Dalton Sikes

My name is Dalton Sikes and I'm the chaotic introvert you adopted into your friend circle. I'm a writer, poet, and the quiet one everyone suspects of being the killer at the start of the scary movie; however, there's more to my story than meets the eye.​

Originally, I was born in the sunshine of Southern California; yet, I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. Constantly surrounded by breathtaking greenery, I stayed cooped up inside writing stories instead. To me, the outside world was filled with irrepressible horrors, but in my work, my characters could overcome their darkness and truly savor the light. This need to find the beauty in the darkness stemmed from my turbulent childhood. 

I had a severe speech impediment and was bullied significantly for it. Students, parents, and teachers would either look at me with pity or contempt. I feared using my voice because I would be ostracized for it. So, I became selectively mute for around 6 years. During this time of silence, I received speech therapy lessons against my will. I had no desire to learn to speak like the bullies around me. I had completely lost sense of how powerful utilizing your voice could be, whether written or spoken. After overcoming my impediment, I learned to speak up for what mattered, to claim ownership over myself, and to wield my voice for the better. Lest I not forget, writing was my gateway into the revelatory power of advocacy. Writing was my salvation from the torturous childhood I endured. Writing made me feel like I mattered, like all that I am or will ever be matters. Now, I desire to connect with those around me through the written word. I want all people who struggle to find their place to truly feel seen.

I invite you to come along on this literary journey with me as I write work that destabilizes prejudiced structures, champions catharsis, examines the human condition, and leaves readers contemplating their own complicity in perpetuating societal problems.