Hello and welcome! I’m Alyssa Dumas, though you might soon know me by my author pseudonym, A.D. Dumas. I’m a 20-year-old soon-to-be college graduate with a passion for reading, writing, and connecting with people. You can learn more about me on my “About” page. Now I’d like to take a moment to share a bit of my journey as a young aspiring author here.

Young Roots of My Journey

Undisturbed started for me as a nameless dream. I grew up in a minority city where there were three high schools. Each either focused on talent, STEM, or what seemed like where everyone else was dumped so I was often disheartened. Where did I want to go? What did I want to do? I went to a STEM school and I was good at it, but it wasn’t something I knew would make me happy in the long term. Everyone I asked talked about going into engineering or computer science or some other STEM related field, but in my heart, I knew that it wasn’t for me. I’m sure my friends noticed, too.

Anyone you asked, I constantly had a book in my hand or was pumped up and ready to write. I mean, seriously, somewhere in my mom’s garage, there’s still a childhood spy story I wrote in elementary school. It’s about 70 pages long, the handwriting is all over the place, but it holds a special place in my heart. That little story proved to me that I could bring ideas to life, and it will always remind me of the imaginary adventures I shared with my biggest cheerleader growing up: my mom.

I went on a tangent there, but a very important one as I feel it shows a very key part of my writing origins. From those early days, writing became my way of navigating life’s challenges. Poetry helped me process emotions I couldn’t express aloud, and stories gave my overactive imagination a meaningful outlet. Through the highs and lows of elementary school, middle school, and high school, words were my constant anchor. Over time, my love for storytelling grew into a mission: to use stories to bring joy to others and to create a platform where aspiring writers feel that getting published is within reach.

That’s why when the pandemic hit and we all had to stay home, I decided to combine my junior and senior year of high school together—leaving what had been my middle and high school. I left a STEM school to complete my education early, and that solidified in my heart what it was that I really wanted to do. The impatient younger version of me wanted to start immediately. I was an aspiring author and new I wanted to be my own boss. But I have three parents and they all told me that I should finish my education for a Plan B. I decided, “Fine, but I’m going to make this experience. I’ll have a Plan B that suits my Plan A and I’ll travel while doing it.”

Present Journey – Still Young and Aspiring

And that’s how I ended up here. Finishing up my BBA in London and launching my business in my final semester. I went from STEM to Business Administration only so that I can learn. I’ve gained the knowledge to promote the healing power of books and create opportunities in this beautiful industry. I have big dreams for the bookish community and exciting plans to share in the near future.

Until then, this is me signing off. I hope you have a good day and I look forward to sharing everything with you! As a young aspiring author, I know the journey ahead is long and uncertain. Still, I have faith, ambition, and determination.

-Alyssa