Personal Life
I have many lived experiences that allow me to write diverse and interesting stories from unique and distinctive perspectives.
Early Life
When I was in elementary school, I was diagnosed with autism and generalized anxiety disorder. I always knew I was different, but finally having language to explain why changed my outlook on life for the better. The first story I ever completed was too long to submit to the contest I wrote it for.
Teenage Years
I came out as trans masculine when I was 16. Being accepted wholly and completely by my friends and family allowed me to explore not only myself, but the world around me. Being part of the queer community has been essential to my development as an artist and a person. Being able to write about my feelings and experiences was integral to my growth as a person.
Adulthood
In college I took time to find myself even more. The freedom to experiment coupled with the safety of my support system allowed me to discover parts of my sexuality, spirituality, and romantic attraction style that I had never had the chance to explore. This, alongside new diagnoses of Bipolar 2 and OCD, helped me to make more sense of the outside world. My first published work, “Trees,” was in my college’s literary magazine The Muse.
Current Life
Today I am a college graduate, a Buddhist, an avid tabletop RPG player, a teacher, a brother, a son, and a friend. In my free time, I love to read, write, draw, paint, and walk along nature trails.
Dedication
I’d like to thank everyone in my life for the love and support they’ve so freely given me over the years.
Special appreciation goes to:
Dan Baumgardt
Scott Dutton
Michael Flanagan
Christél, Jonathan, and Skye Iwanski
Becky, Matt, and Ian Krisko
Cassie Lichttenegger
Barret Swanson
Janine Tobeck
Katie Trcka
Marty Voight