I need to tell you about James and Blake.

James is a photographer, art director, and designer.

He’s got an eye for detail and heart for helping. We started working together in 2019. I had recently left my full-time job and was pursuing a career as a writer and poet. James wanted to help me get to where I wanted to go.

We sat down together in Frankenmuth, Michigan and I told him my hopes and dreams for my career. I told him about my ideas for books and speaking and merchandise and community. James told me he could help me get to where I wanted to go and he has.

If it wasn’t for James I wouldn’t be where I am. Without James two of my books, As You Go and Walk A Little Slower, would have never been released. Without James Written to Wear wouldn’t exist. Without James my website wouldn’t look as clean as it does. Without James I would have packed up my dreams and would be working some 9 to 5 job. 

He believes in me.

James sees something in me that I do not see myself.

And he tells me to keep going.

Blake is a singer-songwriter.

We met a few years back. He was playing solo shows. I was playing solo shows. After talking a bit we decided to do shows together and created An Evening of Music and Poetry. Before we started playing shows together I was looking for jobs on Indeed. The Pandemic had sucked away my momentum and dismantled my dreams. I had grown exhausted from trying and started to believe that what I was doing no longer mattered.

But Blake told me that what I was doing mattered.

Sharing the stage with Blake gave my career as a storyteller and spoken word poet new life. He has pushed me to be better; to take my craft as a writer and poet to the next level.

I tell you about them to share with you this:
You cannot go at it alone.
People need other people.
You need people who see something in you that you do not see yourself.
Do not go at it alone.

About the Author

Tanner Olson is an author, poet, speaker, and podcaster living in Nashville, Tennessee.

He is the author of I’m All Over the Place, As You Go, Walk A Little Slower, and Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope.

You can find Tanner Olson’s books on Amazon.

His podcast is The Walk A Little Slower Podcast with Tanner Olson and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.

Tanner Olson travels around the country sharing poetry, telling stories, and delivering messages of hope.

You can follow Tanner Olson on Instagram (@writtentospeak) and Facebook where you’ll daily find encouraging words of faith and hope.