My Story

I wrote my first story at age 6 about the wizard Tandalf and his adventures through Entwood Forest. While other kids liked to draw, play sports, or watch TV, I was glued to my library books. My mom often confiscated them to prevent me from staying up all night to find out “what happened next.”

From first grade, I was enchanted by the foreign worlds that novels allowed me to enter. These included a snowy wonderland through the back of a wardrobe, a school of magic where no muggles were allowed, and a camp for demigods in the heart of New York. Narnia, Harry Potter, and Percy Jackson were a few of the inspirations that spurred me to write short stories.

As I grew older, writing became the way I processed adolescence. My stories turned into poetry and spoken word — addressing heartache, purpose, culture, and dissecting what it meant to grow up as a third-generation Chinese American in New Jersey.

I’m currently based in NYC — working in business development for the capital markets practice of a global law firm. I’m passionate about understanding the psychology behind why we make certain decisions, which factors differentiate good leaders, and how we can overcome imposter syndrome and develop a growth mindset.

Outside of work, you can find me doing portrait photography (Lystography), bumping anything acoustic/r&b on Spotify, and hunting for the best iced coffee.

Contact: alyssaljackson@gmail.com