When I was 15-16 years old I wrote a short story for english class at my high school in Toronto. Seeing that I skipped school all the time and that I was in a gang, the teacher didn't think I could accomplish such a feat. So after reading it she accused me of plagiarism. Having a wicked anger problem, I let loose all the curse words I knew. She called my mom and sure enough she released that I indeed wrote that story. I received the highest marks. Unfortunately, no one told me that I could have a career  in writing. So I found trouble, or became trouble everywhere, skipping school, stealing and the really bad stuff of which there is no need to mention.

Years later, and many jails in between, I became a born-again Christian. Ah, I thought that I would have a happy family and everyone would love me; man, was I wrong. Trouble still found me, however, this time it wasn't my doing. At one time I almost quit church to return back to crime. Although I felt that way, I knew in my heart, my soul, that that isn't what Christianity is about. So I sucked it up, read my Bible, and dropped people in my life who caused bitterness, envy and wrath. My life slowly started to rise to a better one than I ever thought to imagine.

After some years of being in church, working, moving from one place to another, I found the love my life, my wife Therese. This gorgeous girl stole my heart and left me breathless. After dating for only 6 months, we married. During the marriage I struggled from one job to another. My interest in films started to rise and I thought, maybe I could make a career in that. Then the dreams started, one after another, and then the whole week. I told these dreams to my wife and she thought that they sounded like stories, like books. She told me that I should start writing those dreams down. I did.

Well, one thing led to another and I haven't stopped. But, it was a long road. Family would tell me to get a regular job, friends would talk bad about me, and I would grow depressed. My wife being a strength continued to encourage and build me up. I wrote and wrote, but to no avail. My book wasn't accepted, my script wasn't accepted, no money to make a short film, no money for an editor and the list goes on. I was ripped off by a couple of publishers and I had to work at a regular job. I put the writing aside and worked. 

I ended up making some good money doing renovations and so I stuck to that. I started to write short stories, and this really tweaked my wife's interest. She liked it a lot better than the novel. At this time I found Stephen King's first editor, Bill Thompson. I sent him the novel to see if he liked it. He wrote back with these words, "There is no hope here..." I was devastated. My wife said why don't I send him my short stories. It was worth a try. He actually liked some of the stories! He started to edit some of them and spent some time on the phone with me talking about and perfecting it. The book of short stories was coming together.

I wrote and re-wrote and wrote more stories till I had 29 full stories written. I sent out a few stories for any bite and...nothing. Then I found a publisher, who wouldn't give me an advance, but nonetheless would make the book and publish it! Well, I was thrilled! I was going to have my first book published and make royalties off it. The book got made and published and became available in stores around the world in 120 countries. Am I famous, no, but did I get my first book published, yes; I succeeded in becoming an author. It was very surprising who supported me once the book came out. Some people don't like it if others succeed, they want you to fail-the haters. It doesn't matter. It was a long road with many obstacles, but if you have faith and don't quit, you will succeed.

Now I am writing my next novel, Saint Monster. And who knows, maybe one day you will see me on The Colbert Report. Till then, good hunting, keep healthy, and never quit. You never fail in life, unless you quit on yourself.

J.N-Turner, Author of Mindless Short Stories