Almost thirty two years ago, Philip B. Ruth, my grandfather, laid down a challenge to me. At the time, I had no idea how that dare would be a mainstay in my life. Though I dedicated the first book to him, a word of thanks needs to go out to the doomsayers of the world. Like most hard working, hard headed, southern boys, telling me I can't, or won't be able to, is a sure fire way of getting it done.
"Always remember the ones who touch your life," he told me, "Be a man of your word, give your all in everything you do, and always remember the people who touch your life, no matter what the impression they make. " Mr. Walt Lyles was an art teacher in Rialto, California, who once told me to never stop expressing my creativity through my art, no matter what anyone says. You are unique, therefore your artistic expression should be a reflection of who and what you are." In High School, a lovely English teacher by the name of Diane Malarz exclaimed, "These comic books will never get you anywhere in life. I should think that Todd McFarlane, (90s idol) could dispute that fact. Mr. Phillip Love, a Principal of my High School once wrote in my class year book, "Stacy is by far the best example of limitless potential, if he could only find a way to tap it. Each of these statements hold weight in how and why I never gave up on a challenge that became my dream. Regardless of what Ms. Malarz meant by her statement, here's a fun fact about English, with a twist. In twelve years, between the ages of eighteen and thirty one, I read the Webster's Collegiate Dictionary three times from front to back. All for the search of the next big comic book hero name.
What was the challenge I mentioned? While drawing my time away with stacks of paper and a handful of pencils, my grandfather came into my room just to see what I was doing. Proud of my latest accomplishment, being a drawing of Batman, I asked for his opinion, but was heart broken by his reply. He told me that my talents would be better used if I wasn't copying someone's work. Then, he explained to me that if I really wanted to impress him, create a character of my own, and give it life. "If it is what you truly want to do, and believe that it's real, then put your heart and soul into it and give it everything you've got." From that day forward, I set out to create the best characters and plot lines possible. No matter how much I was chastised or berated, I stayed the course.
In 2009, my mother passed away due to cancer, and though I would have rather had her in my children's lives, I was left with a small life insurance check. In death, as it was in life, she gave to me and my sister all that she could. Urged on by Paul Rabideau, my friends, and relations, I risked the gambit and for once put myself first and released my first book, CUDA. This is a life long dream finally coming true, of bringing my stories and characters to the printed page.
At this time, I would like to say thank you for your time at my site, and welcome to the Frontline.
Stacy A. Wright
