My name is Rena Willis and I’m a writer.

Although most of the time I feel more like: “My name is Rena Willis and I’m a writer?”  Or, if I’m really being honest, the sentence would read: “My name is Rena Willis and… (ugh, if I really wanted to be a writer, I would make it a priority.  I would write every day.  I would have journals full of ideas.  I would have stories.  I would have something to say.  I would… stop this self-doubt and destructive internal monologue and just write.)” – I tend to rant.

My name is Rena Willis and I’m a writer.

Perhaps if I say it enough times, like the affirmation at the beginning of a 12-step program, I will begin to believe it.  I will affirm who and what I am – not to the world, but to myself.

My name is Rena Willis and I’m a writer.

Of course, I am a lot of other things.  I am the General Director for an International School (Prek-12th Grade) in Guanacaste Costa Rica.  I am a mother (I have two beautiful teenage children).  I am a wife (my husband and I have been together for 29 years).  I am a student and a teacher.  I am a Southern California girl by birth and a global citizen at heart.  And, I am here, in The Story Foundry, a member of this wonderful group of writers who I can’t wait to take this journey with.

My name is Rena Willis and I’m a writer.

My desk pushes against a window that frames a placid pond, an abundance of trees, lazy Iguanas, and children’s laughter.  It’s easy to get distracted and I often find myself just watching – the breeze dance with the trees, the water ripple, the Iguanas posture, and the children play.  On my left is a lukewarm cup of tea and a dusty journal buried somewhere amid the clutter (one of these days I will organize, just… not today.)

My name is Rena Willis and I’m a writer.

I may have to dig through my things to find a pen or paper.  My journal may be buried, and my tea may be cold.  But my Kindle is always near…never dusty, always charged, my constant companion.  I love to read.  I read indiscriminately.

My name is Rena Willis and I’m a writer.