October is National Bullying Prevention Month.

It's an important topic to my publisher--and to me. I was bullied. I wasn't abused by the the traditional, stereotypical bully, you see in movies. There was no big kid on the playground that intimidated me to give up my lunch ticket, or to do something stupid or crazy. There was no teasing or taunting on the school bus. Instead, I was left out, and ignored.

It happens all the time--on every playground, at every school, and even in the workplace. The victim is the kid, or adult, that just doesn't seem to fit in. The quiet one that gets overlooked and not invited to lunch, or to happy hour after work. It's the kid that sits home every night and watches Netflix, or plays video games, because they had no invitation to do anything else. 

It's no surprise. We can all see it play out--like a Lifetime movie. But in reality, each of them has a story. ​

​So do I. I was orphaned.

I didn’t start my career as a writer. I chose a path in the business world. Writing was a hobby—something fun for me to do on nights and weekends, or whenever my family had other activities that didn’t involve me. The occasional jotting notes in a journal, evolved into a regular writing ritual, complete with story arch and critique partners. 

My hour-here-and-there, changed to nights and weekends, with Sundays being “my” day. For that, I want to thank my family for allowing me that opportunity… for going golfing on a Sunday afternoon, so I can write, uninterrupted… for the encouragement to pursue a crazy dream at a moment I thought of giving up… and for the continued support you give me each and every day.

A huge shout out to Mike, Brittany, and Kyle… I love you!