Why do I write?​

    I didn't study writing in college. In fact, I studied psychology, which is probably why I'm so intrigued by human behavior - both the good and bad. 

    The Signman is a story about motivations. What drives the antagonist, what compels Jason to share his signs, why is Alison so afraid to live and love, and why does Scott have an uncompromising view of right and wrong? 

    People fascinate me. Even my artwork is influenced by people. My sculptures and paintings portray the beauty in the details of the human form, the subtle differences that make us individuals.    

    So why do I write?  About fifteen years ago I attended an office holiday party. Plenty of food, drink, dancing, even karaoke. The usual antics. But the highlight of the evening's entertainment was a psychic. I can almost hear your laughter, and to be honest, I was laughing too. The woman was there for pure entertainment, and I was the last person in the room to believe in fortune tellers. She looked more like my mother's best friend than a gypsy fortune teller. There was nothing flamboyant about her, and I remember thinking that she could have at least dressed the part. But holy crap, she was right on target.The past, present, and still to be seen, my future. She talked about my creativity, that I was pursuing the wrong avenue. She told me that my success would come in words. 

    I didn't think much about the psychic's prediction until I was in-between jobs and traveled cross country to help a family member. I had time on my hands to work on that kernel of a story buried in my brain. A story that was conceived after seeing a homeless man holding a sign with the unusual saying, Wool not Mutton. For weeks I would find him at the same street corner, each day with a new sign displaying another strange message. Why was he doing this? What brought him to this moment in his life? What's his story? My imagination took root and Jason was born.

    So that's my story and I'm sticking with it. Writing this novel has been a journey. Finding my voice, discovering new people, fine-tuning a new craft.

    I hope you'll join me as I continue the journey.

                                                                

​                                                                          - C.B.