The Way I See It
A few times per month, I publish personal essays featuring my writing and photography.
My work isn’t easy to shoehorn into a category or niche, as I cover a wide variety of topics. I’ve written about my ongoing struggle with the traumas of my childhood religious fundamentalism. I’ve also written about life in Italy, and dogs, and death, and politics, and personal development, and life as a gay man, and photography, and marriage, and travel, and depression and anxiety.
However, this is not a publication about any of those things, per se. It’s about the way I see those things, and why they’ve caught my attention, why they matter to me, and why I think they may matter to you.
I have seen myself in other people’s stories. And because I’ve chosen to share my own stories, others can now see themselves in mine. This is the beauty and wonder of writing; it is a reminder that we are not alone, that there is a magic and mystery to be found in the midst of this beautiful mess we call life.
About Me
I’m Michael TenBrink, an award-winning American writer and photographer based in Northern Italy. I’m a husband to a husband and a dad to a dog.
Though my professional life has been spent mostly in marketing, I also worked as a freelance music journalist for a decade. I completed a Master in Photography program in Milan at the age of 51.
Code of Ethics
I take my platform seriously. As part of that commitment, I’ve formulated a code of ethics for my writing.
Tell the truth. I will tell you what I really think and will not shy away from tactfully tackling difficult or challenging subjects.
Do my own work. I will not plagiarize, nor will I use any AI or GAI to generate any of my writing or photography. It admittedly feels somewhat weird that this even needs to be said, but this is the world we live in.
Full disclosure. I will clearly note if there is ever a situation in which I stand to benefit financially from something featured in my writing.
Give back. I will donate 10% of my net subscription income by the end of each year and will report back to you which causes or organizations we have supported.
What Readers Say
"You have an amazing ability to craft words that touch the soul, which is very rare...You write with a deep sense of empathy.”
"I love your thoughtful and emotional honesty. You make me think and feel as well."
"Thank you for your beautiful writing to remind me—to remind us—how we're meant to live.”
"Intimate writing and beautiful photography"
"Incredibly meaningful work”
"The photos are beautiful. You are expressing what many of us are feeling."
"Simple and profound”
"Your words have been right on target, spreading love in the face of fear. And leading with action on what we can all do in our everyday lives to combat fear and hate."
"Beautifully and clearly written analysis of the current moment”
"Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your heart. Your courage stands out as a testimony to what it means to speak truth. Don't stop!”
"There's so much empathy inside your wondering. Or maybe it's wondering inside your empathy. Well put.”
"Thanks for taking so much time to craft such a beautiful essay."
"I appreciate your vulnerability and honesty."
"I have enjoyed reading your measured, considered posts during this crazy political season.”
"Your words and photographs make beautiful art this world needs.”
"I enjoy your thoughts and love your confidence and how you stand for what you feel and believe.”
"Thank you for taking the time and energy to craft such an eloquent message."
"Beautiful and bold and spot on!”
Special Offer
I’m grateful for every subscriber, whether free or paid. Truly.
For a limited time, I’m offering a free PDF copy of my memoir Born Again to all new Annual paid subscribers! This is a $9.99 value. (I will reach out to you directly after you subscribe with details of how to easily download the book.)
Still on the fence?
If you’d like to read a few pieces before subscribing, here are some that have particularly resonated with my readers:
About Substack
To find out more about the company that provides the tech for this newsletter, visit Substack.com.
