31 Comments

I think no matter where you are or what you write people will find and appreciate you.

Maybe you haven't found the perfect path that lead to bushwacking into unknown territories and new creative endeavors.

You're writing. And sharing. Many of us don't have the nerve to even start writing. I've been on Substack and Medium for a hot minute and still won't create anything of my own. Like you, I question what people actually value, relative and what I can offer. Can't figure it out. I gave up. You didn't.

Enjoy exploring the mangroves, saltwater, islands, Everglades, and wildlife. Go tubing and kayaking inland. There is so much to explore and write about... you're spot on, in a quieter more relaxed area of the country.

I lived all over Florida and found my creative juices flowed at optimal. It was magical.

I live in Michigan now. The juices have completely dried up. So now I read, engage, and encourage others to march on.

Best of luck to you, stay consistent, and I'm certain you will find the success you desire and deserve from the wonderful work that you do.

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Cole, bravo on your candor! I'm sorry to learn about the doc film "flop." I think you could find other outlets for it. Have you considered for example getting a bigger outlet like the Colorado Sun or Outside CO to share it and link to your newsletter?

FWIW I'm at 1449 free subscribers + 68 paid. My paid ones got to a high of 76 but then several did not renew when their annual subscription ran out. I try not to get too hung up on numbers and appreciate my newsletter for the schedule and accountability to an audience that it gives me. I hope you'll keep up with Cole's Climb! Maybe "Climb" becomes more metaphorical for you in Florida.

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I appreciate you just for sharing what you did. I lost what I always considered my favorite job back in 2008 due to the economy. I worked for the sales department of Volvo Penta (they sell boat motors, among other things), did pretty much everything and LOVED it. I was absolutely devastated when I was let go. I ended up have nine surgeries in the next five years and was in terrible chronic pain. Fast forward to 2023 and I am cigarette free, alcohol free, pain free and drama free! I would have never imagined where my life would be at this moment of this day. You got this!!!

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May 4, 2023Liked by Cole Noble

I have missed your writing... there’s something about the way your outdoor musings take me to a reflective place. Best wishes in your FL endeavors. May your day job be fulfilling so that you might inspire us with your Climb.

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Hi Cole! Thanks for sharing this information. I can certainly commune with the frustration and most certainly appreciate your honesty. As many have said here, I'm looking forward to your continued writing!

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Cole, I love your comparison to the red mangrove - it’s writing like this that draws people in wherever you are. Hopefully the change will be a good one for you - thank you for your honesty about how hard it’s been. And here’s to better days ahead!

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May 4, 2023Liked by Cole Noble

Everything you wrote, researched, and published was great! New home, work, and setting might help rekindle your interests. Good luck, Cole!

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It’s good to hear your writing voice again. I’m sorry your dreams crashed up against the reality that it’s really freaking hard--way harder than some want to pretend--to build the kind of paying audience that will sustain a life of writing. I like your stuff a lot ... but I like a lot of stuff, lots of different stuff, and I can’t take up a paying subscription with everyone. That’s the hard truth of it. Wishing you the best.

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A lot of people checked out during the pandemic and are still re-entering. It does make things more difficult for those that remained. On the topic of your FL-to-CO move, I think Florida has a lot in common with Colorado even though political issues don't always align (I went the other direction having grown up in Orlando) now living in Fort Collins after an interim location in the Midwest. While I still have not watched your video, as a Colorado Mountain Club member, I appreciated your deep thoughts on outdoors issues so thank you for your efforts. Also, your interest in outdoor issues and the two environments reminds me of "Adventure Sports Podcast" host, Mason Gravley, a FL-to-CO-back-to-FL migrator.

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May 5, 2023Liked by Cole Noble

Great article Cole! Glad to see you’re back to writing again! Like I said, adventure is where you find it, whether it be in the mountains or oceans. Keep writing and sharing. If nothing more, it’s therapeutic. I look forward to reading about your new coastal experiences... Best wishes in your new location!

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I can so relate, Cole. Just remember a weds has to split apart before it grows i to a plant. Congrats on the new gig and life! You can go black panther searching in the Everglades! You’ll find exciting things to do. Congrats!!!

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I will make a point of watching the documentary

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Congrats on the move Cole and best of luck with everything going forward. Growth is a funny thing and we can't seem to force it, that's for sure. You've got a great voice and it seems to resonate, keep at it :)

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deletedMay 4, 2023Liked by Cole Noble
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