"Not that writing on my notepads managed to actually empty my mind - though some would argue - but I was grateful to relieve the overflow."

"I need to write. It keeps me focused for long enough to complete thoughts. To let each train of thought run to its conclusion and let a new one begin. It keeps me thinking. I’m afraid that if I stop writing I’ll stop thinking and start feeling.” - Carrie Fisher

To those of you who don't read, attend the theater, listen to unsponsored radio programs, or know anything about the world in which you live, it's perhaps necessary to introduce myself. My name's Applauze, or Josh(ua) for those who know me. My natural habitat's the written form. In it, I toil not, neither do I spin. I'm an aspiring writer coping with mental illness in a Carrie Fisher way. I live for writing like a monk living for his faith. I've no other world, no other life.

In writing, there are two types of people: those interested in art and those who set out to make a buck. I consider myself in the former category as anything below my standards ends up in the trash bin. It's why some of my popular stories no longer exist as I feel embarrassed about those stories and would rather not have those reminders around. They're like ants to a picnic, ball weevils to a cotton field. The lessons I've learned, though, remain. Having dabbed in essay writing for over a year now, I've learned how to improve my quality, self-edit, and other aspects that, for better or worse, were lacking during my heyday on this platform. But we all have abnormalities in common. We writers are a breed apart from the rest of humanity. We're the original displaced personalities. We need to have our critics and failures driving us to succeed.

Having covered my history of writing since discovered the written form for the first time, let us arrive at your reason for being here, which is to read my stories. I might write the occasional story, but don't get your hopes up for a full return. I'm happy writing analytically, but consider this a place to practice my creative prose if needed. I intend to finish my main co-write as well, but let's not blow our horns too hard. After all, we come into the world blowing them. If we don't, then who will?

Postscript: Here are some amazing friends of mine:

1. I'll Cover Angel and Collins
2. LittleMissyGalPal
3. Lowland Warrior
4. DeliriousDisposition