As a writing teacher for over two decades, I have enjoyed exploring literature and writing from many angles, helping students break free from the structures that society works so hard to ingrain in our heads--this is how it is done--follow these rules and you can be a good writer too. During this process, there are two things we work on. First, trusting what you have to say--trusting that the voice in your head and the emotions you have coursing through your body are worthy of the written word, whether you share it or keep it for yourself. Second, if you like to write, if you take the time to write, at any level--journaling, blogging, poetry, stories, no matter how rudimentary or polished--know that you are a writer. You do not have to be published. You do not have to be the best in the world or even the best in the room. If you write, you are a writer. During this process I have honed my skills as an educator and a story teller and have learned to take my own life experiences to create characters, themes, and storylines that are real and relatable. I am a father of two adult children and a grandpa to a growing gaggle of grandkids. I have been married for 33 years and teach in one of the most diverse high schools in Washington State. All of this, and my personal background as an All-American high school and college athlete shape my writing and help me create characters that are true to life.Read more about this authorRead less about this author