Blogs I Like (and You Might, Too)–3/26/2024

On By Mike U.In Featured Blogs
Image (c) Mike Utley

This ongoing initiative showcases blogs with fewer than 500 subscribers which I think are deserving of more attention. Hopefully these blogs will spark your interest and you’ll check them out. It’s my way of spreading awareness of talented writers whose work I admire.

This week’s featured blog is Nigel Byng’s Helping You To Succeed. Many of you are likely familiar with Nigel’s exemplary craftsmanship when it comes to prose and poetry. His brilliant short fiction—both stand-alone tales and serials–displays a sensitive finger on the pulse of humanity’s triumphs and sorrows, while his deeply moving and excruciatingly honest poetry shows a heart and soul attuned to the most raw human emotions.

Nigel’s work has been published at various Masticadores literary sites as well as Spillwords Press, where one of his poems, “To Surrender Now,” was nominated for Publication of the Month for Jan/Feb 2024. Nigel has most recently helped spearhead the #whattheydontsee project in cooperation with Michelle Ayon Navajas (editor, Masticadores Philippines) and artist Vanessa Melecio, which provides an opportunity for people to express their hidden fear, pain and regret in a safe manner through the written word.

On a personal note, I don’t just consider Nigel a fellow writer. He’s so much more than that. His compassion, kindness, honesty and intelligence portray a golden heart and soul, and I’m glad to call him my friend.

From Nigel’s blog:

“Writing brings the world to  life. My soul, my experiences, my secrets, they all fuel the things I put on paper. I am a freelance writer living in West Palm Beach. I observe and write about nearly everything and everyone I encounter. I have learnt that if I look at the world carefully, and long enough, I see a reflection of myself in everything. After all, we are what we put into the world.”

Perhaps this recent post will illustrate Nigel’s deft literary touch and his ability to connect with his readers:

“Jonesy”

If you’re familiar with Nigel’s work, you already understand the joy of his craft. If you’re not, consider stopping by his blog and experiencing his unique talents. It’s absolutely worth it.

Let’s spread the love and support our fellow bloggers.

34 thoughts on “Blogs I Like (and You Might, Too)–3/26/2024”

  1. Mike, thank you so much for your kind mention. Nigel is really a dedicated story teller and a great support to the writing community.

    thank you also for joining us on our # What They Don’t See project.

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    1. Thanks, Michelle. It’s my pleasure to showcase Nigel. He really is a role-model for many of us in this community. And I’m happy to mention you and the #whattheydontsee project, too. Just trying to do my part to support our wonderful community. 😊

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    2. Oh behave Michelle. 🤭 But it truly is kind of him to showcase me, but more importantly his contribution to our little project have it more reach and therefore impacted many many more lives. 🤗💜

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  3. Thank you Mikey for the shout out. I’ve been exhausted the past few days, and the funk was inevitable..this just lifted my mood considerably.
    Your a trooper mate. Such kind words from a writer I absolutely look up too, a creative who’s skill I admire and try my best to replicate, is truly appreciated and keeps me inspired.
    Thank you so much, my bro bro. 💪💪💪

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  5. Pingback: Reblog – Blogs I Like (and You Might, Too)–3/26/2024 – Helping You To Succeed

    1. Thanks, Dawn. Nigel’s talent and kindness have really enhanced our writing community, so I just wanted to do my part to bring some attention to his blog. He’s a good guy, for sure. 😊

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  9. What a wonderful shout out for Nigel, Mike. His work is beautiful and I need to visit his site more often. This WP community is full of kindness, creativity, and talent, and the two of you are fine examples of all three. I’m heading over to Nigel’s place right now. 🙂

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    1. Kindest thanks, Diana. I’m happy to do what I can to contribute to our friendly community. Nigel has done so much to foster camaraderie and encourage fellow writers. It’s a pleasure to throw some kudos his way. I’m sure he’ll be delighted by your visit! 😊

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    1. Thanks so much, Selma. This community has been really good to me, so I just want to pay it forward in some way. Nigel is not only an accomplished writer, he’s also a wonderful person, so I was happy to give him a shout-out. 😊

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  13. Dearest Mike, I too, feel very grateful to have met Nigel and also applaud him and Mich for working on the project together #whattheydontsee and it has been a great way to meet some more poets and also made people aware of how much abuse still goes on in this world we live in. I loved the story he did and left about a page of a long comment. You are right about this story about someone he wrote about that is someone he cares about. Nigel is a brilliant storyteller and an excellent poet. However, as with you Mike, there is so much more there than the literary abilities and that would be what makes up Nigel (what is inside the man himself). As you he has an enormous heart and puts others first just as you do. You both have an awful lot in common. Once you get started with Nigel’s story you can’t stop, he keeps us hanging on the edge of your seat. Nigel, of course would argue that you are the better poet, but I like to say what I believe to be the truth which is you are both extremely talented poets and I think winning publication of the both Jan/Feb of 2024 with your first SpillWords submittal says an awful lot about your talent and Nigel would be the first to tell you that. Nigel is also a kind soul like yourself, putting others first and there for his friends. Nigel and you both are a blessing in my life and I am learning a lot from both of you as well. Great write up on Nigel and I really enjoyed it Mike. Lots of love and hugs my most gracious friend.

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    1. Kindest thanks, Joni. I agree with you–Nigel is a good guy with a golden heart and soul, and I’m glad he and I bumped into one another here on WP. His light burns so brightly, and his talent is undeniable. I was really eager to do a blog recommendation for him–he deserves to be read widely and I hope his readership continues to grow and he achieves his dreams. I’m just happy to spread the love for my brother, you know?

      You’re always so kind, my friend. Thank you for caring about Nigel and me and everyone else. You’re an oasis of peace and hope and tranquility in a turbulent world, Joni. You make a difference with every breath you take, my friend. 😊

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