Meet M.T. Kadisin

I still remember the art in Saint George and the Dragon—vivid, lifelike, and lodged deep in my brain. I was never the most popular kid. Maybe I was too weird, too into reenacting The Lord of the Rings at recess (I was always Sam, never Frodo). But through fantasy, my friends and I created our own heroes—ones who didn’t care about popularity or Axe body spray.

I wasn’t the awkward kid you’re picturing. I was funny. That theatricality gave me a kind of armor, letting me hide in plain sight. And at night, I escaped into the pages of Tolkien, LeGuin, Jordan, and Pratchett, discovering worlds richer and more meaningful than my own.

For years, I said, “I wish I was a writer.” But wishing isn't doing. After leaving the world of teaching—I finally sat down and did the thing. Two years later (and with a lot of support from my brilliant wife, Jemma, and our storytelling daughter, Leela), I finished my first novel.

Today, I say “Author” with my full chest. Writing isn’t just an escape. It’s a calling. And I’m honored that Rockhome, Grady, and all the rest chose me to tell their story.

Thank you for daring to read a story about chasing dreams—messy, magical, and more meaningful than anything a 9–5 could offer. Turns out, bravery is a lot more fun to write about. And to live.