Writing Samples
The beginning for a writer is the journal. I say this because it is the testing grounds for all your styles and ideas. If you do not keep a journal, it will be hard for you to be a good writer in almost any field.
You should write a little every day if you want to cultivate your literary skills. That's the beauty of a journal... because you don't need a revolutionary idea or original thought to write a successful entry into your journal. Other types of writing are not as forgiving; when you write poetry when you don't feel poetic or a story when you don't feel inspired, you will likely not turn out highly artistic words.
Featured Articles
Reflections and Infections
An essay about the need for more philosophy (love of wisdom) in an age of growing xenophobia.
Latest Articles
Nature and Education
Shawn Olson calls for more inclusion of nature in education.
A Yahoo Speaks Out
An unpublished editorial where Shawn Olson responds to a crankpot reader.
Void of Desire
A poem on shallow activities inspired by my participation in photographing rock concerts.
Gun Issues
Looking at the gun control issue in America.
The Price of Learning: Gradecard Dilemma
There is a paradox concerning a parent's push for good grades. The kids don't care about learning.
Pet People
A Chalkboard column by Shawn Olson about regulars at a pet store.
Using the Internet
This editorial on education was printed as a Chalkboard column in the Messenger.
The ephemeral soldier
A poem about veterans. Dedicated to my grandfather Clarence Himes.
Muckraking in the New Millenium
Muckraking habits are still here as much as ever.
