Chasing it Down and Making it Real

Peace Peace,

It’s the last day of the year, and I’m doing my best to knock out one last assignment: this newsletter. It’s been a very productive year, and I wanted to share some of the work I’m most proud of. I don’t expect you to click on everything, just the stuff that stands out to you.

I’ll share these updates in my best stream-of-consciousness style—keeping it quick and to the point to save time. Here goes...

The Connected Conversation at NYPL

Back in February, I got an email from the New York Public Library. They found me through a quick web search for “New York, Culture, Interviewing, Podcast,” and New York Said popped up. They asked if I’d be down to develop a class for them, and I said, “Yeah.” After teaching it for a few months, I titled it The Connected Conversation. Here’s the full story:

The Connected Conversation: Partnering with the New York Public Library

Launching Amon Focus Press

I quietly launched a publishing company this year to bring some of my book ideas to life. I called the series VOCAB* and published two books already: one on photography and the other as a companion to the class I teach with the NYPL. Both are available on Amazon, and if you pick up a copy, please leave a rating—it helps more than you know:

• The Connected Conversation: 100 Interview Techniques that Might Get People to Share Their Stories with You

• Photography Terms: 100 Key Concepts You Must Research If You’re Getting into Photography

Experiential Travel Writing

This year, I got back to my writing roots. Most people know me for photography or interviewing, but I started as a writer. I published several experiential travel pieces this year, and these are my favorites:

• Finding Calm in the Chaos: Dennis Turcinovic and the Modern Spirit of Delmonico’s

• Harvesting Beauty on Roosevelt Island: Flower Market by CJ Hendry

• A Dance Through Time: The Legacy of Alvin Ailey at the Whitney Museum

Co-hosting a Travel Show

I was also blessed with the opportunity to co-host a travel show called The Main Event. You can read the story and watch the full episode here:

Authentic Hosting: From Writing Scripts to The Main Event

Thank You

Thank you for rocking with me all these years, through every out-of-state adventure and all the wild ideas I had to chase down and make real. Whether you showed up to events, copped my latest artsy doodad, or just dropped some encouraging words - that support means everything. And to everyone who hired me or put my name in the room for opportunities I wouldn’t have gotten without your co-sign - y’all are the real MVPs. Seriously, I can’t even put into words how much I appreciate you being part of this journey.

I could tell you about what’s coming in 2025, but I’d rather show you.

So... See you next year! (That joke never gets old to me.)

Best,

Amon