Beautiful Terrible Things

Because Life Happens

Hello and welcome to my Substack newsletter, lovingly christened 'Beautiful Terrible Things.' Think of it as stepping into my study, minus the musty scent of old books and my inexplicably large collection of cameras, pugs, and fountain pens.

Who the Heck Is Ray Edwards?

I'm Ray Edwards — a seasoned scribe, occasional philosopher, on-and-off physics fan, pop culture pundit, and an intermittent marketing whisperer. If variety is the spice of life, consider me your friendly neighborhood spice merchant.

photo credit @createdbykiddo

Author. Speaker. Thinker. (often in that order)

If you're not familiar with me and you're not my mom (Hi, Mom!), allow me to paint you a picture. I'm the architect of the PASTOR Copywriting Framework and the author of two books, the best-seller "How to Write Copy That Sells" and my latest offering, "Read This Or Die! Persuading Yourself to a Better Life" (written with my friend Jeff Goins). The latter title might seem hyperbolic, but let me assure you, it's packed with life-affirming wisdom.

Person With Parkinson's

Since 2011, I've been dancing with Parkinson's, a dance that’s as unpredictable as it is challenging. But like all dances, it has taught me rhythm, resilience, and the importance of a good sense of humor, especially when my feet have a mind of their own.

Why a Substack Newsletter?

Now, you might be scratching your head, "Why would a prolific copywriter like Ray start a Substack newsletter with such a broad spectrum of topics?" Well, it's not because I’m aspiring to become a polymath, nor because Twitter deemed my 'dad' jokes too grand for its character constraints.

It's because I've taken to heart the words of Frederick Buechner, who said, "Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid." Thus, 'Beautiful Terrible Things' was born - a tribute to Buechner's wisdom, a nod to my journey, and a celebration of life's rich tapestry of paradoxes.

More Than a “Newsletter”

But let's be clear, this is not just a newsletter, but a fledgling community, a virtual roundtable, if you will. I hope to start not just a monologue, but a dialogue. Your thoughts, opinions, and comments are not only welcomed but actively encouraged. Let's make this a space for respectful, thoughtful conversation. And remember, we're all friends here - let's be kind to one another, even when we disagree.

So, what can you anticipate from this newsletter? Your curiosity is commendable!

Each week, I'll be weaving together a potpourri of thoughts - from pondering the peculiarities of quantum mechanics to dissecting the philosophical layers in the latest pop culture phenomenon. I'll share insights from my books, wisdom from the PASTOR Framework, and even those 'dad' jokes that Twitter found too robust for its platform.

If you've made it this far, you're either deeply interested, extraordinarily patient, or you're my mom (Hi again, Mom!). Regardless, I'm overjoyed you're here. Together, we'll navigate the complex web of my diverse interests, with me, your humble guide, at the helm.

So, brace yourself, or don't—it's a metaphorical expedition, after all. Welcome to 'Beautiful Terrible Things'. I hope you'll find it thought-provoking, entertaining, and a dash unpredictable. After all, who wants another mundane, predictable newsletter?

Until next time,

Ray