Hi! I’m Dana.

In real life, I’m a grad student studying engineering (but, clearly, this is not what I blog about). Like all human beings, I’m a bundle of paradoxes and apparent contradictions. I’m a Christian, and our culture may call me intolerant, but I believe Love rejoices with Truth. I have a background in technology, but in my spare time I would rather spin tales than write code. I’m a realist in living, but I prefer my happy endings in storytelling. I’m an introvert, but I’ll be your friend as long as you’re willing. I give my friendship easily, but my trust sparingly. If I could have more of one virtue, like the Cowardly Lion in Oz, I would choose courage because sometimes I fear too many things too much – and like C.S. Lewis said, “Courage is the form of every virtue at its testing point.” I love to laugh, but often at things that aren’t funny. You may think I’m mad, and you might be right.

What’s this blog all about?

I’m pursuing a career in an entirely different industry, but I’ve had a lifelong passion for stories and the written word. My love for writing grew out of my love for reading, and it has always been a hobby I dabbled in on the side. I’ve written a fair amount over the years, and I have an assortment of literary topics that I could go on and on about. Some of them may be ridiculous. Some of them may inspire you. Who knows.

Hence, I resolved to open a blog, publicly own my passion, and dedicate time, breath, and energy to practicing the craft and sharing my creations and ideas. Voila, Pen and Fire. The name? Well, I think these are two things every writer needs.

A rough sketch of what you’ll find

• Musings on writing, books, and ideas
• Reflections on life, truth and story
• Short stories
• Snippets from my longer works
• Poetry / lyrics
• Book reviews
• Links to good posts elsewhere

As the blog grew over a few months, I thought the motto chasing truth and making art aptly summed up my purpose, both in writing and in living.

So come have a conversation with me. Write back when I write. Tell me what you really think, in all the glory of brutal honesty. Here’s to truth, adventure, and good stories!

S.D.G.