In sixth grade, my parents gave me a word processor, so I wrote a science fiction story. What motivated you to start writing your first book? That began my journey from journalism into creative writing. My school allowed us to use the school printer and we sold copies in the cafeteria. And like most high schoolers, I thought I was smarter than my teacher and didn’t want to be constrained by journalistic rules, so I started a literary magazine with some friends. However, after my first few submissions came back with more red markups than black type, I learned the tight structure of journalistic writing. In high school, I wrote for a local newspaper as an extracurricular project. What is the most fun experience you have had in high school while writing for a local newspaper? I feel like learning how to manage your time, prioritize, and balance life for the first time is crucial to our development as people. Especially in high school and college, I learned very quickly that if I wanted to succeed, it was on me to make that happen. Learning how to set goals and working hard to achieve them. What's the most important lesson you learned in school? Occasionally, I like a contemporary young adult or magical realism story, but mostly, I love stories with fantastical-and sometimes horrifying-things lurking just beneath an otherwise normal world. I enjoy urban fantasy and horror books the most. Now that I have kids of my own, I’m sensitive not to automatically discount their opinions or comments simply because they are young. While kids lack real-world experience, it’s that lack of real-world experience that creates a viewpoint without biases and baggage. What is the one thing you hated the most when growing up?īeing told I was wrong solely because of my age. He loves to connect with readers on social media or by email at him at: Louis with his wife, two daughters, and a dog named Princess Penelope Picklesworth. His debut novel about a dark reimagining of an ancient myth won multiple awards following its spring 2022 release.

He began his writing journey in high school with a local newspaper before venturing into creating writing in college where he found himself lost in contemporary stories with magic summering just underneath the surface. Sullivan writes young adult novels inspired by gritty urban environments and the fantastical tales that percolate within abandoned buildings and desolate alleys. Genre: Fantasy Horror Teen & Young Adult.

From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan