Where I write and read from.

I have had a rather unusual experience for writing for an average teenager to young adult. I've always enjoyed creating or coming up with stories and characters. Something I've done since the time of playing with action figures. I remember at the time I'd create a whole world of sorts and pretend that said action figures were in them. From these designed 'worlds' I'd make a story out of the environment (blocks of wood my father cut for me along with magnetic bars and ball bearings) and the action figures. I even remember getting emotionally attached to some of the differing 'characters' story arcs and characteristics. This theme of character design, world creation, progression of both stories and character continued to be of interest to me throughout my time with literature. I often did write out of the classroom, specifically around sixth to twelfth grade. It was something I did for fun because I enjoyed it, particularly the case of flawed, dynamic characters. As for where the writing comes from, it'd most likely come from story ideas derived digital entertainment, books and my state of mind throughout my life. Movies from Mad Max to Waterworld, authors like David Weber and Tolkien, my emotions throughout my life such as the joys of the world around us or the unfortunate loss of our loved ones.

My father gave me the promise of purchasing any car I want if I'd make a list of a hundred books I read with some of his suggestions in the list. Before that I'd be required to read at least thirty minutes a day within eye sight of my dad. Sometimes I'd turn the old kitchen timer early when my father was looking away, sometimes I'd let it ring and keep reading. I was brought up with reading, something that I think all parents should try with their children. My father couldn't go into college due to being from a family of ten that grew most of their own food. He taught himself with books and literature, something that clearly affected him as he had his company offices in Times Square and New Jersey. Clearly reading was important to him and thankfully it also became very important to me. Reading is something I enjoy. Something that is fun and entertainment, not a chore. Due to all of this, Jimmy Baca's story was fantastic in my eyes. A poor man with little education producing a great short auto-biography. Similar to him, but not to such an extent I too read for a desperation of escapism even though mine was on a much lesser level. I liked the idea of delving into a different universe, a different world or even a person's life. Sometimes it'd be to escape my own but usually it was just something I enjoyed.

Alexie and Baca are both two clearly talented writers. My reaction from both of them were remarkably different however. Baca's story held a great deal of emotion that ebbed onto his vary words and sentences. Alexie's story was more or so interesting as it gave insight to a writer's journey to being a writer. It held nowhere as much emotional impact as Baca's however, so my reaction was very minute to Alexie's story.  Even if they were both regarding how their respective authors got into reading, Baca's desperation resonated with me to some degree. He displayed how literature was a great beacon of light, something enjoyable and refreshing which is the exact way I see literature myself. Although of course, my life story was nowhere as miserable or unfortunate as what Baca wrote. Alexie's work didn't really relate to me at all as it felt dry and boring.