I'm a 30-something that never actually grew up. My wife must think me crazy for being such an obsessed HP fan. But I love to read, and this particular story is so deep, so complex, so...so...HP... that there is a nearly unlimited part of the story that has yet to be told.

I found a bit of sweet irony in using this pen name. It was an old nickname from work - my boss' name was Al, and he loved to tell stories. Apparently, I picked up the nickname from enjoying a good story-telling, as well. But after 15 years in public safety, who wouldn't have a few interesting stories to tell? :)

I've got a full-story and a short story to tell, but both of them are on hold while I hone my skills on one/two-shots. I don't think I'd do a long story any justice at this point.

My only published story, Finding Normal, is going to be a series of conversations between characters immediately following DH as they all try to get back to a normal life. Nobody ever goes back to where they were before any experience, and I believe that significant events (fighting in a war, for example) changes the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. I'm no shrink, but I've seen enough to understand a little about how we adapt after traumatic experiences.

Like all authors, I love feedback (including constructive criticism). The characters in this sandbox are so well-written, so complex, so exposed to us readers... that it's unlikely I'll catch all my mistakes prior to publishing. I've learned as much from attempting to write these scenes as I have from reading. While "ur story sux." doesn't help much, I'd love to hear your thoughts on what I can do better. Speech, grammer, flow, development... did I write the characters true to JKR's form? Are my scenarios believable? Have I written Fanon instead of Canon?

Lastly, while my chapters are infrequent, they're still coming. I work 60 hours a week, volunteer, and try to hold down a home, including my wonderful wife and two dogs. Just throw my stories on alert if you like them, please. :)