Being asked to adapt Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book to be accessible for those with limited literacy skills was an honor, albeit quite a challenge to alter his strategically chosen words. Living in Vermont, where authors Kipling and Robert Frost wrote masterpieces and talented artists continue to create, is one of my best life choices.
Like many writers, I recall my early years of writing stories at my parents’ desk. Through my teens, I wrote poetry, which helped me make some sense of the matters of racial discord and riots of the 1960s. Placing my ideas on paper alleviated some of my angst about the Vietnam War, where two of my three brothers were stationed. Pouring words onto paper helped me spew out anger over pollution and navigate adolescent relationships.
Writing is my equilibrium, my comfort, and my passion. I thrive within the storytelling zone, focused on creating plots and characters. I love playing with language. I feel a sense of accomplishment while editing my work. To have a finished product to share with others is quite satisfying.