Yes, the rumors are true: I'm leaving SNHU Odyssey. And, I've had a great time with all the creators I worked side by side with as well as all the editors I worked under. I grew as a writer in general. But, this is not the place for me anymore. The team is welcome to add me on Facebook as well as my followers. I’ll miss writing each week here, but I still have my blog for now at http://mylittleoffice.wordpress.com. And, yes, that was a cheap plug.
I have my reasons for going—those I won’t put all of in here. I’m grateful to Sylvia Stein and Carissa Laryea for getting me involved in SNHU Odyssey. Kayla Miller, you were a great final editor keeping everyone lively and involved. Keely Messino, you were always one to go to for a hug and to feel appreciated. And, there are so many more that made me feel special and loved as well as important. I have enjoyed being part of their stories here, and I hope to keep being part of their stories on Facebook, at least.
They’ve lifted me up when I was down, and I tried to do the same for them. We don’t talk as much as we used to, and I can understand why. And, so many were left behind that shouldn’t have been, unfortunately. And, that is just not my way of doing things. Yes, things change and grow, but not at the expense of so many. I must draw a line in the sand somewhere for my conscience, my convictions, and my principles.
We have a bunch of great writers and editors here—don’t get me wrong—but a bunch left and management failed. I can’t stand by ideally and let that stand. And, I know saying this out loud might mean it doesn’t get published on Odyssey. So be it. I can publish it on my blog just as easily.
Just because I’m leaving does not mean I’m going quietly into the night. I have no fear of anyone. Remember I said I was leaving SNHU Odyssey. But, that does not mean I won’t be back in one form or another online publishing somehow. You never know where I might pop up or in what form.
Even now as I’m leaving storm clouds to rain on me. As it was said in the movie “The Crow”: “It can’t rain forever.” I’ll rise again like the mighty Phoenix. I have no doubt about that. For now, SNHU Odyssey has a year to use my stuff for free, and then they must negotiate a price with me for using my stuff going forward. It’d be different if I was still here, but with me leaving I must make sure my interest is protected as well.
On a lighter note, I’ll miss the group chats that we had when we were all having carefree days. Some of them were priceless. I carry a ton of lessons and memories going forward. Into what, I’m not sure yet, but you and I will know sooner or later. I know not everyone will be happy about it, but you can’t please everyone as the old saying goes. *Tips his hat and walks out the door, closing it behind him and hanging a sign that says…*
To be continued.
