First off, I want to thank you for checking out my author blog. If you are coming from my travel blog, you should expect something a little different. The focus of my posts will strive to determine what is social change and give a voice to the soft-spoken or unspoken.

This blog is going to be all about creativity and ingenuity. I want to showcase the beautiful world of the arts, pique your curiosity, and inspire you to open your mind. At the same time, we are going to tackle contentious issues, dabble in the unknown, and leverage our respective creative platforms to incite social change.

Let’s get to it. Read on to find out what’s in store.

*Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you.

Finding My Voice

I am not the authority in writing or social change. I am simply a human who believes my actions can affect the world around me. This isn’t a new development or a recent epiphany. Rather, it is something that has been inside me for as long as I can remember. I thought, like so many others, that there is no way my voice can be heard.

Then, I became a writer.

Let me tell you, writing is every bit as transformative as people say. When I started writing my first novel, Keeper 829, I desperately needed a catalyst to transform my life. I was going through a major transition both personally and professionally. I was battling alcoholism, tobacco dependency, suicidal ideations, and anger problems.

As fate would have it, I met my wife, Amanda, and my daughter, Sarah Belle. My priorities changed, my perspective changed, and I finally found solace in my own mind.

Fast forward four years. I have a family of four (with two beautiful children), my own travel business, two published books, a huge support network, and a lifestyle that enables us to focus on philanthropy while being full-time parents.

Writing a Better World

Walt Disney once said, “Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.” Imagination is a powerful force, and it can be conveyed in countless ways. Writing gives us an opportunity to articulate our thoughts for all to see. As with all forms of communication, those thoughts are only as good or bad as how they are perceived.

As a result, we have a responsibility to be cognizant of the impact our words have on society, in general, and how they can influence an individual.

You have a platform, regardless of what you write, where you write it, or what tool you use to do it. I fell into science fiction and dystopian fiction purely by accident. Now, it is mine to embrace. When you read my books, you will see cautionary tales that blur the lines between reality and fiction. My words will challenge norms and make many of you uncomfortable.

It is only through discomfort that we look inward for the problem. It is that change of perspective which will open our eyes. Only with open eyes can we see what needs to be changed. What is social change to you?

What is Social Change?

According to Southern New Hampshire University, social change can be defined as changes in human interactions and relationships that transform cultural and social institutions.

What does that mean?

Simple. Social change is a shift in how we interact, what we value, and the means by which we hold each other accountable. I believe affecting this is as easy as raising awareness one person at a time. The problems in the world are not a result of some Machiavellian wickedness, rather arising from ignorance, fear, and shame.

We need to embrace ourselves as the flawed beings that we are. This will help us embrace others. Amanda recently taught me about the Mexica indigenous group. This Aztec sub-group lived by a set of norms that is best described as walking on a ridgeline where one side is good and one side is bad. As people walk, it is normal to sway back and forth between the good and the bad. The goal is to correct yourself when you fall too far from the ridgeline.

How wonderful would it be to live in a society free of judgment?

Helping You Find Your Voice

It is my goal to use my voice to elevate yours. When we work together, combining our audiences, imagine the difference we can make. With that in mind, I decided to leverage my strengths: writing and video.

First…

This blog is going to be the place to find all things inspiration, creativity, and social activism. There will be a healthy mix of:

• My thoughts on various issues
• Writing tips and tricks
• Highlights of opportunities to become actively involved
• Features of inspirational writers and creators who share my desire to build a better world

Second…

I will interview inspirational writers and creators on my YouTube Channel. This will give us the opportunity to talk face-to-face, showcase some amazing projects, and provide dynamic content that will incite social change.

My channel is called Story Unfolding. I would love your support. You can go subscribe and share with your friends.

What is Story Unfolding?

Story Unfoliding is a show about changing the world through creativity, ingenuity, and intellectual discourse. I share meaningful conversations with creators, creatives, and dreamers who take it upon themselves to make a difference in the world. We have an influence on the world around us, regardless of our intent.

My goal is to give you a place to share your message, inspire others, and contemplate what it means to be human. We will share both tears and laughs as we unpack contentious and controversial topics, incite social activism, and tell your stories (the good, the bad, and the ugly).

The only way forward is by confronting the hard truths and asking the tough questions. Let your voice be heard. We are better together each day, with our human story unfolding.

How to Get Involved

If you are interested in being featured on my blog or YouTube channel, feel free to send me an email at michaelcamarillobooks@gmail.com. Please include either “Blog Feature” or “Story Unfolding Interview” in the subject line.

I am always looking for collaborators. You can contact me at any time, and we can set up a quick Zoom meeting to get to know each other.

Most importantly, look around your local area. What problems do you see? Who needs help? There is always something you can do. The smallest act can make the biggest difference. As a writer or creator, you are constantly influencing others by the content you produce. Consider what message you want others to receive. Open your mind. Ask questions. Be open to criticism. Be willing to change your approach.

Social change starts with you. Let your voice be heard.

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Check out my travel blog over at Novel Excursion Travel for travel tips, volunteer opportunities, and great travel deals.

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