My Narrative Non-Fiction Stories
Chronological list of my narrative non-fiction stories
This is my bread and butter, the type of writing that comes most natural to me. I am a southerner which means story telling is a large part of our culture. Learning how to tell a good story is part of life as an American from the South and I have compiled all of my stories about myself here in order.
My Narrative Non-Fiction stories
A Blue Day at Stone Barn
Published August 20th, 2023
This is the first story I published to Medium. It is a personal reflection of my experience at Blue Hill at Stone Barn. I wrote it years ago before I knew anything about Medium. It is a wall of text. Readers be warned. It is unpolished and I leave it here as a reminder of how far I have come.
Half the Pay, Twice the Life
Published September 26th, 2023
This story discusses the decision I made to come ashore. I quit sailing which at the time was the best paying career. I was the head of a department on a large US Flagged Ship. It was an exciting career full of adventure and fortune. I gave it up to move to China and start a family. This is that story.
I’m Rich in Everything But Money
Published October 2nd, 2023
This is a personal reflection of gratitude for all that is great in my life. It talks about my two greatest teachers of contentment: my father and my wife. It is a personal reflection and has served as my “who is Josh Hinton” pinned at the top of my page.
A forgotten Field from Years Past
Published October 5, 2023
This is a love letter I wrote to field I visited after school. I rode my ATV to the field and admired its tranquil beauty. The story juxtaposes the field in its state in 1999 and how it was unkempt and lush and vibrant without a touch of humanity to be seen with now where it is a county horse arena and there’s a cellphone tower in the center of it.
Yes: The Most Powerful Word in The English Language
Published October 29th, 2023
This story discusses the my experience of saying yes while at the Seafarer’s International Union. Saying yes to two unwanted chores led to an amazing job offer that forever changed my life.
Longwood Lights: She had so much to Say
Published October 31st, 2023
This is my ghost story. It is the detailing the events of a strange thing that happened to me at the Antebellum home Longwood while working the lawn during the annual Christmas light show.
Pistol Whipped, Face Down on the Curb: Lessons from a Carjacking
Published Nov, 8th 2023
This story details the events of a carjacking. I was held at gunpoint and put on the pavement of the parking lot executioner style by a murder. I am very lucky to be alive and count my blessings everyday since that day.
Failing Forward: Lessons from the Classroom
Published November 9th, 2023
This is a story about a chaotic day at work at the kindergarten. It describes the classroom in its insanity and what I learned from that day.
From Grammy to Nobel to Darwin: Shattering Delusions
Published November 11th, 2023
This story chronicles my ego’s journey from dreaming of rockstardom to trying not to earn a Darwin Award.
The 4 Times the CIA almost Killed Me
Published November 12th, 2023
This is a recount of 4 intense moments I experienced in culinary school at the CIA (The Culinary Institute of America).
No: A Complete Sentence
Published November 29th, 2023
This is the story of three times I said no to something despite it seeming like the best choice at the time. Its a story about trusting your instinct and being able to say no when you need to.
An Honest 70: My Proudest Grade
Published Dec 11th, 2023
This is the story of my Food Market and Prices class midterm exam. Notoriously the most difficult exam at the university.
First Things First: A Lesson from a Life on the Line
Published Dec 17th, 2023
This is one of the many lessons I learned about life while cooking in professional kitchens. It explains the importance of foundational task in any process.
Becoming a Shellback: Take Heed Pollywogs
Published Dec 21st, 2023
This story recalls the Shellback Ceremony I experienced when my ship crossed the Equator. It tells the tradition and shows how we celebrated the event.
I Went to Preschool at 38
Published December 21st, 2023
This is the story of me changing careers and becoming a preschool teacher. It discusses the shock of the change.
Fishing Follies with My Father
Published December 25th, 2023
This story chronicles the comedy of errors my father and I went through on our beloved fishing boats maden voyage.
The Dichotomy of a Worker Bee
Published December 30th, 2023
This story discusses my love hate relationship with work. It also talks about how it is the unlikely muse I need to fuel my writing.
The Silencing of Sirens
Published December 31st, 2023
This story discusses the struggle I have with retiring as a Merchant Mariner. It was a watershed moment in my acceptance that I will not return to sea for many years.
How I Became an Excellent Loser
January 2nd, 2024
This story discusses my High School football journey and how losing every game made me a better person.
Electric Blues: My Rocky Relationship with Hello Bikes
Published January 3rd, 2024
This story talks about the rental bikes available here in China and my many mishaps involved with them.
Outlaw Preschool Teacher
Published January 6th, 2024
This story recounts the realization that I work at a school here in China that does not have a license and I needed to run from the police frequently.
On the Back 9 with Dad
Published January 16th, 2024
This story talks about the parrallels of the game golf and life. My father always stressed that sports were a metaphor for life and there were many lessons to learn. This is one of them.
How and Why I make Mashed Potatoes
Published Jan 16th, 2024
This story is look into married life’s gritty side. Its a fight between my wife and I and our “white flag” that I cook to symbolize peace. Its also a technical look at how to make mashed potatoes.
Toddler Jigsaw Massacre
Published January 18th, 2024
This story discusses a failed lesson in my classroom and my struggle with my co-teachers to teach and not focus only on photos.
The Box, Car and the Boy
Published January 20th, 2024
This is the story of a children's fishing tournament and a profound lesson I gained from it almost 30 years ago.
8-Top Down
Published January 23rd, 2024
This is the story of a busy Friday night working in a professional kitchen.
