There’s a silence most people never hear.
It’s not peace—it’s the sound after the sirens, when the adrenaline fades and the ghosts start talking.
After years in the military, fire service, and EMS, I came to know that silence too well. It isn’t quiet. It’s noise turned inward.
In that space, the heart races, the mind replays trauma, and the spirit aches under the weight of it all.
Crowded rooms became unbearable. Joy felt dangerous. And I couldn’t sit still without my hands shaking.
But healing began when I finally stopped running and listened to that silence. I learned to name the things I feared. I started writing again.
This memoir, The Quiet After the Sirens, is a testament to survival—not just in the field, but in the stillness that follows.
It’s about carrying the weight, honoring the ghosts, and learning how to breathe again.
If you’ve ever known that kind of silence, this story is for you too.
We Played Terribly
By @RWhiteAuthor Day 5 of NaPoWriMo prompt is inspired by musical notation, and particularly those little italicized –and often Italian – instructions you’ll find over the staves in sheet music, like con allegro or andante. First, pick a notation from the first column below. Then, pick …
Read MoreMarch of the Writers – Day 31: To Be Continued…
By @RWhiteAuthor As March comes to a close, so does this incredible journey through March of the Writers. For 31 days, we’ve explored our passions, reflected on our inspirations, shared our challenges, and celebrated our writing lives. Each day has been a new opportunity to …
Read MoreMarch of the Writers Day 24 – Writer’s Beware
Vanity presses prey on indie authors with false promises. Stay sharp, do your research, and never pay to be published! Knowledge is your best defense.
Read MoreMarch of the Writers – Day 23: Bookmark Palooza
[sp_wpcarousel id=”1854″] Wait a minute… there’s a whole bookmark culture out there, and nobody told me?! Apparently, while I was lost in my world of words, everyone else was out here collecting tiny, artistic page-holders like trophies. And here I am with just one—a digital bookmark …
Read MoreMarch of the Writers Day 18: The 3 Ps – Plotter, Pantser, or Plantser?
Writing is both an art and a science—sometimes, you need the blueprint; other times, you just need to run with it. I started as a Pantser, letting stories unfold naturally. Over time, I’ve learned the value of planning, especially in research-heavy projects. My poetry flows freely, but fiction demands structure. Now, I balance both—becoming a Plantser, blending plotting with spontaneous creativity.
Read MoreMarch of the Writers Day 17 – Writer Fuel Pt 1: Snacks That Power the Pen
Writing is an endurance game, and every writer has their own secret stash of fuel to keep the creativity flowing. For me, it’s a mix of salty, savory, and sometimes even a little healthy. Funyuns and Monster Rehab Green Tea are my go-to duo when I need a quick boost. When I’m feeling like balancing things out, I reach for peppers with cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning. But today? It’s all about the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day treat—corned beef, cabbage, and a cold Killian’s Irish Red. Because sometimes, the best inspiration comes with a great meal. What snacks fuel your writing sessions?
Read MoreMarch of the Writers Day 16. Do the Evolution: My Journey as a Writer
From a self-published dreamer to a professional writer, I’ve come a long way. Graduating Summa Cum Laude & soon pursuing my MFA—this is only the beginning!
Read MoreMarch of the Writers – Day 15: May I AI?
By Richard White ~ @RWhiteAuthor AI—the elephant in the literary room. Some hail it as the future of creativity, while others see it as the harbinger of artistic doom. Wherever you stand on the issue, there’s no denying that artificial intelligence has stormed onto the …
Read MoreMarch of the Writers Day 13: You’ve Got This
We all need a reminder sometimes that we’re stronger than we think. A friend told me I never give up, and I’m passing that encouragement on to you. 💪✨ #MarchOfTheWriters #YouGotThis
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