My Journey so Far

Like any socially awkward human, I've spent some time contemplating how people connect. While the internet tells us it's as easy as pressing 'like' or sending a 'friend request,' I think we can all safely say that it's not the case. What I believe is occurring when two people click is some kind of combination of shared communication and thinking styles, enough novelty to pique interest, and the ability to see oneself in the other person. With this in mind, I thought it would be valuable to share a bit about my journey as an aspiring writer, allowing you and me to get to know each other better.

I had an unusual relationship with art as a child. Music, reading, painting – I disliked them all. This aversion was rooted in ignorance; I had never been exposed to any form of art that I found valuable. Instead, I viewed it as a pointless distraction from the real world. I distinctly remember scoffing at the notion of artists, believing they should grow up and find "real jobs."

On my sixteenth birthday, this long-held belief was shaken to its core. It came in the form of an unexpected gift: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini. I had no intention of reading it, but I found myself bored one afternoon and decided to peruse the first few pages. My initial eye-roll at the book's dragons and swords quickly transformed into rapt attention as the tale gripped me. In just a few days, I devoured the book and pestered my Mum for the sequel. It was within the pages of this series that I learned the power of art – how it could move people, expose truths, and liberate us from our problems in a way that nothing else could. When I discovered that Christopher Paolini was the same age as me when he wrote "Eragon," it was like finding a door to a new world of possibilities. Could I do that? Could I tell stories for a living?

How could I aspire to be a writer when reading never came easily to me? As a young child, I struggled with reading comprehension. My father helped me overcome it by having me read the Biggles series by Capt. W.E. Johns aloud during morning drives to school. My comprehension improved, but I still felt... inadequate. However, there was something about the idea of writing that I couldn't shake. It clung to me, and the desire to be a writer slowly transformed into a necessity. As I grappled with these emotions, I realized the root of my childhood reading issues: boredom. The stories assigned in school failed to capture my interest, leading me to believe I hated reading. I wasn't unintelligent; I was simply uninspired.

In that moment, I learned two things. First, I wanted to entertain the world; second, I was going to achieve that by crafting compelling stories.

The first story I wrote was called 'Mars Attacks' (yes, I hadn't given much thought to copyright at that age). It was terrible, but like any inaugural journey into the unknown, it possessed a certain charm. The more I delved into the craft of writing, the more enamored I became with it. During a term of detention (a result of skipping Chemistry classes to spend time with my girlfriend), I utilized the time to write a story. It too was subpar, but like an addict, I became hooked on the sensation of creation. I've been addicted ever since, having written three novels and a plethora of short stories and micro stories. Throughout all my writing, I can discern the impact that "Eragon" has had on me. The unassuming style and enjoyment with which the first book is written have influenced everything I've undertaken since. I abhor pretention, so flowery prose and intricate insights into the human spirit leave me cold when lacking the most vital element of writing: entertainment.

In 2022, I entered the Mogford Food and Beverage prize. Out of over 1000 entrants, my story advanced as far as the long list of 25 other authors. It didn't progress beyond that, but the taste of connection with fellow writers lingered, leaving me yearning for more. I joined the Australian Writer's Centre and enrolled in a three-month program with Isobelle Carmody, one of my favorite fantasy authors. Witnessing how a professional approaches the challenge of writing has equipped me with some really cool strategies to introduce to my process.

These experiences have paved the way for me to start this blog and launch a podcast, where I hope to establish connections with fellow enthusiasts of fantasy literature. Through this platform, my goal is to share my journey, insights, and my upcoming fantasy novel.

Thank you for joining me on my journey through the realms of imagination and inspiration.