On Reading and Writing: The Genesis of a New Segment!

In addition to video games, I have a passion for reading and writing. At the age of 8, I was given the first real novel that I really enjoyed: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. My parents and teachers were amazed that a second grader such as myself, while not very adept at sports or math, could read that well.

In 3rd grade they diagnosed me with dysgraphia (which in a nutshell means that my handwriting kinda sucks). As such, almost no one could read my writing, and I was written off as "that stupid kid" once again.

In 5th grade I discovered manga. Here was an art form that could also be read. I was amazed, and my amazement turned into an addiction. But everyone claimed that I was too busy being obsessed with comic books to read any "REAL" books or do anything "useful," and I was given the freak card once again.

In 9th grade, I was beginning to see the effect of video games on the world. Blowhards like our good friend Jack Thompson (What up Jack!) were especially infuriating to me, as I had been playing video games for years and turned out alright. This eventually led to one of my school's guidance counselors locking me in a room and basically interrogating me as if I were a school shooter. Once again, I was given the badge of "Retard."

This past school year, in 10th grade, people were starting to see my way. My English teacher was a fellow geek who had a relatively decent knowledge of sci-fi and video games.

He was also an up-and-coming writer.

He taught me the power of the written word.

He awakened my writer's spirit.

All my life I have been labeled an outcast.

But the thing that has kept me moving is my ability to write.

So what if I'm labeled a retard? So what if the administration thinks I'm a dangerous kid? The only thing that matters is my writing.

Oh, and video games.

So what's the point of my little trip down memory lane?

Well, I've decided to start my own video game related writing column.

Every week, I'll write something about video games, be it an anecdote, a poem, a short story, a review, or anything.

I might write about the striking similarities between myself and Andrew Ryan, or the awesome feeling of beating a game like Zelda.

So if you like subjective articles about video games, check back each week!

Until then, I've got some things to submit!