ABOUT THE AUTHOR

From private pages to published stories.

My love of writing began in 1982 in Ann Williamson’s English class at St. Bernard High School while we were studying ancient literature. I wrote a dialogue that reimagined Beowulf’s battle with Grendel as a boxing match, with both opponents wearing official 16-ounce Sugar Ray Leonard boxing gloves rather than Beowulf fighting barehanded and tearing off Grendel’s arm. When Mrs. Williamson read it aloud to my classmates and they enjoyed it, I felt a pride in my writing that I have never forgotten.

I continued writing after that, but I did it privately. Over the past twenty years, I have created, developed, and written more than twenty unpublished manuscripts. Eventually, with the encouragement of my wife, Lisa, I decided it was time to return to those stories, polish them, and finally share them with readers.

Lisa believed in these stories—and in me—long before my name appeared on a book cover. My children have given me purpose, perspective, laughter, and more inspiration than they may ever realize. Every book I publish carries something my family has given me: strength, compassion, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for the people we love.

The student sitting in Ann Williamson’s English class in 1982 never imagined this moment. I think she would be proud.