I write because my head is full of stories and people and really cool things that I think can amuse other people too. I write for your sake! It would be a shame if you missed out on all the sweet goings-on inside my noggin.
But I do a lot of other stuff too:
Martial Arts
I've been a Martial Artist since I was eight. I earned my provisional black belt at age twelve, and currently hold a 4th Dan black belt which I earned when I was twenty-one. My style is, for most intents and purposes, Tae Kwon Do, but my master incorporated Jujutsu and Arnis in order to create a style that better prepared his students for practical self-defense. His passion for the practical side of martial arts rubbed off on me, and I don't concern myself with tournaments anymore. I teach privately, accepting students on a case-by-base basis.
Acting
I'm an avid actor, and pursue this as a possible career option as well. I tend to get comedic roles, especially when it comes to Shakespeare - which I do at least annually at a wonderful event called Shakespeare in the Park, where scenes are set all about a beautiful outdoor space. It seems I was born to clowns and fools, and I don't really mind. Recently I've been looking to expand my experience into more dramatic roles, and I dream of playing a really dirty, rotten villain.
Computer Programming
Technically, this is my profession. I studied Computer Science at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and this is how I pay the bills. I don't mean to say that I'm not passionate about it - I certainly am - but my real goal (assuming neither of the above pans out as a full-time thing) is to end up as a game designer. I love strategy games and RPGs the most. Both give plenty of leeway for telling stories, and strategy games play to my love of... well, strategy, whereas RPGs play to my love of acting. I love deep, intricate games like Morrowind and Dwarf Fortress. Other favorites include Starcraft, Supreme Commander (the first one, at least), and the Total War series.
And More...
On the more casual side, I love music, movies, and good whiskey (and when the budget is tight, mediocre whiskey). Music I adore in a special way. Being an artist-type myself, I appreciate just how much of a person's soul goes into a well-written and poignant song. Sadly, despite a few attempts, my own musical talents are pretty much nonexistent. I have to content myself with singing along.
Want to ask me something? You can email me at tristan.gregory.author(at)gmail(dot)com (replace the (at) and (dot) with the respective characters, of course).
