BIOGRAPHY
My Long Journey To Write
I am an author, freelance writer, blogger, and illustrator, better known by my pen name Keith Melo, which is derived from my real name Keith Weber. I specialize in alternative history/historical dramas, speculative fiction, and xenofiction for film and television scripts and manuscripts.
I was born on April 24, 1990, in Okinawa, Japan. My father is Scott Keith Weber, an MWR Chief Financial Manager, and my mother is Yolanda Melo Weber. I only have a brother, Jeffrey.
During my upbringing overseas, I resided in Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. I attended Seoul American High School as a student and am an alumnus of Zama American High School. Growing up, I faced challenges due to dyslexia and a learning disability. These hindered my ability to read and write compared to my peers. Despite my reading difficulties, my artistic abilities have always been my strength. While I enjoyed drawing and telling stories, I recognized the need to improve my writing skills to effectively convey the narratives depicted in my art.
Despite the initial struggles I faced in understanding what I read, my excitement for literature was sparked when I discovered captivating books that were beyond the confines of my required reading in class. The beginning of my college years marked a turning point, as I gained confidence in reading complex books and embarked on my writing journey.
My journey as a writer began at the University of Maryland Global Campus, where I crafted captivating essays for my classes, started composing blogs, and penned my initial stories. In 2012, I embarked on a journey to America as a permanent resident with an Associate's Degree in hand. My passion for comic books and storytelling led me to the prestigious Kubert School, where I pursued my artistic aspirations.. During my time there, I self-published my first short story collection and art collection in print, marking a significant milestone in my creative pursuits.
Upon graduating from Kubert School, I enlisted in the United States Army in 2016. During my service, I had the opportunity to create artwork for my military superiors, delve into longer and more intricate books, and persistently pen stories that I yearned to share once my military service concluded. Subsequently, in 2018, I received a medical discharge from the United States Army and pursued my education at Otis College of Art & Design, where I embarked on a journey to master the art of animation.
At Otis, I rekindled my interest in writing, especially in professional writing. I took several courses in writing and creative writing, which helped me develop my skills. I collaborated with writers on children's books and wrote essays on world issues, which allowed me to explore my interests and develop my voice as a writer.
Upon graduating from Otis, where I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Animation and a Minor in Creative Writing, I transitioned into my current roles as a freelance writer, blogger, and collaborative artist for writers seeking my artistic contributions. As an illustrative novelist, I continue to expand and explore new writing frontiers. With a wide range of genres at my disposal, including xenofiction, speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, alternative history, historical drama, mystery, and horror, I strive to push the boundaries of fiction and venture into uncharted territories.