Steven Calkum’s life has been a fascinating journey from a small ranch in East Central Colorado to becoming an accomplished writer. His academic background and career in natural resources management have played a pivotal role in honing his writing skills. Although he faced a significant setback due to disability retirement in 2014, this unexpected twist in his life gave him the opportunity to pursue his passion for writing more seriously.
Early Life and Education
Growing up on a small ranch in East Central Colorado, Steven Calkum developed a deep connection with the land and the environment. This connection led him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Range Management from Colorado State University, where he gained extensive knowledge of land and resource management. His educational journey didn’t stop there, as he later earned a Master’s degree in Agriculture, further enhancing his expertise in the field.
During his academic years, Calkum’s passion for writing began to blossom. Working in the natural resources management field, he had to engage in technical writing as part of his job. This experience provided him with a strong foundation in communication and writing skills, which would later prove invaluable as he embarked on his career as a writer.
Transition to Writing
Despite his promising career in natural resources management, life had other plans for Steven Calkum. In 2014, due to health issues, he faced disability retirement. This unexpected turn of events forced him to reevaluate his life and consider new avenues of personal and professional growth. It was during this time that he turned to writing as a means of self-expression and creativity.
Calkum’s disability retirement became a turning point in his life. With more time on his hands, he decided to pursue writing more seriously, dedicating himself to his newfound passion. He poured his energy into crafting stories, channeling his love for the natural world and his technical writing skills into his creative works.
The World of Fiction
Steven Calkum’s writing journey led him to create captivating and imaginative worlds, including his book, “Freeborn.” This novel explores the complexities of a society where human and non-human races remain segregated, and being a half-breed is synonymous with being an outcast. The protagonist, a young half-elf boy named Freeborn, faces the challenges and prejudices of this world.
The story unfolds as Freeborn’s sole friend, an elven woodsman named Tishamon, adopts him. Together, they embark on a journey of wandering, working, and learning. However, their peaceful existence is disrupted when Tishamon is injured and settles in the Fire Hills, prompting him to send Freeborn to a local academy.
The academy introduces Freeborn to the Fire Elves, who have a deep obsession with family lineage. This obsession contrasts sharply with Freeborn’s own disregard for such distinctions, leading to violence and setting him on a path to ever greater adventures.
“Freeborn” is a tale that not only showcases Calkum’s vivid imagination but also explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the pursuit of one’s own path in the face of societal norms and prejudices.
Future Endeavors
In addition to “Freeborn,” Steven Calkum has completed the rough drafts of the first two sequels to the book. His dedication to his writing projects suggests that readers can look forward to more captivating tales from his imaginative mind. As he continues to explore the world of fiction, Calkum’s journey from range management to novel writing stands as a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
In conclusion, Steven Calkum’s story is a testament to the transformative power of personal passion and dedication. From his upbringing on a small Colorado ranch to his academic pursuits in natural resources management and, ultimately, his transition into the world of fiction writing, his journey is an inspiring example of how life’s unexpected twists can lead to remarkable new beginnings. As we eagerly await the release of his sequels to “Freeborn” and his future writing endeavors, Calkum’s literary career is undoubtedly one to watch.