For me it is not just about writing, it's about telling a story. Taking someone by the hand and leading them on a walk that shows them the brightest and darkest parts of life. Giving them something that touches their heart, mind and soul leaving them smiling, crying, cursing and thinking all at the same time.
It started, as far as I can remember about the time I was 9 or 10 years old. My mother bought me an old-style typewriter from a yard sale and a ream of paper and I started plunking out stories. Most of them were what we would call "Fan Fiction" based on my favorite Saturday morning cartoons, but they were stories I created using their characters.
Around the same time I also became enamoured of table-top roleplaying games, first and foremost Dungeons & Dragons (the original). I've probably been writing and playing RPGs for the same amount of time and many times they are deeply intertwined.
In high school I got probably the best sign that writing was my career. I entered into a state-wide talent contest, in the literary section, and won first place with a short story about a young sculptor who's creation comes to life and exacts revenge for selling her off.
Cue 20 years later. What happened in that time? I joined the military, served with distinction for 19 years, and finally figured I had enough life experience to pick up the pen and write something worth reading.
That's where I am today. I've written a plethora of short stories, poems, three novels and about five screenplays... I just haven't had the courage to send them in.
