I’m thrilled to have my nonfiction piece “Liars” published in the latest issue of the online literary magazine Frazzled Lit. Some of my educator friends, and at least one high school teacher, might not be so impressed. It lays bare my writer’s origin story in a most transparent way–warts and all, as they say. Nevertheless, I hope you like it, I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me my youthful plagiarism, and I hope it serves as a cautionary tale to other the other high school slackers and cheaters out there, who have the benefit of AI, which I did not, back in my day. And it’s probably a good thing I didn’t.
Photo by Nicolas Denorme on Unsplash.
Andy writes! 
What a terrific personal essay. I was an entrenched, academic B- myself. No wonder you were my all-time favorite boss–I knew a subversive slacker lurked behind that suit and tie : )
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Maridel. We B- students need to stick together.
Thank you for sharing such a raw and deeply human story. I can relate to it more than a smart girl would admit. A wise girl, on the other hand, gives God all the credit for the wins in spite of herself. God certainly has a hand on you and your writing journey, from day one. That much is evident. And it’s such a comfort to remember: even when people do wrong, God still brings forth His will. Proof that we aren’t powerful enough to thwart Him. Thankfully. Blessings, Faith Dalton
Hi, Faith. I’m grateful for your thoughts on this essay, and I thank you for reading it. I think our origin stories are importantly, even if they aren’t always smooth or pretty. I think of examples from the Bible—Jacob comes to mind—and from myth (Odysseus) who also used deceitful tactics but came out on the right side of things. Not that I would compare myself with Jacob, but his is one example, and I’m glad his origin story, warts and all, is included in the Old Testament.
Congratulations on publication, Andrew…🎉
a pretty colorful youth there – i would have never guessed looking at your somewhat serious picture here lol…just kidding. 😋
raw as Faith says above and … the real of life… 🤍
Yeah, colorful and raw, and probably not the best example, but bad actions make for good stories. :)
Thanks so much for reading.