By Anna Gerber

As he looks at colleges later this year, Mike Brienza’s applications will include much of the same information as his classmates at Upper Arlington High School – a strong academic record, memberships on sports teams and volunteerism with his church.

But Brienza, a junior, has one thing on his resume his classmates don’t have. The 18-year old has already written and published a book.

Brienza started writing his novel, The Pilot, as a fifth grader. Almost six years – and quite a few edits – later, he is a published author. On Oct. 30, The Pilot was released for sale on the Internet, turning his childhood goal into a reality.

“It was my dream to write a book ever since third grade, when I would go into libraries and I would see the catalogues,” Brienza says. “I kept thinking to myself, ‘Maybe someday I could do that. Maybe someday that could be me, that could be my name in there.’”

The Pilot tells the story of bomber pilot Tony Chappel, whose aircraft carrier is gunned down in the Pacific Ocean. The accident leaves him stranded on a deserted island. The narrative follows his struggle for survival, as he fights to stay alive with nothing to keep him company but his own thoughts.

Brienza modeled his main character after himself and his grandfather, a bomber pilot in World War II.

It took Brienza two years to finish the book, and another three to edit his writing. With the help of Outskirts Press, a self-publishing company in Colorado, Brienza’s book was printed without the two-year waiting period associated with traditional publishing companies. He started working with the company last May and, just five months later, his book was released.

Brienza’s goal to write a book was formed from his frustrations as a young reader. Beyond the works of Lemony Snicket and Louis Sachar, he struggled to enjoy the writing for young adult audiences. In developing his own story, he hoped to make reading more enjoyable for that age group.

“I always had to try and find books that would interest me (outside of school reading) and read them on my own,” Brienza says. “I wanted to change the perspective of students to let them know that you can read for fun.”

Because he used a self-publishing company, Brienza has done his own marketing. He has traveled to other schools to speak with classes about his book, and has received extensive coverage from UAHS student journalists. Brienza has also made appearances at the UA Library for readings and signings.

Brienza’s mom, Brenda, is usually along for the ride when he speaks to the community.

“The whole experience has been very positive and we’re excited for him. It’s been fun,” she says.

Even after receiving media coverage from local newspapers and TV stations, Brenda still tears up when she talks about her son’s experience.

“When he first started, I thought it was like a game and that he was pretending to be writer. It became more than a game and he kept writing and writing,” she says. “As a mom, it’s fun watching him grow. As he’s done more, he’s gotten more experience and confidence.”

As Brienza looks to the future, writing is something he’s not likely to give up. He hopes to pursue a career in either writing or publishing, and maybe even start his own self-publishing company to give others the opportunity Outskirts gave him.

“Having this experience has been a blessing, really. I’ve been able to see how the business and the system really work,” he says.

Brienza is eager to begin writing his next book, as soon as he finds time between soccer practice and college-prep classes.

“I’ve always wanted to do a trilogy. After doing this, I’ve gotten a good idea of what it’s like (to publish), so I’m going to start it this summer. It’s going to be completely different,” Brienza says. “I really believe that if you believe in yourself you can do anything. I was able to see my dream come true because I believed in myself.”

Anna Gerber is a contributing writer for Upper Arlington Magazine.

The Pilot is available for purchase at www.amazon.com, www.target.com, www.borders.com or through Brienza himself at mikebrienza3@yahoo.com.