The Call to Write in a Distracted World

Our culture presents an undeniable challenge for storytellers and thinkers striving to capture attention in an era dominated by fragmented, distracted minds. Many have disengaged from the deeper work of confronting personal and collective dysfunction, sidestepping introspection in favor of fleeting distractions. Yet, this very environment makes the act of writing—and reading—more vital than ever.

Writing calls to us, sometimes softly, sometimes with an unrelenting pull, even in moments when the world seems uninterested. It is not simply about leaving behind words for posterity. Writing becomes an act of rebellion against the numbness, a lifeline for ideas and stories that demand to be shared for those willing to listen. For me, the call to write serves as both a personal mirror and a means to inspire connection in a world that often feels disconnected.

For years, I have wrestled with the question of sharing what I’ve written—ten completed works await public light, though I feel called now to focus on just one. The obstacle isn’t just time or perfectionism, but confronting a culture that often turns away from reflection, uncomfortable truths, or meaningful change. Is it worth pouring one’s soul into a manuscript when so few prioritize healing, growth, or collective understanding? The answer, for me, remains yes—because the few who resonate with such work make the endeavor worthwhile.

Writing is more than a transaction; it whispers truths, bridges divides, and offers moments of clarity in an otherwise distracted existence. It is an invitation for people to pause, reflect, and perhaps seek healing they did not know they needed.

With no biological heirs, my written words hold the promise of being my enduring legacy. They capture the essence of my beliefs, struggles, and dreams—not as a polished final truth but as an honest thread of who I am. Writing becomes my way of addressing the universal need for connection, understanding, and resilience.

I explore themes of overcoming toxic masculinity, unlearning harmful religious constructs, generational trauma, and addiction. These subjects are deeply personal, yet alarmingly universal. They reflect both my triumphs and my wounds. For readers who are ready—those who sense the fractured state of modern society but long for clarity—these stories might serve as beacons in a shared storm.

But writing isn’t about lecturing or forcing healing upon others. Rather, it becomes a mirror reflecting my own path while gently inviting others to consider their own. The words I commit to the page are meant for those ready to begin or continue their passage toward wholeness.

It is easy to feel defeated in the early stages of writing when one’s audience feels elusive or indifferent. I have faced rejection, anonymity, and an environment hostile to depth. Yet, I have learned that persistence carries a unique power. Here are steps for my fellow writers, deep thinkers, and spiritually conscious beings navigating this same path:

  1. Focus on Themes That Resonate Deeply

Begin with what matters most to you. Your passion will cut through much of the indifference, finding those who are drawn to authentic exploration. Write about those moments or ideas that reveal the core of who you are.

  1. Be Patient with Your Craft and Your Audience

Those looking for instant gratification often miss the long-term impact of their work. Building a readership—just like writing—requires patience. Start small, knowing your ideas may reach someone precisely when they’re ready to hear them.

  1. Write for Meaning, Not Applause

Modern culture measures success by numbers—views, likes, shares—but there is deeper power in resonance. If one person feels seen, inspired, or moved, your work has fulfilled its purpose.

  1. Recognize That Writing Reflects Life

Much like navigating personal struggles—be it confronting aging, illness, or existential doubt—writing is a messy, nonlinear process. Allow room for imperfection. Lean into the chaos, knowing clarity often emerges from it.

  1. Explore Alternative Publishing Paths

Exposure no longer relies solely on big publishing contracts or impersonal platforms like Amazon. Tools such as Apple Books, Kobo, or Draft2Digital offer accessible means of sharing your work. Community-driven platforms like Substack and Medium allow creatives to build an audience at their own pace, connecting with those who value depth over convenience.

The act of writing is neither simple nor guaranteed to yield immediate rewards, especially in a world full of noise. But the world needs stories—yours and mine. Even if they only reach small circles of readers, their ripples may extend in ways we cannot yet imagine. Writing invites us to confront our fears, beliefs, and truths, transforming both writer and reader in the process.

For me, the path forward is clear but still challenging. I focus now on completing one book, slated for release in November 2025. Its purpose will not be to appeal to the masses but to connect with those craving what our collective consciousness often shuns—clarity, meaning, and healing.

To my family, friends, and fellow writers, the call to write may seem daunting in a culture that often feels uninterested. But that call, however soft, is an anchor for those of us seeking to mend fractures within ourselves and the world. Will we heed it? My commitment is to continue, imperfect though my voice may be, embraced by the hope that it will find others longing to heal.


Bruce

I am 69 years old, and I am a retired person. I began writing in 2016. I am married to Sharon White, a retired hospice nurse, and writer. Whose Death Is It Anyway-A Hospice Nurse Remembers Sharon is a wonderful friend and life partner of nearly 30 years. We have three grandsons through two of Sharon's children. I am not a published writer or poet. My writings are part of my new life in retirement. I have recently created a blog, and I began filling it up with my writings on matters of recovery and spirituality. I saw that my blog contained enough material for a book, so that is now my new intention, to publish a book, if only so that my grandsons can get to know who their grandfather really was, once I am gone. The title for my first book will be: Penetrating The Conspiracy Of Silence, or, How I Lived Beyond My Expiration Date I have since written 7 more books, all of which are now posted on this site. I have no plans to publish any of them, as their material is not of general interest, and would not generate enough income to justify costs. I have taken a deep look at life, and written extensively about it from a unique and rarely communicated perspective. Some of my writing is from 2016 on to the present moment. Other writing covers the time prior to 1987 when I was a boy, then an addict and alcoholic, with my subsequent recovery experience, and search for "Truth". Others are about my more recent experiences around the subjects of death, dying, and transformation, and friends and family having the most challenging of life's experiences. There are also writings derived from my personal involvement with and insight into toxic masculinity, toxic religion, toxic capitalism, and all of their intersections with our leadere. These topics will not be a draw for all people, as such personal and/or cultural toxicities tends to get ignored, overlooked, or "normalized" by those with little time for insight, introspection, or interest in other people's points of view on these troubling issues. There also will be a couple of writings/musings about "GOD", but I try to limit that kind of verbal gymnastics, because it is like chasing a sunbeam with a flashlight. Yes, my books are non-fiction, and are not good reading for anybody seeking to escape and be entertained. Some of the writings are spiritual, philosophical and intellectual in nature, and some descend the depths into the darkest recesses of the human mind. I have included a full cross section of all of my thoughts and feelings. It is a classic "over-share", and I have no shame in doing so. A Master Teacher once spoke to me, and said "no teacher shall effect your salvation, you must work it out for yourself". "Follow new paths of consciousness by letting go of all of the mental concepts and controls of your past". This writing represents my personal work towards that ultimate end.