Welcome to an “About Me” on yet another writer’s site. Which, let’s be honest, is a bit scary.

“Why,” you might wonder, “would a writer have a difficult time writing? I mean, duh, right?

My answer? Because it’s not easy to put yourself out there in the world. In stories, my characters explore their worlds, they fall in love, they (spoiler alert!) make mistakes. But this site is me putting my own failings and limitations out there for the world to judge. It’s me putting my hopes and dreams, thoughts and musings, fears and anxieties out there for you to read. And to comment on.

Being Authentically Me

But since a big part of why I write is connection, let me tell you a little about myself. I have a full-time job. My babies are furry and feathered (my husband and I live with horses and parrot and a dog). I commute, and grocery shop, and pay my bills and generally pretend I know how to adult.

I’m biracial; a half-Japanese-half-Caucasian introvert.

I’m a voracious reader, and a vicious procrastinator. I even bought a book about beating procrastination… that I haven’t read. Yet.

Craft is important to me. I have an obsession with writing craft books, listening to podcasts, and taking courses. I believe in CliftonStrengths, and that there are more good people in the world than bad.

My reading tastes are eclectic, and I enjoy nearly every genre, but I’m primarily drawn to fantasy. Beyond fantasy, I love thrillers, mysteries, and near-future science fiction. I was that person who used to bring 5 novels on a trip, two for reading while waiting at the airports, two for the duration of the flights, and one for the non-traveling portions of the trip.

I write because I have to write. Because I see snatches of worlds that need to be explored. Characters buzz around in my brain, waiting for me to fall in love with them. Others wait to break my heart. I write because I feel things I can’t talk about and have opinions I don’t share with my people. And because the world around me is messed up and I’m tired of waiting for someone to fix it.

Besides the posts on this site, I write novels, short stories, essays, and a whole mess of poetry. I’ve even won a few awards!

Hobby Collecting is my Favorite Hobby

Besides reading, writing, and book hoarding, my hobby is collecting hobbies.

Seriously.

I’m a magazine subscription seller’s dream.

I scuba dive, garden, sea kayak, hike and backpack, I sketch, I paint watercolors, I’m into photography (and now underwater photography!). I cook, ski, I’m a horseback trail rider. I’m into training dogs, and parrots, and horses, and trying new restaurants. I travel, I snowshoe, I’m into stone carving, I ride on and off-road motorcycles, I’m a licensed skydiver. I’m learning competitive mounted orienteering, and want to learn how to weld, make furniture, and cross-country ski. Besides trail riding, I’d like to try dressage, and maybe drill team with my horses. In whatever spare time I can find, I’d also love to learn to play the guitar I bought on an enthusiastic whim.

If all this sounds interesting, join my email list for updates about my writing, sneak peeks into future projects, and special announcements. Whatever your reason for stopping by, welcome to jamifairleigh.com.