Javier A. Robayo, Neighbor

I arrived in the United States at the age of 13.  Unable to utter anymore than a few words no American actually used, I began chronicling life in an effort to learn English while I translated.  Somewhere along the line, I fell in love with writing. After graduating from Shelton High School in 1992, I attended Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania where I met the person who threw a monkey wrench into my plans as far as the career I was pursuing.   Dr. Elizabeth Curry taught me the art of refining words through constant rewriting, and encouraged me to write.   In 2000, I sought to publish a mystery novel I wrote.  It was the first of a long list of horrible experiences in the quest of an agent or a reputable publisher.  I'm glad I kept my day job. Fast forward ten years, married with two wonderful daughters, my wife Sheri and a most special friend became my most demanding muses, pushing me to write.  I finished The Gaze in March of 2011 and guided by the admirableJohn W. Huffman, (A Wayward Wind, Above All, Tiger Woman, The Baron of Clayhill)  I published through Create Space.   Once I took that first step, I dedicated myself to write its sequel The Next Chapter, published in July of 2011.  Both novels have garnered a humble little audience that constantly expresses a desire to see more of the characters inhabiting my brain, and I'm eager to satisfy their wishes. However, the mind of a writer is akin to a bare light bulb, there's no single focus until a story nears completion, and in the hopes of expanding my capabilities as an author, I began writing different novels that I look forward to releasing throughout the year.  

When I'm not writing novels, I work as a chimney sweep with Jay Hornyak at Advanced Chimney Service.

I'm once again living in Connecticut with my wife and two daughters, looking forward to a new life in Clinton.