By Guy Chapman – Navarro County Gazette
Yes We Can
It’s hard to believe the Gazette is nearing its second year anniversary.
I’m sitting here on a Sunday night, listening to much needed rain coming down, and reflecting on the time that’s passed since September of 2020. It’s been a long journey getting to this point, and finally getting this chance to write a column again after an extended break is welcome. I miss having time to write this feature.
The Gazette has provided a lot of lessons for me, and I’m a stronger writer for it. I feel like I’ve never written this much in my life before I started this venture, and quite possibly, I haven’t. I enjoy this line of work, and it’s led to some great opportunities. But at times, it has been a lot to shoulder, and after being “On” for so long, I’ve been needing some downtime to rest lately. I wish I could say I’m able to keep the constant pace I did when I first started writing, but with my sharing local news for two different sources, it’s been rewarding, but it’s also been a lot.
There are things I still wish to do for the Gazette. There are specific articles I want to write, features to restore, as well as the want…. need to expand this publication’s reach. If you need a spoiler for how all of this turns out, the Gazette and I aren’t going anywhere.
I’ll still be celebrating the second year anniversary of the Gazette, but I can’t foresee a “Year Two” physical edition at this time. That’s a matter of securing more sponsored support. There’s also the intent of getting my long-discussed book out. The wait, however long, has been a good thing. I secured some more information I really needed to complete some of the stories, and I feel it’s in a much better place. The book may not see a physical edition for its initial run, but I’m ready to put it out… just in time for Corsicana’s 175th anniversary. However unplanned, the scheduling is ideal.
My goal is to keep the Gazette going as people want to read it, for as long as I can. But I also see what needs to be done: The need to maintain the quality this publication has been known for. Additional writers. Additional funding. Additional support. I’m going to be exploring that in the weeks to come.
Again, the Gazette isn’t going anywhere. There’s too much that still needs to be done and talked about. I’ve felt a little weird actually discussing all of this, but I have to remain transparent and open and honest. And I also have to recognize the boundaries of what I’m presently able to do.
Regardless, the fall is going to be excellent. I’ve already got a few stories in the works, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
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A big THANK YOU to our supporters:
The Hull Creative Arts Foundation and the Lampier Family.
If you too would like to help financially support the Navarro County Gazette please email us at news@navarrocountygazette.com