© Joe Leonardi
Are you a writer? Are you told that you are too sensitive? This is not an uncommon characteristic in those of us who are creative. Even one who might be accused of excessive machismo, Ernest Hemingway, was a deeply sensitive person. Upon first reading, his stories can be construed as epic adventures, read them a... Continue Reading →
Cash can’t be saved. Retirement is nothing but a dream. I will most likely die on the job, or homeless, cryogenically preserved in some street’s gutter.
I get some interesting comments concerning my writings. Comments that often make me reflect. Comments that convince me to continue to keep telling stories. I write about the reality that life is not always perfect. I write that not all win their battles and overcome their demons. I write for the damaged and broken. Is... Continue Reading →
As writers and storytellers, we are often too in tune to our emotions and sensitivities. However, it can lead to unique insights.... There was a time I looked forward to each day. There was a time when I was ready. I now know I wasn't ready. I now know I won't ever be ready. The... Continue Reading →
I recently heard Martha Raddatz state, that in the United States, only 1% of the population serve in the military. To my brothers and sisters in arms, my fellow veterans, those who remain in the guard and reserves and those on the front lines serving on active duty --- We belong to an exclusive club.... Continue Reading →
Perhaps one of the biggest cons in life is believing in the future. We attend school, for the future. We save money, for the future. We work hard, for the future. So focused on preparing for the future, we forge chains that will not hold us in death, but hold us in life. We become... Continue Reading →
For many, the holiday season is a joyous occasion. A time filled with fun, food and family. However, there are those for whom the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's is complete and unrelenting torment and torture. Sadly, many will take the occasion not to celebrate, but to attempt something they have thought about over... Continue Reading →
I stand in the phone booth, a droning buzz fills the space. Flickering light on the inside matches the chains of lightning outside. Both portend monumental shifts . Less than twenty four hours ago, you professed your love. Less than one, you told me it was over. Shocked, I left, drove away. A dream it... Continue Reading →
Contrary to the idyllic lives shown to the world on social media, things don't always work out. Life isn't always good for everyone. Life is often times a cruel bastard. It is time to get back to reality, not the social media bullshite fantasy lives we are fed and over-fed on a daily basis. I... Continue Reading →
-26- Out the window of the small jet I stare. The skies become gray. The ground below is scarred and dotted with waste from a long dead coal industry. I don’t need the pilot’s announcement to let me know we are nearing AVP. The jet begins a steep downward trajectory. Culm rises up to meet... Continue Reading →
Perhaps one of the biggest cons in life is believing in the future. We attend school, for the future. We save money, for the future. We work hard, for the future. So focused on preparing for the future, we forge chains that will not hold us in death, but hold us in life. We become... Continue Reading →
We can’t escape the headlines of mass murders occurring in our schools. The very place where children are sent to be educated. The very place where they should be safe and free from danger. Sadly, school shootings have become the new normal. These horrific crimes and events lead us to ask – Is a mass... Continue Reading →
I recently heard Martha Raddatz state, that in the United States, only 1% of the population serve in the military. To my brothers and sisters in arms, my fellow veterans, those who remain in the guard and reserves and those on the front lines serving on active duty --- We belong to an exclusive club.... Continue Reading →
The characters I write are all, in one way or another, broken. I write about broken and damaged characters because in my experience, the damaged person is the norm, not the exception. We are all, to one degree or another, in some way --- broken. That is not a bad thing. Many of us survive... Continue Reading →
The latest in The Damaged and Broken Collection --- "Is Suicide Painless" is starting to sell. I want to say thank you to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too but there will be no... Continue Reading →
The paperback version of "Is Suicide Painless" has been released. Please purchase your copy today. For every one person who overcomes their demons, there are hundreds, if not thousands, who do not….. ....this is one of their stories Click or copy and paste --- https://www.amazon.com/dp/1724058401
Early release of the kindle version.... please purchase your copy today..... Paperback coming soon... For every one person who overcomes their demons, there are hundreds, if not thousands, who do not..... This is one of their stories... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J2V9NS9
For every one person who overcomes their demons, there are hundreds, if not thousands, who do not… …this is one of their stories https://youtu.be/rvPRqXKa498
I have been pouring my heart and soul into the latest of The Damaged and Broken Collection --- "Is Suicide Painless." I have had a few people read the manuscript and their comments have been encouraging. If all goes well, it should be available on my site and Amazon next weekend. For every one... Continue Reading →
Hi everyone, I will be taking a brief hiatus from regularly posting to finish the next novelette in The Damaged and Broken Collection, "Is Suicide Painless." I am in the homestretch of completing the first draft. This is a story I feel I need to tell. I am driven by an overwhelming force, compelling me to keep... Continue Reading →
Four My mom wakes me. It is the first day of first grade. I still remember how excited I was about the first day of kindergarten. Today, there is no excitement. Mom is cooking up soft boiled eggs and Italian toast. In the background, the radio hisses and crackles The Harry West Show opening theme,... Continue Reading →
At one time, the gym was my, for lack of better words, "temple or church" I worked out in crowded solitude, able to feed off the energy around me, and yet remain spiritually alone in my efforts. I respected others in their endeavors and others respected me in mine. Pleasantries were exchanged upon entering or... Continue Reading →
Due to an unforeseen circumstance, I haven't had the ability to sit down and complete the latest in THE DAMAGED AND BROKEN COLLECTION, "Is Suicide Painless." If all goes well, I will complete the first draft early this week, if not today.
Perhaps one of the biggest cons in life is believing in the future. We attend school, for the future. We save money, for the future. We work hard, for the future. So focused on preparing for the future, we forge chains that will not hold us in death, but hold us in life. We become... Continue Reading →
War Springs Eternal is dedicated to my brothers and sisters in arms - -To those who were asked to do the unthinkable. -To those who HAD to do the unimaginable. -To those who are broken and still fighting. -To those for whom the fighting became too much. The world eventually broke Hemingway to the point that... Continue Reading →
As writers and storytellers, we are often too in tune to our emotions and sensitivities. However, it can lead to unique insights.... There was a time I looked forward to each day. There was a time when I was ready. I now know I wasn't ready. I now know I won't ever be ready. The... Continue Reading →
