From white papers to cosmic horror!

When I announced I was retiring from writing white papers, dozens of people sent me notes of appreciation. Thank you.

Here are just a few highlights that truly touched me.

Copywriting legend Steve Slaunwhite posted this tribute:

You’re a legend, Gordon. You’ve professionalized the field of white paper writing like no one else. In fact, IMHO, you’ve raised the standards of research, credibility, and wordsmithing in white papers. Congratulations on a stellar career.

Thank you, Steve. You are a mentor and profound influence on me, and I’m so glad we met.

Kimberly R bought me 10 coffees, with this sweet note:

I have accessed your resources and samples a million times. Thank you so much for all that you have contributed to this little writing community we live in.

And Aaron Hanson pretty much said it all:

No, thank you for your unselfish sharing of hard earned skills and how-to’s, for giving the new kids on the writing block your time and attention, and most of all for being a kind, generous heart in an unkind world :-)

Enjoy this next chapter, my friend. I look forward to hearing what new joy it brings you and your loved ones!

A grateful subscriber ;-)

In my retirement note, I mentioned doing renovations on my 125-year-old home.

I’m planning a new bathroom and a deck. This week I’m building a new workbench to replace the wonky one I inherited with this house.

Being a beginner in a new field certainly keeps me humble. I’m learning as I go, and turning to helpful buddies and Hank the Handyman (an AI persona I set up).

First step: clear out our cluttered basement. And guess what I came across in the cobwebs? Several unfinished novels boxed away.

I’ve spent my life writing non-fiction: journalism, tech manuals, white papers.

But now, I’ve started something new that may surprise you: a book in the cosmic horror tradition of H. P. Lovecraft. The snaky sigil above is only the beginning.

My working title is The Decision. It’s about a succession of people who come across a bundle of notebooks that open the door to their darkest fears and desires. How do they cope? How do they maintain their sanity? Or do they?

Here’s my draft cover.

So that’s where my next chapter is leading me: from white papers to cosmic horror. I’ll share more about The Decision as it takes shape, and I hope you’ll come along for the ride.

Until then, thank you again for all your encouragement. That means more than I can say.

Gordon Graham
That White Paper Guy
and aspiring fiction writer!

P.S. Looking for quick tips and special reports? Check out all the free resources for white paper writers here.

P.P.S. I’ll be posting more messages here in the weeks ahead. I already have two drafts queued up! So stay tuned and keep writing.