Kurt R.A. Giambastiani

Mom always made the assumption I would be the recipient of a major award one day, and she asked that, when I accepted that award, I should thank her for providing high protein meals. She was under the impression protein was essential for success in life. I’m not prepared to refute that claim with any scientific evidence, but I suspect I consumed more carbohydrates than protein as a child. I loved bread, cookies, cereal, etc. That may be why we’re both still waiting for my red carpet moment, but I do owe her a “thank you” for what I have achieved as a writer.

I started out as an artist and illustrator. Crayola 64 and Ticonderoga #2 were my weapons of choice, and when I finished a piece, I presented it to Mom. Like any young child, I was eager to hear words of praise, and she was generous…if I…