MY STORY
I was twelve-years-old, standing in my bedroom, facing my collection of books on my shelf. Like all children, I had often contemplated what I wanted to be when I grew up. In that moment, it occurred to me -- as sure and sudden as a lightning bolt -- that I would enjoy nothing more than being an author. Of course, I was naive about all that being an author entailed, but I still began pursuing my dream through reading, writing, and research.
Most of what I read growing up was of the fantasy genre, so most of what I wrote also had fantasy elements. I was inspired by masters of the craft like Lewis and Tolkien, as well as by contemporary authors like Wayne Thomas Batson, Bryan Davis, and Andrew Peterson. I used their works and others’ as guides on how to write fantastical stories that glorify God, both in content and skill.
As I grew from a teenager into a young adult, I continued to strive toward becoming an author. I learned what it took to become successful, I began networking with other writers, and I discovered important things about myself. As the years went by, my passion for stories grew, but my plans began to change. One thing I learned during those years was that I enjoyed editing. I was no longer content to be simply an author; I wanted to be involved with helping others create stories, too.
In 2023, I completed a Bachelor’s Degree in English-Creative Writing with a minor in Technical Communication from the University of Central Florida. Through my education and experiences as a professional editor, I hope to help, encourage, and inspire other writers to tell their stories and do it well. I believe that a great story can change the world.
MY PASSION
One day, I started reading The Magician’s Nephew by C. S. Lewis. I had read it before, but I was reading it again because it was my secret form of teenage rebellion. This was not because I was banned from reading fantasy or reading in general; actually, my parents always encouraged my siblings and I to read. I was rebelling by trying to escape into books and ignoring the bitterness that was building inside of me. I knew I needed to talk it out with my parents and with God, but like many teens I had become resentful and suspicious of my authorities. The stories were a distraction from my pain, so I hid in them and pulled away from those who loved me.
Then Digory met Aslan. The poor young boy, who had just accidently released evil into the new world of Narnia, approached the great Lion with fear. He knew he did not deserve any kindness, nor did he really expect to be given what he hoped, but his need was so dire that he dared to ask if Aslan would do something to help save Digory’s dying mother.
“Up till then, he had been looking at the Lion’s great feet and the huge claws on them; now, in his despair, he looked up at its face. What he saw surprised him as much as anything in his whole life. For the tawny face was bent down near his own and (wonder of wonders) great shining tears stood in the Lion’s eyes. They were such big, bright tears compared with Digory’s own that for a moment he felt as if the Lion must really be sorrier about his Mother than he was himself.
‘“My son, my son,” said Aslan. “I know. Grief is great. Only you and I in this land know that yet.”’
(The Magician's Nephew, Chapter Twelve)
Aslan reminded me that God actually cared about me. More than that, He cared about the things I cared about. I had heard, “God loves you,” until its meaning wore out, but this book demonstrated the truth of that claim. God was not making my life miserable, as I had begun to suspect. He was waiting for me to look up into His face.
I am convinced that stories can reach into a secret part of us that nothing else can touch. Certainly speeches, instructions, and self-helps have their place, but nothing moves our hearts, changes our minds, and captivates our attention more effectively than a story. This can be seen throughout history and into the present day. The great myths of the ancient world provided the very foundations of their cultures. Today, we flood the movie theaters and binge watch our favorite shows so we can talk about the stories with our friends.
Even our Creator connects with us through stories. He chose a book, of all things, to communicate with us and remind us of Who He is. As a man, He spoke in parables to deepen our understanding when no sermon was sufficient. A simple tale was enough to reveal the truth.
Stories have the ability to help us form our values, whether good or evil. This determines what kind of person we are. Because they are so powerful, I am passionate about creating great stories and helping others do the same.
"Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It's a way of understanding it."