I began writing fiction at the age of 12 after being encouraged by my parents who are both avid readers of Science Fiction and Fantasy works. But it was at the age of 16, while still in high school, that I was published for the first time. This came after submitting one of my poems to a high school teacher for review, and was later asked if I would grant permission for it to be printed in the annual anthology of writings. My passion also spilled over into music as I grew older, penning the lyrics to more than 500 songs before my 21st birthday.