When I told my primary school teacher that I was going to be a writer when I grew up, they told me it was unlikely. That I should get a “real” job and keep writing on the side. But I knew that writing could never be “just” a hobby. My characters consumed me, writing themselves into fantastic worlds that I had to translate to the page.

I finished my first book, a middle-grade fantasy novel called Dragon Pearls, at the age of fourteen and the sequel, Crown My Heart, two years later. These books, still available for purchase today, are far from perfect—but they opened the door to several amazing opportunities that eventually resulted in working with ghostwriter Alee Anderson to build Hey! Young Writer, a website that aims to help young writers break into the literary industry.

When I first stepped into my role as Contributing Editor in 2021, I was writing a story per month and helping other young writers build their portfolios. Now, in addition to my full-time work as Lead Editor of Alee Anderson Editorial, I retain close ties to their team, which produces annual digital zines and runs workshops to help young writers expand upon and strengthen their writing, editing and designing skills.