People are F*cking Awesome

A short, hopeful note on why I write

There’s a lot of negativity in the world right now.

It’s such a paradox that humans can be both the most beautiful and most cruel creatures on earth.

Our survival instincts prime us to focus on the cruelty.

Our story-loving brains always must find a villain in the arc of life.

Most of the time— our story and survival instincts aren’t wrong.

Yet there’s more to it than that.

In the creative community, I’ve met hundreds if not thousands of people individually, from all backgrounds and walks of life.

And I always walk away with one conclusion: nearly everyone I meet is a good person.

It’s easy to love good people.

There are too many good people.

And too many people to love.

I love writing because it’s a way to care for others now and in the future when I’m long gone.

I write because I don’t have enough time to be with everyone I love as much as I want, but maybe my words can stick with them.

The most tragic thing is that there is never enough time and too much love to give this world to show it all.

It breaks my heart in a beautiful way.

Thank you for being a part of that.

It has felt so good being back these last two weeks as I’ve taken some time to rest, relax, and ease back into the world of publishing.

I care for all of you and am lucky to know so many of you personally.

It’s those bonds that make it all worth it.

What is a story at the end of the day without it being by, for, and about people?

I‘ll see you Monday with an extended essay: Audience is Everything.

In the meantime, don’t forget…

Together we are boundless,

Michael Evans

The Author Sidekick

P.S. Beyond the Book Podcast is now at over 150 listeners per episode. That’s so nuts and way faster growth than I expected. I’d love it if you listened yourself and shared with any author friends. We are creating a movement!

P.P.S. I was in Cancun this past week with my grandpa and have spent most of the last two weeks taking time “off” between my job at MrBeast and starting my own company in publishing (Reader Meter and Beyond the Book). As you can tell from all my emails… I’m not the best at taking time off. But it’s been amazing spending time with friends, hosting some Story Suppers, and taking some time to reflect and be immensely grateful for all the people in my circle and this weird, beautiful world we live.

The world needs your stories now more than ever.

Here are some pictures from the adventures: