Writing Samples

Excerpt from unpublished novel “Everything Under The Sun”
Renna woke suddenly as she felt her shoulder being shaken by her uncle Ishan.
“Wake up city gyal! Gwan fetch de water.”
Right. She was on the farm. In the house with no plumbing. Not because they couldn’t afford it—Ishan was an architect with buildings on 3 continents – but because he thought spending time here would ‘build character’.
It was building callouses is what it was doing. But she knew better than to complain. Renna slid out of bed without a sound and swiped the bucket from the door, just before slipping into her shoes and out the door.
She patted a friendly goat on her way up the hill. There were some nice things about being on the farm. As long as you didn’t let them get close enough to steal your lunch.
The walk up the hill was hard because it was steep. The walk down the hill was hard because the bucket was full and heavy. If she spilled any, she’d have to go right back up again.
How much longer would she have to prove she hadn’t become ‘too proud’? What did that even mean?? And why did she even care?
You care because you’ll never be what they want you to be, the voice whispered.
Shut up, Renna thought angrily. She was fine. Normal. Fine. She could just get the damned water and feed the chickens and the goats and everything else they wanted from her—-
You’re not like them. They’re normal. You’re wrong. You don’t belong here. You don’t belong anywhere.
That’s not true. Stop it, Renna screamed inside her head as she pushed the water pump with all the frustration she felt building up. She blinked back the tears that threatened to fall.
You can’t hide what you are, the voice continued. Everyone can see it. That’s why they hate you. That’s why they hurt you. It was always going to be this way.
”What…what do you mean?” Renna said out loud, too distraught to pretend she couldn’t hear the voice any longer. It had plagued her constantly, but this was the first time she had ever acknowledged that it wasn’t simply her own self doubt, but something more.
You can’t change what you are. And you can’t stop what’s coming.
”What?” Renna slowly put down the bucket and sat on the ground, clutching her head as a sharp pain stabbed at her temple. It was a bright, sunny day, as it always was in the islands, but it suddenly seemed to grow dimmer.
You’ll see, the voice said smugly, as everything went pitch black.

Excerpt from unreleased game 'Before the Fall'

TerraNews Broadcast Transmission: "It's been 900 years since Earth repelled the alien invasion. 900 years of peace, prosperity and scientific achievement. We will never forget the unprecedented global unity that led to our triumph over The Adversary. As we look back at our history and remember the Sentry Corps, who are all but decommissioned, we are thankful for their exemplary service these many years. The Last Sentry, an all but ceremonial position, serves to" *static*

Sentry Jemison: [looks up at radio with a raised eyebrow] Ah, just when it was getting to the bit about me serving my 'noble duty' on this lovely rock, signal craps out. Figures. Let's put something else on instead. [switches dial] *static continues* That's weird. What's causing this interference? Compy! Run a scan.

Computer: 'Large mass of unidentified objects detected near remote signal array. Approaching Pharos on a collision course. Sentry Action recommended.

Sentry Jemison: [incredulously] YEAH NO KIDDING. Forward scan data to Sentry Command now!

Computer: Message Failed. Run Diagnostic?

Sentry Jemison: [emphatically] YES!

Computer: Diagnostic complete. Sentry Communications Hub is currently in PowerSaver Mode. Additional power is required to forward scan data. Sentry must maximize generator output to optimize signal strength.

Sentry Jemison: [exasperatedly] oh for the love of--exit PowerSaver Mode!

Computer: I cannot do that.

Sentry Jemison: WHY?!

Computer: PowerSaver Mode initiated due to hardware failure. Hardware replacement is required to exit PowerSaver Mode. The secondary generator in Valley Station must be manually reset to maximize generator output for optimal signal strength.

Sentry Jemison: [massaging temples] Okay Compy. Tell me what parts you need, I'll grab 'em, reset the generator and we'll get this show on the road.

Computer: All parts required are located in Northern Station. A list has been sent to your On Board Computer.

Sentry Jemison: Got it. Aight, gonna head out—

Alarm Klaxons: **BEEP BEEP BEEP**

Sentry Jemison: [warily] ...Compy, what is that alert?

Computer: Warning. Shield Strength at 99% and falling due to repeated impact with asteroids. Maximizing generator output will prolong shield effectiveness.

Sentry Jemison: …how much time do I have before the Shield fails??

Computer: A timer has been sent to your On Board Computer.

Sentry Jemison: Thanks for that…[muttering while running out the door]900 years and NOTHING happens up here but now it’s MY watch and everything goes to hell, asteroids frakking up the shield, can’t even send a message to Sentry Command, what LOOKS like an armada of the Adversary’s Asswipes headed straight for us but it CAN’T be because that’s…not…possible…[voice trails off as the OBC data feed from Compy confirms the mass of UFOs near the remote signal array is indeed, the Adversary’s Asswipes]…frak.

Excerpt from unpublished novel - BTS

"Here you go. Can I get you anything else?"

"No, this is fine. Thank you."

Darya smiled at the server, then continued anxiously twisting the cloth napkin like it owed her money. She was doing the right thing. Right? It wasn't possible to go on like this, not anymore. Things were getting serious. The longer she went without sharing her true nature with Tati, the worse she felt. Tati trusted her so much. She was the love of her life. It felt wrong to keep things from her, even the biggest secret she had. Tati would never do anything to hurt her, ever.

Darya sighed and drank half her screwdriver in one gulp, trying to ignore the memory of her mother's warnings in her head.

"You might think you know a human. You might even think you love them, and that they love you. But they don't. They love the IDEA of you, the version of you that they think is real. If they were ever to know your true self, there's no telling how they would react. They'll hurt you, use you, treat you like an animal. The only way to be safe is to hide and NEVER trust one of them. Promise me. Promise you'll never fall for their lies."

She'd promised then, back when she was a child. But that was before she met Tati, and spent the happiest years of her life falling in love with the most wonderful, amazing, gorgeous butch in the world.

Who was LATE for brunch.

Darya looked at her phone with a raised brow. This wasn't like Tati at all. She started to panic. What if something had happened to her. What if--

"Hi honey. Sorry I'm late."

Tati was standing behind her and bent over to kiss her on the forehead. All of Darya's stress melted away instantly as she stood up and was engulfed in a warm embrace. She pressed her cheek to Tati's chest and murmured,

"It's okay, I forgive you."

Tati laughed and squeezed her tighter.

"Oh, thank goodness. I was prepared to grovel. Did you order already?"

They sat across from one another, and Darya handed her one of the stacked menus.

"Nope, I just got water and booze." She took a deep breath before continuing.

"There's something I've been meaning to talk to you about, that is kind of a big deal, but..I love you so much, and I just feel like it's time."

Tati stared at her in shock.

"I--I love you too, and that's EXACTLY what I was going to say! In fact, that's why I was late." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a paper bag.

"Darya, you are home to me. I know how important you having your own space is, and I respect your boundaries, but it would mean so much to me if you would consider moving in with me. You could turn the attic into your studio. Or the basement, whatever you need, baby. I don't want rent money or anything. I just want to be with you."

Tati gently put the freshly cut keys on the table and reached for Darya's hands.

Darya's eyes welled up with tears as she held her hand and nodded.

Tati's eyes widened.

"Oh my God, is that a yes?"

"How can I say no??"

Darya laughed through her tears, squeezing Tati's hand, then sobering slightly.

"I um, I still need to tell you someth--"

Someone in a long black coat and hat brushed past their table, jostling their glasses and bumping into Darya with a clatter.

"Watch it, man!"

Tati shouted, about to stand up, but Darya tugged her hands and motioned for her to sit back down.

"It's fine, no harm done. Little water spilled but no biggie."

Tati glowered in the general direction of the rando, then looked down at the table curiously.

"Where did that come from?"

At the side of their table was a small, damp seashell.

Darya went completely still, frozen in fear. She pulled her arms away from the table and tried to surreptitiously examine every inch of exposed skin. To her horror, the deep brown skin a few inches above her elbow had started to revert into iridescent scales.

She tried to keep the panic out of her voice.

"Baby? Did you bring a jacket?"

Tati smiled at her reassuringly.

"You got cold huh? You're lucky I always do, just for you."

She reached into her backpack, pulled out a windbreaker and handed it to her.

Darya quickly put it on with a sigh of relief. The server came to check on them. Tati told her they needed a few more minutes to decide, then handed her the seashell. The server took it, bemused. Tati glanced down at the menu, then put it down and focused on Darya intently.

"What were you going to say before, D? I didn't mean to cut you off but I was just so excited at the thought of waking up next to you every day."

Darya hesitated. Whoever put that seashell there knew her secret, and had been willing to expose her, publicly. They could have done worse. This was a warning.

But she'd never been good at heeding those.

Darya reached for Tati's hand and held it, squeezing gently.

"I thought about it, and I think it's a conversation we need to have at home. At OUR home. Soon."

Descriptive Text sample (Accessibility Copywriting)
Video
Video description, 116 seconds. Open to the Prime Video logo on a blue background with a wave-like transition to a orange sky above a tower filled city, atop a plateau. Several dragons swoop towards it. A dragon lands and spews greenish fumes that engulf the people within. Sovereign Uriel's eyes widen in horror as he speaks. We see Percy, Keyleth, Grog with Pike sitting on his shoulders, towering over Scanlan, Vax, Vex and Gilmore, standing in a crowd of people. They look at each other in concern. Another dragon sends a wide stream of flames onto a group of knights as the city burns around them.
Gilmore is speaking next as he, Scanlan and Pike get to their feet amidst rubble in the street. A different dragon emits a bright green beam of energy from its mouth that freezes into ice as it hits soldiers on the wall. A dragon hovers above the burning city as a massive pulse of energy and flame erupts from it and destroys a tower, filling the screen with fire and debris. Next we see Keyleth, Percy, Vex, Vax and Scanlan looking up in absolute horror, surrounded by darkness. Keyleth is speaking as the scene shifts to a worm's eye view of a red sky with a bright sun, and massive hazy black figures that have glowing eyes, with strange shapes that nearly fill the sky.
Cut to a closeup of Keyleth looking very concerned. Next, we see a dragon landing on the ruined city, rearing its head up as lightning streams from its wings. A storm of flame and energy whips towards Keyleth, Vex and Scanlan. Cut to Vax speaking, with his hand held out questioningly. Then we see all four dragons gathering, surrounded by a red mist. Cut to a close up of a large booted foot stomping. Grog is holding his axe, flexing and leaping so fast he breaks the sound barrier and leaves behind a smoke ring. The background blurs behind him as he flies through the air, swings his axe, hits solid metal and falls back down hard,pieces of his shattered axe dropping as he slides to a stop. Percy, Vex and Vax look at each other awkwardly while Scanlan looks shocked and Pike looks annoyed. Grog sheepishly holds up his axe handle.
Cut to glowing lines wind beneath gold text on a black background that reads "From the Masterminds Behind 'Critical Role'" as orange embers drift beneath them. Cut to a rear view of the full team including Trinket standing behind Keyleth, in front of a massive tree with a glowing green portal in the center at the root. Close up on Scanlan, who is speaking as he rubs his hands together with glee. Cut to glowing lines wind beneath gold text on a black background that reads "The Worst Team Ever Assembled" as orange embers drift beneath them. Next, we see Scanlan, Grog, Pike, Percy, Vex, Vax and Trinket standing outdoors staring at something.
Cut to dragons in the sky breathing fire onto a city, as Percy runs screaming past a panicked Pike. In the next scene, Vex does a spit take, then everyone looks amused as Percy covers his face in embarrassment, with Grog laughing the hardest. Even Trinket looks like she's smiling. Cut to glowing lines winding around gold text on a black background that reads "Is Back for a Second Round" as orange embers drift beneath them. Next we see the team outside under a sunset sky, and then 2 tankards clinking. Pike, and Keyleth smile over their drinks as Vex looks at hers then chugs it. Close up on another patron's face, shortly before a shouting Grog punches it, sending them flying in the air. Keyleth smiles then suddenly ducks out of view.
A sword is drawn from its sheath. A blonde woman with a scar on her face grins. Next, Vex is yelling next to Trinket, who looks concerned. Then a set of large wooden doors close firmly. The team is standing outside the closed doors as Scanlan speaks. Vax and Vex look annoyed, as does Grog who is walking down stairs beside Scanlan. Cut to the team standing in a dark, mist filled scene, being spoken to by a tall, feline-like entity with glowing green eyes. We see Grog, Pike, Scanlan, Percy and Vax surrounded by crystals that reflect greenish light onto them. An ornate glowing green bow appears, surrounded by red energy.
Several quick cuts to two indistinct figures standing over fire, then a rear view of Pike standing in front of a massive pair of glowing green eyes, then a huge masked being hovering over a mass of flame, as people move towards it. Pan up to a huge dragon with its wings spread wide under a murky green sky. Cut to a close up of a belt clicking into place, then we see Grog with stubble on his face, and then a full beard suddenly pops out. He clutches his face in shock, covers his mouth then jumps with glee. As they are gathered around the campfire, the whole team stares at him, except for Trinket, who is asleep.
Cut to a close up of a sleek mechanical face with gold and dark blue details, gritted teeth and glowing blue eyes. Waves of energy burst forth from the eyes into a focused beam of light that sends a nearby figure flying as it streams into the night sky. Cut to Scanlan on stage with a band playing as magical fireworks burst overhead in front of an audience. Next, we see a rear view of Keyleth and another person parting a sea with her staff held high as waves of red energy push against the water. Several quick cuts to red impurities sinking into still water, a wide, opening mouth filled with sharp teeth, then a full view of the creature, a huge pink cyclops smacking the ground with its many tentacles.
Close up on Keyleth who looks concerned as she speaks, followed by one of Scanlan who is replying with a similar expression. Cut to Scanlan skating on a frozen pond using a giant magical pink foot on one leg, then Pike yelling in frustration as the person she's talking to rolls her eyes in annoyance. Keyleth shouts as she focuses intently with glowing green eyes and whips her arms upward,causing the land before her to rise up in a wave of earth. Cut to the text "Grab Destiny" in golden letters on a black background, above glowing lines that whip through the void. Cut to a rear view of Keyleth sitting in front of a psychedelic scene with pink flowered green vines growing to make a heart in the center. Keyleth vomits a rainbow substance and appears to see Trinket speaking in the multicolored scene.
Cut to a full moon in the night sky, suddenly blocked by a burst of red energy that opens to reveal Grog, diving with his axe held ready to strike. Next we see Vex on the ground, Vax standing, behind Percy who is looking up in dismay as he speaks. Cut to the text "By The Balls" in golden letters on a black background, surrounded by golden lines that wind around them. Next, Scanlan and Pike desperately try to pull Grog to safety as a wolf bites the crotch of his trousers. Then a close up on a silver and red object held by Vex. Red energy streams from it onto Trinket, who snarls viciously.
Cut to a dragon covered in glowing green energy, in pursuit of Vex, who is flying on a broomstick right in front of it as it opens its mouth wide. Next, Scanlan is speaking to Vax, whose eyes widen in disbelief. Cut to the dragon spewing acid onto fleeing people. Quick fade to black, then fade in to Scanlan's eyes darting right as he speaks again. Vax looks very grossed out. Pike speaks as she covers her face and Keyleth covers her mouth.
Next we see Vax running at full tilt with a sobbing Scanlan on his back, tears whipping in the wind. Scanlan's large magical pink hand opens to envelop them as they fly in the air headfirst towards their goal. Cut to a vibrant golden "The Legend of Vox Machina" title card with glowing lines that enter to form an animated "2" behind the logo on a black background above the words "New Season January 20". The logo bursts into flame and goes from solid to a glowing outline with embers around it. Cut to a full view of the team standing on a snowy mountain range surrounded by tall trees. Scanlan is speaking as he holds his hands in his armpits with gritted teeth. Grog reaches over and lifts him by the collar with a smile. Scanlan looks extremely annoyed as Grog fashions a baby carrier out of fabric and straps him to his chest. Scanlan slaps and kicks at Grog ineffectually at first, then relaxes and lets his limbs droop. Grog walks downhill swinging his arms as Pike watches. Cut to a blue background with the Prime Video logo and the text "Included with prime.