Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in rural South Carolina. Reading was my only way to escape the monotony that is living in the country. I found that I could express my feelings and thoughts, along with my reflections on my life, through writing.
When did you first start writing?
I first remember writing when I was in middle school. I wrote a poem called "My Dog" that my classmates ridiculed me about for years afterwards.
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