I knew I wanted to be a writer since before I could read. I remember finding a book on my parents’ nightstand, opening it up and scanning the tiny lines of type, making up what I thought the story might be.

I wrote my first story, called “Gamma,” when I was eight years old. It was nine pages long and was about a friendly monster who lived in a little girl’s closet.

Ever since then, writing has been an important part of my life, but it’s always been relegated to the hours I wasn’t working.

For the first time in my life, I have the opportunity to take some time off of work and just focus on writing. I plan to use the time to self-publish Firebug (a supernatural thriller about a hellish wager) and then work on Loop, Nevada (a time loop story taking place in 1888 Nevada).

The little girl in this picture would be pretty excited to hear about what I’m doing right now. My plan is to make her proud, and to burn as brightly as I can.