​Marlon Bradley (Kingsland, GA)

M. Bradley was born Marlon Bradley on November 17, 1980 in Kansas City, Missouri. Marlon's love for literature started at a very early age. After learning how to read at 3, he could usually be found curled up with his favorite book, Grimm's Fairy Tales and dictionary to look up any word he didn't know. Throughout his early years, his affinity for books grew and grew. Around 10, Marlon discovered the works of William Shakespeare. Even though he could barely understand the playwright's words, something spoke to him. The melodic way that Shakespeare's words flowed inspired Marlon to try his hand at poetry. Noticing his son's new hobby, Marlon's father found a way to focus his son's burgeoning interest. At 13, he challenged his son to continue honing his pen by occasionally issuing a challenge to tell a story with his poetry. At 18, Marlon made his first attempt at writing a novel. And while he never finished that first manuscript, the seed had been planted. Throughout his 20's, Marlon tried his hand at songwriting as a new way to combine his love of both storytelling and lyricism. Before he passed away, Marlon's father issued one final challenge: tell the stories that are closest to his heart. With his father's words playing on constant repeat in his head, Marlon devoted himself to finishing his first novel at any cost. After going through countless ideas that just didn't feel right, a seemingly innocuous conversation with a friend produced the idea that eventually became Torn.