆂🆄🆉🍊
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