As long as I can remember I have had a passion for reading and there is nothing I enjoy more than losing myself in a good book. It was due to this reason that I elected to become an English major when it was time to go to college. I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to do with my degree but I knew I liked reading and writing so English seemed the appropriate choice. I attended BIOLA University and while working two jobs was able to attend all summer school sessions and interterm classes allowing me to graduate at the age of 21. I've never lacked drive or motivation, my problem has always been not knowing what path to place my ambition.
With that lack of direction and the need to make money as soon as I graduated from college I began to interview. It wasn't long before I was offered a job by what we ex-employees like to refer to as "The Green Machine" also known as Enterprise Rent-A-Car. I know, not exactly what I went to school for but it was a paycheck.
Five years later found me working my way up the corporate ladder, married to a beautiful woman, and all the financial stability one could ask for, there was only one thing wrong... I wasn't happy and I felt God telling me, "This is not what you were meant for". My priorities were changing. Once I was happy to just make money, regardless of where I was working, now I was realizing that there is so much more to life then the all mighty dollar. So in June of 2012, I quit.
Now, I would not recommend quitting your job with nowhere to go, but I just couldn't take it anymore. With the loving support of my wife I turned to what I loved the most reading and writing. I asked myself if I could work sixty plus hours a week working for a company that i didn't necessarily feel passionate about, how many hours could I put in doing something I actually loved?
As a result the first draft of The Beast Within was finished two months later and in September of 2012 I began actively searching for a agent/publisher while immersing myself in the writing world; conferences, writers groups, open mic events, etc. With The Beast Within completed and the days of writing eight to ten hours gone, I began looking for a part-time job while the agent/publisher search continued.
I've always enjoyed physical exercise and I love pushing both my body and mind past whatever limit I can. The natural choice for me was to seek employment at the gym I was already going to five times a week. I asked what certificates I needed to be a personal trainer, they let me know the three that were necessary and it just so happened they were looking to fill a personal training spot. Aiming my stubborn will at the certificates necessary I was able to pass all three tests and God opened a door for me in the form of employment at the gym starting November 1st, 2012.
I'll spare you the details but many doors were shut on the way to finding representation for The Beast Within, but I couldn't give up, I wouldn't give up. Then last Tuesday January 15th I received a phone call from Jennifer O'Neill at Limitless Publishing offering me not just a contract for my book but a contract for the series!
Since then you can imagine my excitement and how blessed I feel. Now as I direct my drive and determination to The Beast Within's release and writing book two, I feel at peace and I know this is where I am meant to be.
