Backstory:

I first tried my hand at writing before reaching double digits of age. I excitedly penned "True Stories," retellings of famous fables that subvert the patronizing morals of the originals by telling what truly happened. The uninformed observer is quick to judge the liar in "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" until we shift to the boy's perspective and see that the invisible wolf had a cloaking device the whole time. "The Tortoise and the Hare" is a cautionary tale against laziness, until we reveal the extent of corruption and sabotage manipulating the race's outcome. Of course, my childish attempt at comedy was often poorly executed, but I gradually improved over a decade of practice.

In high school, I happened to pick up Ray Bradbury's The Illustrated Man from the school library and was instantly hooked. His vivid prose, visceral twists, and philosophical ponderings inspired me to attempt the same. That same semester, I submitted a short story to SciFest LA's Tomorrow Prize, a Sci-Fi short story competition for high school students in the LA county. I placed finalist (top 5) earning $100. Unsatisfied with this result, I participated again the following year and earned first place, and the $250 prize with it.

I have since written and continue writing additional short stories that I hope to in time publish as an anthology. 

Writing Sample:

In the meantime, how about you check out that short story that won me $250: