One person I feel is truly successful would be Stephen King. King, who has worked tirelessly at his craft, has been a role model of mine for most of my life. His writing and tenacity are things I love so much about the world of horror literature. Knowing the pain and trauma he experienced both through his recovery from drug and alcohol addiction and the car accident that could have taken his life in 1999 have not prevented him from rising to the top of his field is incredible. Being a horror author myself, I often find people saying things like “you could be the next Stephen King,” or calling me the “Appalachian Stephen King,” which are compliments I try very hard to live up to. Life is all about perspective, to me, as is success. I will always feel pushing through adversity is a huge measure of success, and that is what I try to do daily.

Daily writing prompt

When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why?

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This is an excellent prompt, and I have a pretty simple answer. I try to live by Rule Number One, and I don’t sugarcoat it. The rule is, simply: don’t be a dick. It’s a philosophy I’ve always held but I didn’t have the words for it until 2021 when my wife and I took our first cruise and made friends with the Fun Squad. One of them shared the simple words with us and it stuck. For me, as long as you are living your life without hurting yourself or anyone else,  you do you. Easy enough, right?

I think the first time I really felt like an adult was when I paid off my vehicle. I got it slightly used off the lot and had paid on it for about 7 years until I was finally able to make that final payment and get the title for myself. Talk about a wild ride. But there’s nothing like climbing into a vehicle that is yours and yours alone.

Daily writing prompt

When was the first time you really felt like a grown up (if ever)?

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I would likely have a hard time figuring out exactly what percentage to split in turn, but I would want to definitely contribute a great amount to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and another large amount to various charities and a huge portion to literary funds. There are far too many people who are still not able to read and write at a functional level in the world, and I feel that is one of the most beneficial and rewarding forms of communication and education in the universe.

Daily writing prompt

If you had a million dollars to give away, who would you give it to?

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I’m not too much on brand names for the most part, to be honest. I typically do like wearing my band merch, so with their brands (typically AC/DC since they’re my favorite) I can be a stickler. I do love a good pair of Converse Chuck Taylor high-tops, so that’s probably my biggest personally worn brand. I’m a fan of Coca-Cola, but also Pepsi and others, so I’m all over the place.

Daily writing prompt

What brands do you associate with?

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I think my favorite album will still be Queensryche’s “Operation: Mindcrime.” This album is filled with such incredible music, amazing lyrics, and a truth of the depravity of humanity. This rock opera-esque concept album details the fall of drug addict Nikki who is swayed by his radical group of dealers to do their bidding – which largely includes or revolves around various assassinations and ensuring the growing addiction of the people of the city. When Nikki is charged with killing the ex-prostitute nun he has fallen in love with he refuses, so the group does it anyway and lets him take the blame. I love the raw humanity and the revealing nature of society’s flawed nature here.

Daily writing prompt

What’s your all-time favorite album?

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This is a bit of a subjective question really, but I typically like to do it up big. For things like Halloween and Christmas especially, since they’re my favorites. I listen to themed music, decorate, eat food related to the holiday and just generally make merry as best I can.

Daily writing prompt

How do you celebrate holidays?

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I do see myself as a leader. As an educator, a writer, a traveler, and someone who loves to help my fellow man as much as possible, I think that quality is very important. Often in today’s world people confuse being a leader with being controlling and trying to manage or even force people to live a certain way, but that is not the case. In my opinion, being a leader is more about guiding and helping other with strength, knowledge, and experience rather than trying to drive them toward your own idea of what their end should be. Making carbon copies of yourself is not the goal anyone should have in this world. We all deserve to be ourselves, and if you are indeed a leader, it is your responsibility to lead and guide those looking up to you to be themselves and no one else.

Daily writing prompt

Do you see yourself as a leader?

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Acting holier-than-thou, judging others, looking down on anyone, and lying. These things are actions and traits that pretty much guarantee I am not going to be your fan. There is no call for being this type of human and I’ve put more than one person in their place for behaving in these ways. I like to live simply and treat others well. Respect goes very far with me.

Daily writing prompt

What personality trait in people raises a red flag with you?

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