Photo credit: Michelle Masso
When I was 12 years old, one of my instructors asked what I wanted to be as an adult. After submitting one of my first short stories to her, I answered, “I want to be a writer”.
“Good technique and use of language, but you need a lot more experience, kid.” So began my life of gathering experiences.
I have been a soldier, a traveler, a nomad, a teacher, a picture framer, a receptionist, a radio hostess. I’ve lived in a school, worked in areas wrecked by disasters to help people rebuild their homes and their lives, I’ve slept in castles and locations that might have been castles.
I have been a prayer warrior, a cheerleader, a friend to friendless and entertainer to the masses. My paintings have hung in galleries and museums. I’ve climbed mountains, been swimming with sting-rays and explored deep caves.
My life story has amazing triumphs and spectacular failures that have been an intrinsic part of creating the wealth of experiences I’ve gathered. Through all of the ups, downs and in-between moments, I have remained a steadfast student of life as I strive to live up to my philosophy:
Our lives are stories. It is our responsibility to make it valuable and interesting to those whom we touch.
My hope is that in reading Shards of Humanity, the first of many publications, you can share the life of my characters and enjoy the world I have created from my own collection of adventures.
L. Nicci Haynie
shardsofhumanitydotcom 