Discover the voices behind the stories
Meet independent authors and writers, explore books and creative projects, and find stories that stay with you.
Inspiration & Reflection
From personal reflections to stories of hope, resilience, family, faith, and the moments that shape us, John’s Substack explores the many nuances of life. The Positive Pen is a place to slow down, reflect, and discover stories that remind us of what matters.
Read on Substack →The Positive Pen podcast
Watch conversations with independent authors, writers, and creative voices on The Positive Pen YouTube channel.
Watch on YouTube →Books, art, and merchandise inspired by stories you love.
Writer Spotlight
In this candid and thought-provoking essay, Substack writer Nat Sang examines the growing tension between authentic storytelling and AI-generated content on creator-owned platforms.
Read on Substack →
Writer Spotlight
In What Have I To Offer?, author Craig Sefa explores the often-overlooked tension between self-promotion, creative work, ministry, and purpose. Through thoughtful reflection, he...
Read on Substack →
Writer Spotlight
In The Girl Who Followed Her Heart and the Woman Folding Laundry, Megan Youngmee delivers a raw and deeply personal reflection on healing, courage,...
Read on Substack →
Writer Spotlight
In this candid and thought-provoking essay, Substack writer Nat Sang examines the growing tension between authentic storytelling and AI-generated content on creator-owned platforms.
Read on Substack →
Writer Spotlight
In What Have I To Offer?, author Craig Sefa explores the often-overlooked tension between self-promotion, creative work, ministry, and purpose. Through thoughtful reflection, he...
Read on Substack →
Writer Spotlight
In The Girl Who Followed Her Heart and the Woman Folding Laundry, Megan Youngmee delivers a raw and deeply personal reflection on healing, courage,...
Read on Substack →
Writer Spotlight
In His One Smile…, author Chris B. Writes shares a deeply moving story about his son, Bray Bray, whose life has been defined by...
Read on Substack →
Writer Spotlight
In The Long Goodbye: One Tender Fragment at a Time (Part One), Lynn J. Broderick shares a deeply personal account of the final year...
Read on Substack →
Writer Spotlight
In A Conversation Between My Self-Worth & Me, author Traci Edwards shares a powerful and deeply personal reflection on self-worth, confidence, healing, and personal...
Read on Substack →
Writer Spotlight
A Moment of Stillness by Laine explores award-winning Western Australian photographer Christian Fletcher’s exhibition and his remarkable ability to capture the relationship between light, landscape,...
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Writer Spotlight
Debunking the “Nice Guys Finish Last” Ideology challenges the belief that kindness inevitably leads to being used or taken advantage of. Stone Wolf explores...
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Writer Spotlight
Getting Sober by Deanne Ames is a deeply personal story about addiction, recovery, gratitude, and the life that can emerge when someone finally decides...
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Writer Spotlight
Would You Retire to Live on a Cruise Ship? by Bill Cusano is a thoughtful personal reflection on adventure, grief, connection, and what it...
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Writer Spotlight
VIBE CULTURE — Issue 24 by Planet Ral is a collaborative collection featuring 36 Substack creators sharing the places, memories, landscapes, and everyday spaces...
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Writer Spotlight
Returning to Myself by Dawn Anderson is a quiet, reflective piece about rediscovering beauty, identity, and the parts of ourselves we once learned to...
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Writer Spotlight
The Author Gold Roadmap by Jen Simpson is a practical guide for independent authors trying to navigate writing, publishing, book marketing, and finding readers...
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Writer Spotlight
A Weekend Full of Smiles by Original Junior-Senior is an uplifting reflection on faith, family, friendship, gratitude, and finding joy in life’s simplest moments.
Read on Substack →
Writer Spotlight
Ciao Bella is a deeply personal journey through family, memory, World War II, and the search for a truth that has been hidden for...
Read on Substack →
New writing, creator features, and behind-the-scenes updates.
John Rinaldo
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John Rinaldo
Explore Book →
John Rinaldo
Explore Book →Projects in development
Explore writing as it develops toward film and visual storytelling.
Explore Stories to Screen →
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For independent authors
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