“I need music and film and lots of deeply attentive friends if I'm going to get it right even some of the time.” - David Dark

Hi, I’m Andy.

I’ve been many things: musician, teacher, librarian, writer, public speaker, movie presenter, and more. In each of these roles I’ve had some connection to the arts. I love the richness that can be found in the arts and can’t imagine a life without them. If that’s true for you as well, you’ll probably find something to like here at Journeys in Darkness and Light.

What You’ll Find in This Newsletter

I mostly write about movies, all kinds from all eras, but I particularly love film noir. I am also an avid reader of fiction and nonfiction and love how reading can help build community. (So can all the arts, for that matter.) My passion for reading led me to write the book Men Don’t Read. I also write about music occasionally.

My writing, thoughts, and conversations tend to reflect a Christian worldview, but you don’t have to embrace such beliefs to enjoy my content. I’m not trying to convert anyone through this newsletter, but being a Christian is who I am. I’ve met several atheists who enjoy my work, so I’m hoping that everyone will consider giving this newsletter a try.

Why subscribe?

What gives this newsletter value? A personal connection. Movies, books, and music move us. When we find a work that speaks to us, two things happen. One, we want to know more about it, because while exploring that work we discover something about ourselves. Second, we want to share that work with others. When we find people who share that same connection, we’ve created community.

We may disagree about what we like, what works and what doesn’t, but we can have respectful, intelligent conversations and exchanges that lead to greater knowledge, understanding, and empathy. The arts lift us above the mundane aspects of life, and I want to discover that higher level with you.

Subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and publication archives.

What You Can Expect

•   Posts every other week, sometimes more

•   Access to all archived posts

•   Participation in subscriber-only comments

I hope you’ll consider joining me.

Andy

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Writing on movies, books, music, and more.

People

Writer, librarian, movie presenter. I lead in-person and virtual movie discussions. Author of Men Don't Read: The Unlikely Story of the Guys Book Club.