The First Character

I remember wanting to be an author at a very early age. Even before I started school, I wanted to tell stories. I remember drawing creatures and creating stories around them. I remember playing with action figures with Pat and making in depth stories for each toy. And then I remember “author fest.”

I’m not sure if they still call it that, or if they even do it anymore. But the first time I experienced this event was in kindergarten. I don’t remember the author, or any of the books they displayed. This event was for authors to come in and speak to students like me. They spoke about the process of writing a book, where they found inspiration, and tips for future writers.

This day stuck with me, and I became one of the kids with a tiny notebook filled with ideas. I rarely did anything with those ideas, but I always said I’d be an author some day. In fifth grade I began to write a story, not the usual scrap piece of paper that would land in the trash. This time I had a notebook specifically for this story.

I had a character I became obsessed with and developed a history around him. Throughout middle school I continued with this story, I had plans for a trilogy that would end in darkness. I drew much of this inspiration from Star Wars and Anakin’s turn to the dark side. I had high hopes for this trilogy and the character I had created.

Something happened in high school though, Pat started writing more too. We put our heads together to build something larger than I could have imagined: The Fantasy. And it all started with that same character from fifth grade.

I won’t dive too deep into our process, we have big plans to reveal more about our process and the world we have created. What I will share is this: the world became real to us. Each character was born from our imagination, each of them holds a tiny piece of us. I think the best stories are relatable. Relatable does not have to be real though, you can relate to a fantasy the same way you might relate to an autobiography. The characters are key, and these characters are very much alive. Going through this with a twin brother is truly magical. In a sense these stories are a reflection of our youth, a coming of age, an escape from reality.

Twenty years later I still believe I will be an author. Book one is coming soon and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m eager to get further into the series because I know what is coming and I want to see a reaction. I hope you, as readers, will come to love the characters as well. I hope there is something for each of you in this world of ours.

Until then, keep an eye out for a cover reveal. Teasers coming soon. If you’re intrigued, reach out to pre-order a signed copy.