The amount of things that grow to shape a person irreversibly I can count with just one hand. Of those few were stories.
When I was learning to read as a child, I remember the horrific, dreadful thought of not ever being able to. Once I was finally able to laboriously muster out the words alone, reading became a ritual that would never let me down.
Stories saved my life.
I'd retreat to them like some fortress in my mind I diligently filled with all types of gadgets, and streets, and characters and lives that entertained me while the world outside was less appealing.
Naturally, I became a writer.
My stories would begin to shape my world as I saw fit- so that I didn't have to escape, but embrace and accept. I'd like to provide that for others, too.
I write as honest as I can, when I can. I do it encumbered, I do it sober. I do it happily and dreadfully. I'm somber, but I'm not hopeless, with the hubris to flaunt my talents and the humility to remind me of my faults.
What I seek to gain most is a conversation with you- the you left behind during the conquest of growing up. I hope my writing can be the icebreaker.
So tell me what you think; I'm all ears and words.
Stories by John_Doe_R
