When I was about thirteen years old, I began writing my first novel. I completed approximately three chapters and I was very proud of them. I showed my father my work. He is the person who encouraged reading and was an avid reader himself. So, I figured he would be the best person to show it to. He read my writing and then proceeded to give me a half hour lecture on plagiarism. I couldn't believe it. I allowed that incident to stop me from writing. It was many years later that I resumed my passion. It was my mother who then encouraged me. So, I wrote, submitted my work and was accepted by a pu more...
