San Marcos — “It's never too late to chase your dream,” author and 1978 San Marcos Academy graduate Scott Ayars told English students Oct. 23 when he visited the academy campus to talk about the experience of writing his first novel.

A native of San Marcos, Ayars said he always wanted to write a book but never had the self-confidence to try.

“For decades I did not believe I had any talent at all, and for decades I have wanted to write a book,” Ayars said. “But my talent was buried under a pile of unbelief, doubt and fear. It was there, I just didn't see it.”

Four years ago, Ayars said, God gave him the inspiration to develop his talent and try his hand at writing. Persistence paid off six months ago, when his first novel, “Stranded,” was published.

Now living in Fort Worth, Ayars returned to San Marcos April 25 to launch the book with a signing party at Hastings.

The store reported good sales numbers, especially for a debut novel. Among those attending the book signing were several Academy staff and faculty members as well as students, who were given extra credit for their attendance.

An adventure story set in space, Stranded draws on Ayars' love of science fiction as well as his interest in flying. After graduating from San Marcos Academy, Ayars attended the American Technological Institute in Killeen to study aviation.

For the past 24 years, Ayars has been as an airline pilot, a career he continues while also planning out his next novel.

Ayars and his wife, Molly Murchison Ayars, met at the academy, where both were members of the Class of 1978. A day student at SMA, Ayars said he wasn't a very good student at first and was in danger of failing. “One of the real turning points in my life was when Vice President Jimmie Scott called me into his office to talk about the situation with my grades. I remember that he looked me in the eye and said he would help me work out a schedule so I could graduate with my class-but that I would only succeed if I took the responsibility to do the work necessary. It made an impact on me, because he treated me like an adult and challenged me to do my best. I did graduate on time and have kept that determination to succeed ever since.”

During his visit to campus, Ayars talked to sophomore, junior and senior English students about how he gets ideas for writing. He also described the process of getting a novel published and shared some additional stories from his days as an Academy student.

Ayars encouraged the students to pursue their interests and use the talents God has given them. “I believe God gives everyone a talent for something, and I just want to encourage you to search for that talent and use it for the Glory of God,” Ayars said. “When you do you will discover a new joy you haven't experienced yet. Find your talent, develop and use it. Take the desire you have and don't quit."

For more information on Ayars' novel, visit www.strandednovel.com.