Born a military brat, I started this adventure surrounded by the lushness of Honolulu, Hawaii. The beautiful surroundings didn't have time to leave much of an impression because 11 months later the military life grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and off our family went. My Dad's postings (Navy) were generally on the east coast and hopping around from base to base every couple years became the norm. Luckily I was able to spend all 4 of my high school years in one location...Havelock, North Carolina. I went to college at LSU (GEAUX TIGERS) where I met my best friend and future wife. After we married we moved to Atlanta and had our first child in 1987. We quickly realized living closer to family was something we both wanted, so by the time our daughter came along in 1990, it was a downright must. At the time my parents lived in New Jersey and my wifes mother and step-dad lived in Arkansas. It wasn't even a contest, Arkansas it was.
We now have three children and are living comfortably in the Natural State. Five years ago I re-discovered my affair with the written word...and here I am. I am uber-shy and most people confuse that with being stuck up or uncaring. The only reason I'm married (luckily so) is because my wife took charge during the dating process. The only place where shyness isn't a factor is when I'm on-line. If you want to know something else, just ask. I'm pretty much an open book (pardon the pun).
DL
- DL Hammons
- Continually trying to answer the question...can a man of few words write a successful novel?
I'm a Mystery/Thriller/Suspense writer from small town USA who struggles everyday to balance my passion for prose against the need to be a full-time bread winner. Finding ways to devote more time to my writing is the challenge, but for now all I can do is follow this tug at my heart to wherever it leads. I'm here primarily to soak up all the knowledge I can from the writing-centric blogosphere, but I'll do my best to contribute by thinking of new and innovative ways to churn the writing pot.
I so enjoy learning other's journeys to writing. We are all unique. I owe my passion for it to one English teacher, Ms. Marilee Ruddle. The strictest, hardest, coldest teacher in the school. She did NOT give A's. At least not in recent history - nobody knew anybody who'd ever gotten one. I was an honor student, on that track, and determined to beat her. (It should be noted that many, many honor students got their parents to request another English teacher so as not to spoil their precious child's GPA.) She was strict, just like I'd been warned. But she also was a very, very good teacher. I owe her my love of poetry, my love of art, my realization that there are people out there who recognize bullshit when they read it. Prior to that, I'd always gotten huge accolades for my writing, which led to complacency, which led me to "dialing in" my first essay for her, on which I got a C-/C. First time in my academic career to not get an A, s in I'd never had a B either. I was crushed. And determined to prove her wrong. Which I eventually did. Got an A/A- minus on my last paper. But still, not an A in the class. Marilee, wherever you are: THANK YOU.
ReplyDeleteTina @ Life is Good
P.S You're my 200th follower! Thanks for tipping the bucket that way. I'll buy you a drink when you're in town.
Great story! I remember a similar assignment with that teacher. I can't remember her name either.
ReplyDeleteHuh... I never thought you lived in Arkansas. I'm in Missouri. I like the life in small towns--who would have thought? Especially since I grew up in a big city.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely enjoying your blog posts.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your kind comment.
Doris
Hey DL, just stumbling across you from the a-z challenge. I'm wearing down and getting eye strain. But I'm so glad I'm joined. I'm amazed at all the diverse writers. I'm like you in that writing is my braver voice. In life, I'm more willing to be on the back burner. I help my elderly folks daily, so am not employed. My blog connects me to others. Writers are a special breed, I think. Enjoy your blog. I will be back. Nice to "meet" you!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from the A to Z Challenge to say hi! I, too, am a Navy brat, although we never made it to Hawaii - we mostly hopped back and forth between California and Washington State.
ReplyDeleteHi DL! I nominated you for an award. You can find the details here:
ReplyDeletehttp://melissajanda.wordpress.com/2013/05/02/another-award-the-other-sunshine-award/