

It’s hard to believe that it’s been over a year since I made the leap to pursue Scratch Writing full-time. The journey has been anything but easy—every challenge has pushed me to grow and adapt—but I’m still here, and I absolutely love what I do. There’s no better job in the world than helping others bring their stories to life, and I feel incredibly fortunate to wake up every day and do just that. Now, let's get into it.
As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on where we’ve been and look ahead to what’s next. This year has been a journey of growth, creativity, and connection, and I’m grateful for every client—past, present, and future—who’s been a part of it. Thank you for trusting me with your stories and ideas. Here’s to an even brighter year ahead. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and a successful start to the new year!
The focus for the coming year is bringing the next book to life: Call of the Minotaur: Midas Files, Book Two. This sequel dives back into the tumultuous journey of Hank Raglan, who awakens from a decade-long coma, only to find himself stranded in Iraq. Meanwhile, Caroline Friday grapples with a career-defining decision, and Addison Moore and Jack Barons navigate the complexities of their strained marriage.
At the heart of the story, Hank faces a life-altering choice: return the mysterious Gold Box to its creator or use its power to reclaim the life he feels was stolen from him. However, relentless danger looms, as Mortimer Vanterpool—who has been hunting the Gold Box ever since Hank vanished at the end of The Midas Protocol: Midas Files, Book One—is hot on his trail.
With personal struggles, high-stakes decisions, and a relentless adversary, Call of the Minotaur promises a gripping continuation of the saga.
The Minotaur, in mythology, has long symbolized the darker aspects of human nature—untamed instincts, inner conflicts, and the struggle to overcome one’s baser desires. Trapped within the labyrinth, the Minotaur represents the challenges and trials one must face to reach enlightenment or overcome inner turmoil. For Hank, the titular Call of the Minotaur serves as a metaphorical crossroads.
He must decide whether to answer the call to his higher self, rising above personal grievance and selfish temptation, or give in to his lesser nature, leveraging the Gold Box's immense power for his own gain. The stakes are not just about his fate but about the integrity of the man he chooses to become. This decision mirrors the ancient symbolism of the Minotaur, demanding courage, sacrifice, and the ability to confront the labyrinth within.
Keeping the momentum going with Call of The Minotaur is absolutely critical to ensure the story unfolds seamlessly and with the depth it deserves. My focus right now is on seeing this book through to completion, but I’m also looking ahead to the third installment, yet to be titled, which will wrap up the series. Writing consistently and pushing through the challenges of storytelling is key to delivering a compelling narrative arc for the entire trilogy. If all goes as planned, there is a real chance that the series could be complete by 2025, which feels both exciting and ambitious.
Earlier this year, I brought together several mini blogs to create a unified experience called Scratch Magazine. This new platform is hosted on the ScratchWriting.com domain under the /magazine subfolder.
At first glance, it might seem like a mix of diverse topics, but at heart of each of them is the love of storytelling:
Scratch Magazine brings these eclectic topics together in one place, offering something for everyone while reflecting my passion for diverse storytelling and ideas.
In January 2024, I launched Across Pittsburgh, an ambitious project with a clear mission: to become the ultimate local guide to Pittsburgh while celebrating the rich tapestry of Yinzer culture. For those unfamiliar, "Yinzers" is the affectionate term Pittsburghers use to describe themselves.
Launching a fully developed website to compete with well-established Pittsburgh web magazines might seem ambitious, if not a little impractical. After all, I’m primarily a one-person operation, while outlets like Pittsburgh Magazine, Next Pittsburgh, and Visit Pittsburgh benefit from extensive editorial resources and larger, dedicated teams.
Notwithstanding, there are a numerous amount of other headwinds. SEO is pretty much dead. Social Media now means developing on that platform only and unless you are willing to spend, not conducive to sending traffic to a website. Plus, there is AI, driving folks to Ask Engines, such as Chat GPT.
So why take on this challenge? Because I thrive on them. Plus, AI offers the opportunity to elevate this project from a simple passion experiment to a serious competitor against established websites. At the very least, it’s a fun tool that sharpens my skills while fueling my love for Pittsburgh storytelling. In the end, there’s no losing here—or so I hope.
Now, we arrive at the heart of this post: the clients—the foundation of the Scratch Writing digital web empire. They are the ones who keep the lights on, enabling me to create books and pursue long-term projects like Across Pittsburgh.
Are you seeking exceptional digital storytelling services to bring your vision to life in 2025? Let’s create something remarkable together.
With a strong track record of delivering tailored solutions that align seamlessly with each client’s unique goals, I’m ready to welcome one more valued partner into the fold. Whether you need a beautifully designed website, a stronger online presence, or a forward-thinking digital strategy, I’m here to help you achieve success.
Let’s connect and transform your ideas into reality!
Thank you for reading this article. As we welcome a new year brimming with opportunities, I wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2025. May this year bring success to your endeavors, joy to your moments, and fulfillment to every step of your journey. Here’s to reaching new milestones, fostering meaningful connections, and making 2025 a year to remember!
Dive into the heart-pounding world of "The Midas Protocol: Midas Files Book One" by Matt De Reno, where quantum mysteries intertwine with human ambition.
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