Jason Van Tatenhove writing in his home office. (Jason Van Tatenhove – photo provided)
Not that it was ever decided, but I remember clearly, after a few mishaps living in Montana, pulling a beat-up U-Haul across the Wyoming border back to the place where my daughters were born and where I’d spent most of my life, the same sights and places Jack Kerouac immortalized in his masterpiece, On the Road.
“At one point I saw the lights of Fort Collins in the distance and the big smoky lights of Denver on the horizon to my right, and below me the great western slope of the High Plains stretching all the way to the West Coast. We crossed the Colorado-Wyoming border and it was my turn to drive. I took the wheel and headed straight for Estes Park and the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains in the distance.”
It was a magical moment for me. With my girls and the wolf by my side, crossing the border, I felt like I was leaving my old life far behind and stepping into a new one. I had a family home in beautiful Estes Valley and I knew I had a chance to become a real author. With no money, no industry connections, and no clear plan, I relied on my own determination and the support of my loving family. My mantra became: write every day, no matter what.
This morning, I continued to pursue that dream and signed a contract with SkyHorse Publishing for my next non-fiction book. Writing has become my life. Losing my partner and best friend of 30 years last year was devastating to my family, but I found solace in writing. My late wife was a naturally gifted writer and witnessed the beginning of my newfound success. She witnessed me return to journalism, launch The Colorado Switchblade, and publish my first non-fiction book with a major publisher. She witnessed our lives begin to turn around, including renovating our little alpine writer bungalow, appearing on national television, and launching a national speaking tour. I would give it all up to be with her again, but that’s not how the world works. So I just have to move forward and get better. The only way I can survive in my life is by writing. It’s the only way I know how. And it keeps me busy. Luckily, writing is something I can and should do at home and sometimes on the road. I have many outlets for literary musings and wanderings.
In the writing world, every new title is a milestone, and publishing a second masterpiece is essential to solidifying an author’s reputation, expanding their readership, and ensuring long-term career success. New opportunities open up and financial stability is established, while fostering personal and professional growth.
Writing for the Estes Park Trail Gazette gives me a unique connection to the community. It’s a platform where I can share stories that matter to residents, while the Colorado Switchblade allows me to explore a more personal, quirky style that mixes humor, satire and insight. Writing for outlets like Salon often comes unexpectedly and has given me new impetus in my career. These opportunities often come from a late-night email asking if I can write a short piece on a subject. This happened over the weekend, and my piece was included in the Salon Articles, an anthology of writers that was published this morning.
Then there are speaking engagements and media appearances. Whether it’s discussing political extremism on CNN or sharing insights on a political podcast, each opportunity expands my reach and influence, bringing new challenges and rewards. Just this weekend, a producer from National Geographic Channel reached out to me about potentially filming an investigative series next Sunday. Most of these possibilities crumble, like a sandcastle collapsing when you take a breath. But eventually the work gets produced and released. It’s a strange rollercoaster game we play, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Balancing these roles while raising my daughters in the beautiful and tranquil environment of Estes Park is both a blessing and a challenge. My daughters inspire me, ground my work in reality, and remind me of the importance of the stories I tell. The quiet moments we share at home often infiltrate my stories, adding authenticity and warmth.
The path I have chosen takes effort. It is hard work: deadlines, a constant pursuit of truth, the need to constantly adapt and evolve. But the rewards far outweigh the hard work. Published articles, finished books, and heartfelt comments from readers ignite my passion and keep me going. I will have a very busy writing schedule with a new book project at least until the Thanksgiving holiday. You may occasionally find me at a Safeway or a local restaurant celebrating small victories along the way as a writer, but that is when I will return to hermit writer mode. But don’t worry, I will emerge with another story about modern life.
As I look to the future, I am full of hope and excitement. There is a long way to go, and many stories still untold. With each new project, I aim to dig deeper, write better, and connect more deeply with my readers. The journey will be difficult, but irreplaceable. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to shape our world and our lives.
Read more at the Estes Park Trail-Gazette
