Thank You, Gary Paulsen. Thank You for Your Books

I remember so clearly the time I read Hatchet for the first time by Gary Paulsen. I was in the 4th grade. And when I finished the book, I had a realization that would set the course and direction of my life forever.

I wanted to be an author.

This wasn’t just a casual thought. No. It became part of my identity and my life’s passion.

It was that very book, the story of thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson surviving in the wilderness alone, that inspired me to start writing. I wrote my very first novel shortly after that. The story is forever lost somewhere. The hard drive it was saved on was erased or damaged long ago. This was, of course, over 25 years ago. I hardly remember the plot of my story other than it was a similar idea to Hatchet, but instead of one boy lost in the forest, I wrote about four friends.

I am thankful for all of the authors that have inspired me. There are also writers who aren’t published yet that inspire me for their passion and determination. I had a lot of positive influences along the way on this journey, including my family and the wonderful teachers that introduced me to the books I came to love.

I’ve been supported by so many and appreciate everyone.

But I will never forget that it was the words of Gary Paulsen that inspired me at such a young age to conclude that: “I want to be an author. I want to write stories for the rest of my life.”

I was saddened by the news of the passing of Gary Paulsen on October 13th, 2021. Though he didn’t know me, his words gave me a clear and defined direction in my life.

Thank you, Gary Paulsen. Thank you for your books.