Hickory Algorithm Newsletter
Deep end of the pool
Trusting the Blank Page
by: Chris Goldby ∣ Hickory Algorithm
You know, sometimes I tend to bite off a lot more than I can chew. Jumping into the deep end of the pool is kind of my default setting for hobbies, work, or youth sports. Barely scratching the surface is something you will really hear me say - we are all in when we are all in- which is all the time.
A few weeks ago, I was sitting in the green room at WHKY, about to head out to meet a client early. Just as I grabbed my bag, the buzzer on my desk phone rang. Someone was at the front door. I walked down, let him in, and we started making small talk as I showed him to the green room. He mentioned he wasn’t feeling great—he had just gotten back from Los Angeles. Turns out, I was chatting with T. Rafael Cimino, a writer from Akula Inc. who had just returned from the Emmys. He was there to talk about his new “Writing for Film and Television” class at CVCC with Chuck Boozer.
He went live on air, and I listened from the green room as he gave his interview. But before he even returned, I’d signed up for his class. It started the next day. No heads-up to my wife. No long debate. Just a gut reaction. A jump into the deep end of the pool.
Why? I don’t have a clear reason. I’ve been leaning deeper into my writing lately, and something about the timing just felt right. I texted John Yang, my business partner for The Hickory Algorithm, partly to give him a heads-up so he wouldn’t be blindsided by my latest “Chris idea.” A few hours later, John texted back:
“I signed up too.”
Wait, what?!
The guy who’s been my editor, camera man, and creative partner wanted to jump in with me. Suddenly, this wasn’t just me wandering off into a new adventure. We are gonna do this together? Well let’s go!
So, Here I am at 43 years old, walking back into a community college classroom—not for business management, not for marketing, but for screenwriting. It feels surreal, and honestly, pretty dope.
The difference now compared to 20 years ago is night and day. I’ve got decades of leadership and creative experience behind me:
Twenty years of management.
A national Master Marketer nomination.
A thriving newsletter and business.
And most importantly, a creative partner who is now in the trenches with me.
Back then, maybe I wouldn’t have been ready. Now? Time will tell.
On Thursday morning, Hal Row and I started talking about U2. You know what’s fascinating about them? Those guys never really ventured off to create side projects. They stuck together, evolving and experimenting as a unit.
Their greatness wasn’t just in their talent—it was in their continued growth together. They practiced, explored, and pushed boundaries as a group. Chris Martin of Coldplay once said he admired that about Bono and U2. Coldplay tries to emulate it: they keep their creative energy in-house, growing together over time.
When you find your people, you don’t constantly look to replace them. You build with them. You explore new ideas together. And sometimes, when one of you jumps into the unknown, the other one jumps too.
The unknown is uncomfortable. That’s why most people avoid it. But the unknown is also where growth actually happens.
If I had waited to have a “reason” to sign up for that writing class, I probably never would have done it. If I waited for the perfect timing, the perfect plan, or a guarantee, I’d still be sitting at my desk convincing myself I was too busy. Or what I am doing at 43? Are you crazy? Nah, never gave it a thought honestly - I just wanted to do it.
Instead, I trusted that something good might come from it. And you know what? It already has. John and I are sharing drafts, giving feedback, and laughing about homework assignments (HOMEWORK!)
Last week, I wrote about new chapters. This week, it’s about trusting the blank page. When people ask me, “Chris, where is all of this taking you?” the honest answer is:
“I have no idea. But I’m having a lot of fun.”
I work at a radio station that does television.
I can turn an idea into quality content that people want to watch.
I can write my own clients commercials on the radio.
I have great connections with all the networking I’ve done.
How does a Writing for Film and Television class help those things?
We are going to find out.
📆Oktober 10th through 12th - 🍻
Link to Facebook Event Page
The 37th Hickory Oktoberfest is a three-day, outdoor festival on the second weekend in October! Having been co-founded by a German, Adolphus “Dolph” Shuford, Hickory has a long, proud German heritage. Home to the United States headquarters for several German companies and sharing a region-to-region partnership between Altenburger Land, Germany, and the four Greater Hickory Metro counties of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba, our connection to Germany has never left us.
Come see your boy at the WHKY table Friday night with Hal Row and Saturday night with the hottest midwife on the planet.
📆 October 18th - 🧙♂️
Link to Facebook Event Page Here
Moonjoy Meadery Presents: The Fellowship of the Ring Hobbit Party!
This one is selfish because I’m hoping to attend.
Embark on an epic quest through Downtown Lenoir on Saturday, October 18th, from 1 PM to 6PM, as Moonjoy Meadery hosts a “Fellowship of the Ring” Hobbit Party!
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Things I use:
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