Greetings and Salutations,

My love for science fiction and fantasy started when I was a young boy. One of my uncles, to whom I was very close, was an avid reader. Uncle Jerry didn't just read, he devoured books, one after another; while he ate, while he waited in the car. If he was in a resting position, he was reading. And by imitating him, I learned to love books, especially science fiction/fantasy. My first book was The Hobbit. I was instantly captivated by the mysterious Englishman who had created his own language. I wanted to know Elven; I wanted to write Elven. But above all, I wanted to know why a dirty nasty wet hole could be comfortable, simply because it belonged to a Hobbit. It was always about the mystery. I've always been captivated by mystery.

A love of books and a passion for telling stories has brought me to this place in life. Two years ago, I entered a book I wrote into a national writing contest. Out of 171 entries, it placed in the top four. And I was told that it was quite possible that the only reason it didn't take first place was because the publishing company sponsoring the contest was not accepting new Science Fiction or Fantasy until the following year.

But I can now say I am a published author. I won't tell you the name of the book, because I'm not looking to be an advertisement. I'm simply sharing this with you, because it is the reason I'm here. I want to enter a dialog with you on a topic I love ... Fantasy. And if it causes you to learn more about me, that would be an added benefit.

I look forward to our conversation.


Regards,
John Michael Hileman
Author