I grew up in the countryside near Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the eldest child in a family of five. There was never a dull moment with my two younger brothers, and I developed my greatest passions as a youth — literature and the great outdoors.

I joined a local Boy Scout troop at 10, and I worked (and played) for the next seven years to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. As a Boy Scout, I learned how to work effectively as both an individual and a member of a team — camping, backpacking, canoeing, sailing, and wilderness skills require you to be both a capable individual and a strong team player.

I learned to make the best of difficult situations, and to work together with others even when tired, wet, and hungry. 
I'm always up for an outdoor adventure with friends, and I enjoy the challenges that the wilderness presents. 

At home, I can often be found enjoying my other passion — literature. I'm an avid reader of Stephen King, enjoy science fiction, and particularly like creative nonfiction.

I began reading King's work as a youth and was inspired by the stories he told. I appreciated his works for their compelling plotlines, realistic characters, and thorough research of eras and cultures. 
I knew I wanted to be a writer or editor, and my dream is to make a living telling stories for a company that wants to make the world a better place. 

I'm a news-junkie, an automotive enthusiast, and — I think — a burgeoning chef.

My academic interests include literary criticism, journalism, philosophy, and biological sciences. 

I look forward to getting to know you!