Let me just state right off the bat that I have never attended Ohio State University.
I also do not know anyone personally who attends Ohio State University.
I have never visited the campus.
And I am in no way affiliated with this school or the organization itself.
But I love the Ohio State Buckeyes. Have in fact for many years.
My father died unexpectedly several years ago. He was from the state of Ohio and he loved the Buckeyes, even though he never had the opportunity to attend college. It was his home state, therefore he was a fan with good reason. As a kid growing up, we spent every Easter, summer vacation, and Thanksgiving at my grandmother’s house in Ohio. Those were picturesque times, and I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything in the world. Growing up in our Ohio world with my parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins is something I’ll always cherish. I remember at the end of every trip, when we leave to go back to our home in Indiana, I would cry my eyes out.
So now, present day, I am a writer. I write mainly fiction novels, and it’s only natural that my latest book "A New Year's Eve to Remember" is set in – you guessed it, the state of Ohio!
I love Ohio State and the Buckeyes, yes in part due to my family’s Ohio heritage, but for the most part due to one single fact: the FANS. Ohio State has the largest number of fans of any other college team in the country. This is an actual fact, brought forth by the New York Times in a study done and published in September of this year. The number is staggering: more than 3 million fans! More than any other University in the country!! Now that’s something to be proud of Buckeyes!!
Why does this matter to me? Well to me, fans equal loyalty, and loyalty is everything. To me as a writer, fans are held in the highest esteem. They are the foundation and the backbone of everything I write. Loyalty goes hand-in-hand with faith and integrity. Faithful followers induce champions. Champions give rise to powerful legends and leaders.
So go Ohio State! Go Coach Meyer! And GO BUCKEYE NATION!! Myself, along with over 3 million other people are rooting for you!!
With love and loyalty,
M.J. Butler
