People Are the Point

Whether it's in my writing or my life, connection is everything

I spent the weekend at one of my favorite events—the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. The shows are the draw, sure. But for me? It's the time in between that I really look forward to. Sitting outside on a bench, trading thoughts with artists, patrons, and fellow theatre lovers—it's like soul fuel. The kind you can't bottle but always crave more of.

It got me thinking about something I've noticed in my own creative work. I've noticed that whenever I come up with a new idea for a story or book, it always starts with one common denominator: people.

My self-help books? They're written to help people. My novel, The Search Party, is about people—flawed, hurting, fragile people—and, hopefully, it entertains and inspires the people who pick it up.

Why are people so important?

Because, for me, the whole reason we're here is connection.

Connection is everything.

It's not the book sales, the word counts, or even the clever turns of phrase (though I do love a well-placed quip). It's about creating something that makes someone else feel seen. Heard. Less alone.

And honestly? That's not just true in my writing—it's how I try to live my life. Some days, connection comes easy. Other days, I have to remind myself to look up from my phone, to stop rehearsing what I'll say next, and actually listen to the person in front of me.

But when it happens—when real connection clicks into place—it's magic. It's what turns an awkward dinner party into a new friendship. It's what transforms a frustrating customer service moment into a shared laugh. It's what helps a lonely heart remember it's not the only one beating.

Even the stories I tell myself when no one's watching—the "what ifs" and "maybe somedays"—are full of people. Imaginary ones, sure. But they're chasing meaning, craving belonging, and trying to make sense of the world, just like we are.

Sometimes I write because I need to figure things out. Other times, I write because I already have—but I think someone else might be in the middle of their own storm. If I can leave a light on with a story, then maybe, just maybe, they'll find their way through.

At the end of the day, the plot is what carries the story, but the people are why we care. A thrilling twist means nothing if there's no one there to be changed by it. A victory doesn't matter unless someone's fought for it. The plot might move us through the pages—but people? People are the reason we keep reading.

So maybe it's not that people are the plot.

People are the point.

Always.

The Cincy Fringe Festival continues all this week and into next—so if you're in the Cincinnati area, come down and soak in some connection of your own. Whether it's a bold new performance or a spontaneous conversation on a park bench, there's magic waiting in the spaces between. All my thoughts about the shows I’m seeing are over at The Sappy Critic.

This content is for educational and entertainment purposes and is not the same as therapy. If you need to talk to someone, go to PsychologyToday.com or one of the many online therapy platforms available and start treatment with a professional today!

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