Writing is as much about identity as reading is about experience: every stroke of pen or key respects said identity and experience. Consideration of both is why I write. Phen Rambles is as much action as it is label, and I bring to my identity all I have learned and experienced, the same way everyone does. I am common and unique.
Born just south of the Fall line of Georgia, where the mountains end and the coast begins, I grew up in the diversity only the Northside of Warner Robins can bring. It is called the International City, and the many different peoples I encountered is one asset of growing up next to an important military base. It also made friendships difficult. As much as military kids move around, it is also difficult on those they leave behind. You learn to cherish those fleeting relationships, and you are proud of what they were in their short time. It also made it difficult navigating isolation within a traditional family unit not having a consistent outlet to depend on; and as you grow older, you form friendships with people who continue to prove they would rather be around other people.
You turn that rejection into its own gift, and learn how to observe the tiniest details about people and behaviors, but also can describe the feel of the untouchable because of this blessing. I bring this gift to my writing and the worlds you encounter.
Growing up, I learned quickly the importance and safety in truth, whether or not someone else will weaponize it has not been my concern for a few decades. It gave me a strong pursuit of collegiate sports knowledge, a short stint as a news producer, and plenty of time on message boards; creating my own blogs; and interacting with worlds I thought I would never visit. I bring that pride to my writing.
My work as a journalist not only allowed me to visit some of the cathedrals of the game, but also peruse the regulations of life. One of the first things I did when I moved to DC is tour the U.S. Capitol building, arguably the most powerful branch of government in the world. It is with that understanding that I have studied law; toured the National Archives; quietly read in the Library of Congress. I bring those understandings to my writing.
I never thought I would write fiction, since I have always seen myself as a truth teller and a truth seeker. This was a request by the friend I have had the longest, and for someone who grew up not able to establish long term friendships, more than twenty years is a long time. I honor his request with my writing.
My first attempt at fiction, Security Among Titles, holds knowledge I would like to not forget; knowledge I hope gets passed along. It is that mindset that helps build this portfolio of my work. I can tell histories in the ways that my ancestors did, through tales that blend modern humanity with yesterday’s actions. Fiction can be just as real as a mirror, showing us what exists based on what we have already done… to hopefully change what we let the world see. I bring that reflection to my writing.
I would rather be hated for the truth, than loved for lies. I am proud of my authenticity. It has allowed me to walk through foreign countries as if I am a native, and appreciate the difference between the trauma my country wants me to have… and how insignificant it is to the world that rotates around the sun. I bring that healing to my writing.
My conclusion will be written for me, I don’t think it’s possible to write one’s own story once they have transitioned. If I find that ability on the other side, you will hear from me after that eventuality. Until that happens, I hope to write more stories and let them populate the pages you browse here.
Enjoy!