Lucius Patenaude

Work:

I have a journalism degree in Multimedia and am a director/writer for film. I have just relocated to Nashville for more filmmaking experience and to freelance.

Passion:

Novels, film, animation, video games. I consume stories in any way, shape or form. I want these stories to teach me more about the world I live in. I especially love stories that try to plumb the mysteries of the fathomless relationship between God and man.

Tidbits:

My extended family is made up of scandinavians from Minnesota and pioneers that helped build Texas, so I’m basically a viking cowboy. That said, I grew up Northern Thailand and was homeschooled through high school. You could call me a Third Culture Kid. My skills include cooking Thai food, firing Civil War-era cannons and laughing mysteriously in the corner.

Paul Yoder

Work:

I work as an assistant in the film industry of Los Angeles. I majored in Film and Creative Writing at Taylor University.

Passion:

I write. See?

Tidbits:

I’m three novels, four screenplays, two stage plays, and zero monetary benefit into a writing career. I have sold these things in the meantime:

1) Churros at Universal
2) Actors to Comedy Central, CBS, Etc.
3) Self-picked produce in Ohio
4) Indie documentaries worldwide
5) Advertising space at film festivals
6) Plasma, Marrow (mine, calm down)
7) Other people’s screenplays/souls

I am not the most important person on the planet, but I’ve had to build submarines to keep my head above water. Maybe I can teach ya something about that, you young punks.

Adrian Patenaude

Work:

I’m a writer trained in advertising and public relations, but I have also dabbled in poetry, short stories, blogging and screenwriting. I’m currently unemployed in Austin, where I’m searching for Ad/PR jobs and trying to get plugged in with the local film community.

Passion:

I believe in the power of stories, whether they be in the form of books, music, poetry, graphic novels or film. My own stories tend to explore themes of faith and culture, two of the most significant aspects of my life. I want everything I write to be courageous, communicating unexpected truths about God, the world and myself. I’m also fascinated with the way social media is shaping our psychology and passionate about writing great characters in order to erase stereotypes.

Tidbits:

I’m an over-achiever, movie buff, global nomad, published poet, scrapbooker, sweet tooth and cat enthusiast. I can speak Thai, code in CSS & HTML, bake sourdough bread and write a killer thank you note. I’ve always wanted to go to Japan, but never have, and never wanted to go to India, but did a few summers ago. My happy place is somewhere between the beach and a bookstore. INFJ. Oh, and I’m related to this guy.

Lauren Quigley

Work:

I graduated from Abilene Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, and minored in both Communication and Digital Entertainment Technology. I’m currently job hunting and doing freelance work in San Antonio, Texas.

Passion:

Writing, film, any and all media. Being captivated with a truly great story is one of my favorite feelings in the world, and I want to give that feeling to others through words and a camera. I believe in authenticity, asking questions that might not have answers, and shining light on the everyday experiences that make up life.

Tidbits:

I grew up in a family of six, was homeschooled through high school, and my first solid experience in creative writing was through Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean fan fiction. I studied nutrition because I’ve always wanted to help people live long lives, I love food, and the human body is amazing. Sometimes I talk like Batman to make my husband laugh.

Emmy Sparks

Work:

I recently graduated with a biology degree and an ambiguous vision for the future, but I can see myself potentially teaching and/or writing. Currently, I TA anatomy and physiology lab courses, which means I literally have skeletons in my closet. I also wait tables on the side.

Passion:

Ice Cream.

Pizza.

I believe that there should not be so much animosity among religious people toward science, or vice versa. By nature, neither party can prove or disprove the other. In fact, what I have discovered so far is that science reveals that there is room for God, which I find exhilarating. There are so many things I want to say about this topic. I hope to do so soon. Also, I highly value child sponsorship, and sponsor two children through World Vision and Compassion International.

Tidbits:

Once upon a time I told my Nana that when I grew up I would be a writer in New York City. We’ll see.

I find joy in thinking about thoughts and cooking a lot of food for one person and another person (a note: I love him).

I have a goofy dog named Charlie because I needed something to save and he has a terrible case of sad puppy eyes. His Instagram is @charliestatus, because what stranger wouldn’t want to see pictures of my dog.

I slay dragons.

Dane West

Work:

I am interning at a television production company start-up in West Hollywood, CA. There is no official company name yet, and the intended productions are still pretty covert. Just know that there is an international focus, humanitarian appeal, and lots of opportunity for growth! Hopefully, I will be able to expound more sometime this fall. In addition to this mysterious job, I am a voice actor who is working out of a closet home studio!

Passion:

Stories yo. And people. Oh also…tea, romantic and marvelous atmospheres, natural marvels, deep conversations (see stories yo), music, entertainment, and what I call the 3Cs: cultures, countries, and comedy.

Tidbits:

The name is West, Dane West — not really though. I created this alter ego when I decided to become a voice actor. My given name is Weston Dane Schulte. “Dane West” is so much cooler though right? Also…

- I go to the beach everyday in my heart. ^ Relatedly, I wear Hawaiian shirts from time to time. ^ Unrelatedly, I am interested in philosophy, physics, and technology.

- Don’t ask me to solve any equations/riddles or invent anything more complex than a fruit fly trap (i.e. a jar, plastic wrap, vinegar & citrus detergent).

- I have visited the countries of Mexico, Brazil, the U.K., France, Zambia, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Jamaica, and Abilene ;)

- I dabble in piano and guitar.

- I am the guy who is dancing when everyone else is/isn’t.

- I have been a bachelor my whole life (Not into risks or dead weights). ^ With that said, I do like fitness and exercising. I have a crazy dream to be one of those parkour guys on YouTube. You know, the ones wearing the Pikachu costumes?

Joseph Quigley

Work:

I am a software developer for USAA specializing in mobile apps with many computer-related side projects outside of the 9-to-5.

Passion:

Good stories, whether in books, video games, movies, photographs, or a stranger sitting next to me on an airplane. I also enjoy creating things with technology that make people’s lives easier or more enjoyable. I am happiest when I can merge stories and technology together.

Tidbits:

I come from a family of engineering, mechanical, and entreprenuerially-minded people. I love to cook for others and I yell a lot when playing intense video games. I am currently working on making a video game with some of my best friends and my wife.

Caroline Nikolaus

Work:

While I spent more time learning, studying, and playing music in college, my degree is actually in psychology (music minor). Saving the possible pursuit of graduate school for later years, I have moved to Nashville, TN as a solo artist and writer. Currently “starving” away as a waitress.

Passion:

People and that thing called Music. If I have any certainties in this life, they are to help and love people in any way I can, from newborns to the oldies. I happen to think music brings change and touches the soul in phenomenal ways, besides the fact that it is a universal language (ah!). I have a passion for serving, culture, for a world outside of my own, and for understanding each person as they are and how they became that way.

Tidbits:

I grew up in America, Japan, and Germany. Traveled extensively and don’t want to stop. Ever. Part of my heart’s been planted in Africa.

My family is extremely close, something of a rarity these days. Oh, I’m the youngest.

Photography and videography on the side.

Huge lover of art museums, forests, walking barefoot, English tea/tea time, ultimate frisbee.

I could say more.

Those days when I can sit at the piano and play, lose all sense of time and enter into my made up reality, created and shifted with every new note I play.

Brandy Rains

Work:

I have an Art Education degree but I don’t really know what that means. I am also currently pursuing a masters in Education, but I don’t know what that is, either. And because of that, I’ll be working for a non-profit in Nashville when I finish grad school.

Passion:

Being outdoors. I currently live in the mountains, so I suppose I have some sort of steel-like lung.

Writing poetry, rock climbing, reading, hiking, and drinking pretentious yet environmentally conscious fair-trade coffee.

Attempting to be humorous and most of the time failing miserably.

Tidbits:

I can’t tie a cherry stem with my tongue, but I CAN eat at least 32 grilled shrimp in one sitting, and I feel like that’s just as impressive.

I performed my first slam poem less than a year ago, and it made me a better person.

I imagine sometimes what it would be like to have enough abs to matter.

I’ve worked in social justice/non-profit longer than I’ve been attending college.

I am the first person in my family to graduate college.

I’m one of “those” people who tries to take Instagram seriously as a photographer.