The stories we tell

I can’t help it, but I’m obsessed with the idea of stories.  I believe that all of us are impacted by stories, probably more than we realize.

I look back at my own life and I think of my stories.  Some of them are funny, stories from college parties, wedding adventures, and traveling around the world.  Some of them I hold close to my heart.  The woman who I thought was the love of my life that left me, the friends I’ve lost over the years, the violence I’ve experienced.  Some stories are the ones we tell our families and friends:  how I met my wife, the story of how I found my career.

All of these stories define who I am as a person today.  The stories we tell are literally who we are.  Over the years they twist and bend to shape our perceptions of reality.

I think this is why I’ve always loved fiction so much, because it tells stories that mean something to us.   It doesn’t need to be life-changing, although I think the very best fiction is.   I’m a huge fan of fast-paced spy thrillers, not because of their emotional impact, but because I can lose myself in the worlds they create.  I like fantasy and sci-fi because I love to ponder the questions the writing evokes.  Stories change us, and it’s a honor to be sharing my stories with you all.

Thank you,

Ryan