Hi! I’m Dan O’Toole.
Born in Memphis.
Raised on Tolkien.
Fueled by Faith.
Livin’ in Orlando.
Some call me "Dandalf the Gray.” Others have called me “Dan of the Woods.”
Whether my nose is stuck in a book or filled with forest air, I seek thrilling and humorous ways to use storytelling to point people to the bigger story of the Gospel and an active life of purpose and adventure.
In my writing, I seek to chart the courses through the rugged terrain of life’s wilderness, guiding readers toward renewed hope and restored purpose. For those navigating seasons of uncertainty—whether wandering, waiting, or weary—I hope my stories serve as a compass pointing toward the bigger picture–the Gospel of hope in Jesus Christ.
“Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost.”- Tolkien
Origin Story of a Wandering Writer
Would you believe me if I told you I ran away to join the circus immediately after graduating college with an English degree?! What if I told you I originally became obsessed with reading and writing to overcome my obstacles of ADHD and Dyslexia?
It's been over 20 years since I first fell in love with storytelling and writing.
It began in the third grade when I rewrote Harry Potter with Dobby as the hero for a “show and tell” because I hadn’t brought any cool toys to show off. (Spoilers: Dobby dropped a piano on Voldemort’s head.) Later that year, I scribbled a couple of ghost stories that kept my summer camp cabin mates up all night. My teachers and leaders soon noticed my natural talent for creative writing and encouraged me to pursue it.
Since then, I have chased my dream of writing – devouring and dissecting every piece of writing that inspires me, from novels and short stories to screenplays.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve done all kinds of interesting and in-between jobs (many of which temporarily dragged me away from writing), from model and television background actor to restaurant host, circus ringmaster to wedding videographer, globe-trotting missions photographer to graveyard shift packager, and summer camp counselor to fine-art print shop manager and event production director. My odd array of jobs has supported my writing habit, and each job gave me a wealth of experiences to draw from in my writing.
Wandering, But Not Lost
So, what drives my passion for writing? Revitalization of Fellowship and Creativity.
In a world constantly tearing itself apart, where loneliness and purposelessness mark the lives of many people, I pursue writing with the hope of breathing life and purpose back into fellowship and creativity.
I desire to encourage those who are tired and weary to find rest and offer assurance to those who find themselves in seasons of waiting. My goal is to awaken the captive dreamers and remind creatives why they wanted to make stuff in the first place – to create something worth surviving for rather than just producing another commodity.
So join me on this journey of creative resuscitation. Let’s rediscover fellowship together and make some masterpieces along the way!
