When I was twenty five, I found myself working nine to five with no real aspirations. I was an artist, that's all I knew, but I didn't know what to do with my art. I only knew I had to do something.

One evening, my roommate Dave, who is no longer with us, had to pick me up from the side of the freeway because my car's tire blew out, sending me into the median. I didn't have a spare because the tire that blew out was the spare. It was one of those odd-looking doughnut tires that don't seem capable of holding up a one and a half ton car.

Dave, who was always good at lightening the mood, laughed and asked me if I had another spare in the trunk to slap on because he thought the doughnut made my car look hip. I didn't have a spare to replace my spare.

At that time, buying one new tire was hard and buying two new tires, impossible. That night, Dave and I chatted about bills, life and careers. I don't remember all the conversation, but I do remember his words of wisdom: he told me to just pick something and go for it.

I wish he could see the result of his advice.

I picked writing and illustrating books as my career choice. I focused on school and writing late at night and on weekends. Years later, I've found not only the ability to write and illustrate my stories, but the LOVE OF IT.

I live in Tucson, Arizona, where I'm actively writing and painting the next best great work of art. I was born on Earth but hope to retire in a vibrant community on Mars.