Message from James Ryan

January 2010

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Welcome everyone, and thank you for visiting my website.

As an aspiring writer, I am pleased to say that I have been improving a lot over these past several months.

In my initial articles, I was essentially experimenting with my writing style and searching to find my “inner voice.” I also had to learn to let go of my creative insecurities, which has been something that I have always struggled to overcome as a young, creative artist.

Recently, I started contributing articles as a Sportswriter on the Bleacher Report.

The Bleacher Report has been a fantastic place for me to improve upon my writing skills.

They graciously provide instant editor feedback and an excellent forum for interactive discussion and debate. Discussing sports and writing amongst hundreds of other aspiring writers has been a truly unique and beneficial experience.

Currently, I have over 44 articles posted on the Bleacher Report, most of which, can be viewed right here on my very own website (located under “Sportswriter”).

Is it my ultimate goal as a writer to become a “Sportswriter?”

No, not necessarily.

Maybe…who knows?

My goal from the start has always been to simply improve upon my writing and communication skills, while hopefully making a positive difference along the way.

Please don’t feel that you need to be a martial arts or football fan to enjoy my sports writing. I always attempt to deal with much larger issues, such as:

- The influence of personalities
- Understanding the impact of public relations
- Defining the qualities of a true champion
- The importance of first impressions
- Respect and sportsmanship
- Marketing and self-promotion
- The qualities of a great coach
- Fairness in sports, and in life
- Fighting for what you believe in
- Basic business principles
- The importance of great customer service
- Understanding fan (business) loyalty

I’m not much for fight previews or game recaps. There’s just no end to that level of journalism on the internet.

My motivation for a lot of the topics that I write about is fueled by my desire to help out my children and my players with some of the tougher choices and experiences that they will no doubt face throughout their lifetimes.

After all, I’m not going to live forever (haha…knock on wood).

For example: Something that I struggle with as a parent and as a coach is the issue of steroids and the permanent place that they now seem to have in the sporting industry (and our society).

It breaks my heart to think that the kids that I coach (and obviously my own son) will face this complicated issue in the next few years.

Steroids represent a true moral dilemma—one that I am committed to being able to help with.

Anabolic Steroids – An Olympic-sized Impression

Some other articles that I am particularly proud of are:

Cycle for Hope: An Interview with Nathan Srigley

Coaching Youth Football: The Challenges and Benefits of being a Parent-Coach

Algonquin Park 2006: A Father-Son Journey Begins

The Importance of Life-long Learning

I look forward to sharing ideas with each of you in the hopes of defining a standard that can be shared with all aspiring (and inspiring) coaches, teachers, parents, mentors, and leaders.

Please feel free to leave your comments or questions.

I am proud to say that I have created a forum where people can share their professional and intelligent opinions, without the fear of persecution or judgment (by me anyway, haha).

Cheers and thank you to all of my fans and friends who have been supporting me throughout this entire journey.

James Ryan

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“Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.”–Cyril Connolly