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"Waffles are the Sponsor of my Woes"

OUT NOW ON AMAZON

"Waffles are the Sponsor of my Woes" OUT NOW ON AMAZON

"This cooked." –Michael Howe

Joshua Steely's heart is served up on a silver platter in his debut poetry collection, Waffles are the Sponsor of my Woes. Steely's food-metaphor-based poems explore themes of Hope, Rejection, Desperation, Rage & Regret, Resignation, and Sadness as if steps for the recipe of a hopeless romantic. With chocolatey tears and stained shirts, readers can experience the feeling of grasping at straws that so inspired many of the poems within.

While Waffles are the Sponsor of my Woes is written from the perspective and experiences of a 16-19 year old boy, the emotions evoked by emptied gourds and sweet cinnamon rolls are for everyone. Is a diet from love the answer? Gorging on it until there's nothing left? Steely offers spoonful after spoonful, but each taste leaves only a desire for more...

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"Waffles are the Sponsor of my Woes"

OUT NOW ON AMAZON

"Waffles are the Sponsor of my Woes" OUT NOW ON AMAZON

Why a blog?

I’ve always loved sharing my ideas with whoever will listen (or is unlucky enough to be within earshot). Most of them go nowhere after that, but a couple end up worthwhile! This site is a way for me to share my ideas with people beyond earshot, and doubles as writing practice!

I hope one day somebody may be inspired by what I’ve shared and go on to do things greater than I could have ever dreamed of. I couldn’t exactly take credit, but if I’m even a slight influence towards something greater, that’s a win.

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Choosing Cardboard

For those not yet made aware, I am transferring to Western Michigan University for the Spring 2026 semester for my second Sophomore semester to study Paper Engineering. WMU is the school I initially intended to attend until certain circumstances sent me unregretfully to Indiana Wesleyan University. I learned more about myself, communications, and Christianity at IWU, all of which will benefit me as I now pursue a career in the paper industry.

Here are answers to the frequently asked questions I have received as I share the news.

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“Cardboard” in 300 words

I really love writing, if you couldn’t tell by a voluntary blog.

As a college student, part of that writing goes toward the famous “essay scholarship” format for earning money. Lucky for me, the topics are typically “write about yourself” or even better, “write about something that interests you”. Piece of cake.

When I was applying for my initial round of scholarships back in 2024, I was sure I would be an artist. After all, those scholarships would be contributing to my Bachelor’s in Studio Arts. However, plans changed and now I’m transferring to an out-of-state school to pursue paper engineering, met with new incentive to apply for more scholarships.

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