Today we’d like to introduce you to Reese Anderson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Reese. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Hmm, the beginning… I first started creating stories in fifth grade. I wrote my first book when I was ten years old. It was a story inspired by Wayside Story by Louis Sacher. While everyone was playing Nok-Hockey, I was writing a story in hot pink, Comic Sans font. That story ended up being 32 pages long. I guess you could say that’s how I got started.
I continued to write stories all throughout high school and college. I never had intentions of releasing my work, and mostly wrote because it was therapeutic. I wrote a lot in college. There were classes where attendance was mandatory, but the professor would just read off the PowerPoint. I would use those classes to write because I believed it was a better use of my time.
I graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2011. After graduation, I moved to New York City for work. At that time I believed my happiness was in working a corporate job. After obtaining a “good” job and still not being happy, I learned my true happiness was creating and story-telling.
In New York City, I met an author that encouraged me to release my works. At that time, I did not have the confidence in my storytelling ability. He believed in my work and told me to let the people decide if I have a good story. He told me to stop being so hard on myself. It was in New York City; I found the inspiration to share my stories with the world. I never thought I would be sharing my work with others, but I have found peace and happiness in doing so.
In April of 2015, I released my first manuscript entitled When It Rains, It Pours. It is a story based in Atlanta. It is the story I am most proud of.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing has been a smooth road for me. Originally, I am from Brentwood, NY. Brentwood is a small, close-knit community on Long Island.
I moved to Marietta, Georgia in high school. Moving to a new region and leaving the only friends I knew was one of the most traumatizing experiences in my life. Everything I knew and learned to love would change overnight. I left behind friends I knew for what seemed like forever. We left behind my childhood home and neighborhood. It was the only life I’d known for 15 years.
It took me a while to get accustomed to the Southern way of living, but I am happy my mother chose to start her life over in Georgia. Moving to another region taught me how to adapt. You would not believe the cultural differences between the North and the South. I am happy to have experienced both, and I believe it has made me a well-rounded person.
Today, I own property and reside in Georgia. Georgia has provided many great opportunities for myself and other creatives. It is important we find our place in areas that are not over-saturated.
Reese Anderson – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
What should you know about Reese Anderson? Most importantly I am a published author. Currently, I have two books out; When It Rains, It Pours and the sequel entitled The Storm. I also run a lifestyle blog on www.ReeseAnderson.com. My blog posts are based on my life experiences and personal thoughts. My intent for my works is to inspire and encourage people. I want to provide perspective and insight to my readers.
I believe the thing that separates me from other creatives is my passion and want to restore emotion in reading and storytelling. As I watch or read a story, I want to feel something. I want to laugh, cry, get angry or sad. A story that can spark emotion is important. I just want to pen stories that spark emotion.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My definition of success is complete happiness. However that comes to me, will be what I use as my blueprint for success. Every day I strive towards happiness.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ReeseAnderson.com
- Email: ReeseAndersonBooks@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/reeseandersondotcom
Image Credit:
Diamond Christine of MINT Creative Co., Devin Carter of Koach Carter Films
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