The Link Library is a curation of the resources that have inspired me to become a better writer and person. Some of the resources I’ve made as I’ve honed my craft and worldview, while others are books, links, essays, and other sources that I’ve found inspiring and helpful.
Some of these resources directly connect with writing or marketing. But others focus on philosophy, history, ideas, theology, and other important pillars of society that help shape me and my critical thinking.
I hope that you can use this page as a rabbit hole. You can dive in and follow my journey. When you do, send me a message on X or LinkedIn, and I would love to chat with you.
If you like this page, bookmark it. It’s an evolving database, and I routinely update it.
Databases, websites, and applications
Best First Lines
I made this Notion database of 300+ best opening lines in books, movies, and other creative works. It’s a masterclass for understanding the art of capturing attention. You can use this resource to inspire you as you develop your own work.
Writing Examples
David Perell’s website is a great resource for learning how to write by some of the greatest authors and writers in history. Dissect passages, learn techniques, and emulate writers to communicate more effectively.
My book list
I’ve read over 700 books. I’m not sure how, but it sure added up. Check out my StoryGraph profile for reviews and ideas for your next read.
Essays & articles
As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
This essay is inspired by Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he,” or, whatever you think, you’ll become. While this may have inspired many self-help ideas about manifesting realities or changing your mindset, this passage means something deeper. Allen explores these ideas and likens our thoughts to a garden. When we don’t maintain our negative thoughts, it’s lazy thinking. The thoughts grow out of control, and before we know it, we don’t know how to get out of the weeds. Allen explores how we can maintain a healthy mind, not for self-help, but for life worth living.
Even though you can get the book for free in the public domain, I always have two physical copies with me to give away (it’s the book I gift to friends and family the most).
On the Shortness of Life
An 80-year-old that dies vs. a 40-year-old that dies… We think the 80-year-old lived longer, but the Stoic philosopher Seneca argues otherwise. A younger person who’s lived life to the fullest can live a longer life than someone who wasted theirs away. This essay changed my life, and it’s one of my top recommendations to friends. Since reading it the first time (I’ve read it a dozen times), I’ve changed my perspective on how I use my time. I’m much less concerned about investing in time where things rot and waste away, and I’m more interested in the things that bring me joy, impact others, and will reverberate into eternity.
Simon Sarriss’ works
Simon Sarriss makes you think differently and intentionally about life–like the beauty of Victorian door knobs. The Map is Mostly Water is a wonderful Substack exploring the art in everyday things.
Vivere collection
Vivere is my essay collection on living a full and balanced life. The name is a play on Momento Mori (remember you will die), but instead focuses on “remember to live.” The ideas I talk about focus on our mortality but in the light of living a life that changes the relationships and world around us.
Fiction
More coming soon.
Alas, Tomorrow by John Paul Hernandez
This is my small but growing collection of short stories. It’s a sci-fi series touching on themes of sentience, freedoms, the digital afterlife, and apocalyptic futures in settings like the metaverse. Stories like The Sun Shines Brighter in the Servers explores a reality where digital reality merges with physical reality while a revolution brews across both of them. The Will explores a man enjoying his early retirement when he realizes that he might not be alive at all.
I’m also using this opportunity to stretch my fiction writing muscles so you can join the journey with me. The format is through a newsletter so that future stories are sent to your inbox.
Nonfiction
Coming soon.
Podcasts
Sherlock Holmes Short Stories (Nosier Podcast)
There are many different iterations of the Sherlock Holmes stories on audio. But I’ve never enjoyed it as much as this recent podcast. The Nosier-produced show hosts a reading of each short story with Hugh Bonneville’s perfect, deep, dramatic voice. Bonneville reads the story, you hear background noice and effects to put you right in the setting. I highly recommend this series to dive into one of the world’s most famous detectives. It’s also a great exercise for practicing your deductive reasoning.
Videos
Coming soon.
Illustrations, art, and poetry
Janis Ozolins’ works
Ozolins does a wonderful job of illustrating common challenges for creators and sparking inspiration. His illustrations are not only wonderful to look at, but they show real, practical, and pragmatic solutions to obstacles we face every day. In one illustration, for example, he shows a pencil that’s been worked to the nib that says “Do the work” and under it a new pencil that says “Before buying new tools’–an effective visual on how critical it is to do what matters most before getting distracted by the bells and whistles.
Janis is also a good friend of mind, and I can’t thank how many friendships X has brought to me over the years. A few years ago, one of my highlights was meeting up with Janis in the Alicante area.