Entered in the WattyAwards 2012 and came in as a finalist under "short stories."

I was inspired to write this story after I had watched Dead Poets Society. I knew I wanted it to be about a writer and a mentor becoming close friends. I didn’t know where it was headed at first and I had to rewrite the first chapter several times before writing the chapter now published. The time period of the story came about on its own, I was thinking about placing it in the 1950’s, but I decided I liked a more vintage, historical feel. The entire book was written as I thought it out on the spot. I did some outlining to make sure it was going in a sensible direction.

My inspirations came from a few of my experiences, mostly from my addiction to writing and being carried away by my imagination. The characters themselves are bits and parts of me – I can see myself in Benjamin sometimes and Edmund more so. I also hoped that the readers would be able to relate to them as well.

After posting it on Wattpad, I wasn’t sure what the responses would be, and actually thought some would get bored or not be interested because of its time period and slow pace. So, I was very surprised at its reception and thank every reader and fan for helping it make to the Watty Awards finalist!  

I began writing the sequel a few months after I wrote A Novelist. In fact, I had extended A Novelist, but after countless edits, my editor and I decided to remove it and wrap it up with Edmund’s last line. However, I didn’t like leaving the readers, and myself, without the answers to the questions Edmund and Benjamin were asking in the diner. So, I decided to try writing a sequel in hopes to reveal those questions. I’m quite happy with the results of my sequel, The Presentists. By the way, “presentists” is a fancy definition for “time travelers.”

I do hope to publish both stories when I’m financially set and have the time and energy to go through with the whole process. I have high hopes for A Novelist and The Presentists, and I couldn’t continue without the support of my family, Jesus Christ, and my entire Wattpad friends.