Although he grew up in a family of six siblings, the writer known as E.S. Brenwalt, or Stringfellow to those who know him on message boards, said he had a secluded upbringing.
Brenwalt credits his background as the inspiration and cause of his greatest achievement, the publication of his first book, Path of a Hero which was published December 18, 2008 by Publish America.
Brenwalt, whose initials stand for Edward Senjon, was home schooled for most of his education and considered it a time of isolation, but is also grateful for the opportunity.
“I am who I am today because I was home schooled, and I am happy for it.” Brenwalt wrote in an email interview.
He said without all that time alone to think, he might not have written his book.
He is almost completely deaf in his left ear and has a speech impediment. His mom wasn’t satisfied with the public school system of Randolph County in West Virginia and the way his teachers were teaching him to read using the phonics method, so she pulled him out of school when he was in the first grade.
“Senjon was a very bright young boy with a mind like a steel trap, he could memorize anything.” Donna Brenwalt wrote in an email interview.
With the exception of a year or two when Brenwalt went to public or private school, he was mostly home schooled by his mom until he graduated from high school.
“He has always had a great imagination and he also has the talent to put it into words.” Donna Brenwalt wrote, “I am his biggest fan!”
THE INTERVIEW:
What is your book about?
ESB: It follows the story of a young boy named Cyankazu Omondi (Cyan for short), who is a samurai-in-training. A terrible war consumes the mystical land of Trino, and the invading force is composed completely of monsters and orcs. Cyan, has his world shattered and his humanity shaken, and the only thing that would give him solace were the thoughts of revenge. Driven by these dark desires, Cyan is forced to assume the mantle of a warrior at an early age. This story has an unexpected "hero's tale" to it. Cyan's story starts off as a youth who is hell bent on obtaining revenge, and hardly anything else. Cyan steadily grows into the warrior he was supposed to be when he goes on a life-changing journey in order to redeem himself, regain his lost humanity and rid himself of the Void. Because Cyan's path as a hero starts off with dark intentions, that is why I put "Every hero has a beginning," to signify that unlikely start.
What were some of the influences that led to your interest in science fiction writing?
ESB: My influences vary. At first, it was mostly video games, TV shows or movies that revolved around the fantasy genre, but after I discovered the internet at a young age mythology took a forefront of inspiration. The way of the samurai was another influence in my writing, as well martial arts. Samurai, in my mind, are some of the best swordsmen in history, and the only other thing that I would like just as much as a samurai would be the art of ninjutsu.
It's sort of a well known adage for writers to "write what they know". Have you ever considered yourself a hero, or would be hero to others who go through life with a hearing impairment?
ESB: I have never really considered myself a hero, simply because I have never done anything heroic. I do not know how I would be a hero to others who are also hearing impaired. If anyone ever told me that I could never amount to anything because of my impairment, then I would look at them with pity while shaking my head slowly, because if anyone said that, then they are truly unaware of how many people become success stories because they overcame worst things, such as being blind, deaf, mute or even missing limbs. However, I would definitely be considered the underdog. Basically I see myself being called the underdog because I am a no-name, just another dreamer caught in the tide of the ocean, with no real recognition. I am going to keep working to achieve my dream, and whether I get far or not, it can still be inspirational to see somebody who never gave up, regardless of the odds.
Interviews were conducted via email to suit the author and his family’s comfort levels. Answers to questions were edited for the sake of brevity.
