Major: Electrical Engineering Technology
Class: 2013
What inspired you to write The King’s Challenge?
Many events in my life played a part in the book’s creation. Those events are outdoor experiences, family life, academic experiences, and even the hum-drum of the day-to-day. What really pushed me to sit down and type out the manuscript was the sheer enjoyment I felt as I pondered various scenes in my book.
You set up your own publishing company to get the book published. Was that hard to do? Do you hope to publish books from other authors?
Once I finished the manuscript I looked into getting it published. One method was to find and solicit a publishing company. In order to do that I would need to hire an agent which costs a good chunk of change and puts further delays on publication. There was no guarantee that I would be published even after that. The other method was to start my own publishing company. The resources required would be time and money which is similar to the first method. The main advantage of having my own publishing company is that I can oversee the publishing process. In addition I could gain the expertise of two colleagues who are now equal partners in the company. Though it was difficult and took careful planning, it will be worth every hardship once the company is able to publish new authors and spread the joy of reading.
Why did you choose MSOE?
I have enjoyed learning and utilizing electronics as far back as I can remember. When I attended high school I took Project Lead The Way courses which offered the possibility of earning MSOE college credits. Needless to say I took full advantage of the offering by doing my best in those courses and researching my undergraduate options. I toured MSOE’s campus during Discovery Days and the experience made me fall in love with the idea of earning a degree from the institution. Of course MSOE’s reputation played a role in my decision but it was the atmosphere that ultimately swayed me away from other colleges.
What do you like about MSOE?
I like the reputation MSOE has with the industry. MSOE takes suggestions from their business partners on what is important material for students to ultimately learn. I appreciate the effort MSOE puts into their students and alumni. I feel that MSOE is willing to advise me in each phase of my life which is a great feeling to have!
What are some of your favorite books/authors?
In no particular order:
- Aldous Huxley, author of Brave New World
- Isaac Asimov, author of the series Robots in Time
- J. R. R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit
What do you like about your major?
I enjoy learning about the aspects of electronics that I have never even heard of! I also like the array of equipment that is used within the classroom. The experience of working with multiple tests and developing tools has given me confidence. I feel satisfaction because I am learning more about a subject in which I have pursued since my childhood and doing that is what I like the most.
Do you ever hope to pursue writing as a full-time career? Or is it more of a hobby for you?
Currently I plan to write and publish at least one more book. I eventually want to make publishing other peoples’ manuscripts a career, alongside working as an engineer. The ideas for books come and go as they please. Each idea is unique and requires thought on whether or not it is something worth publishing; which is what I would like to focus on.