My name is Seann McQuarter. I write speculative fiction with a literary bent.
At the tender age of ten, I won my first writing competition, sent on scholarship soon after to a writer’s conference. Throughout school I continued on the artist’s path, inspired by English and art teachers. But I also had a disheveled home life, and the military was my means of escape. I joined the Navy and served a couple of tours in the Gulf (Operations Desert Shield/Storm).
I never stopped being an artist, though. After the service, I spent a couple of semesters in art school. But when you’re just trying to survive—whether it be the vestiges of an unstable and volatile childhood, a war, or your own stupidity and karma—you don’t have enough gas in the tank to properly articulate dreams and goals. I got sucked into different career paths, bouncing around from place to place. (It wasn’t as romantic as it sounds, trust me.)
Becoming a full-time, single father changed all that. I had to grow up (fast) and find a way to justify my existence—to make sure my daughter didn’t fall into the same traps I did. Utilizing my experience, I began work in group homes for kids with autism, eventually taking over multiple homes as a Coordinator. After eight years of that, I started service as an Employment Counselor, teaching classes and assisting marginalized populations in finding gainful employment.
And, I began to write again.
Whether I’m assisting others in my social work or writing, I will always dig to find The Truth. At the very least, I hope to tell a good story. Yet, art is meant to inspire. Not mindless action, but thoughtful, measured words. In these turbulent (and sometimes explosive) times, we need to come back to our shared humanity.
Perhaps, if anything, that’s one thing I’m trying to press: our actions matter—deeply and profoundly matter, no matter how small we think our part is. I believe we as a culture and society can put things behind us, forgive one another, and do better.
I am humbled to be here today. Thank you for taking the time to visit me.
SMc.