G.S. Willis

Born in the sleepy rural farmlands near Wesson, Mississippi, G.S Willis’s parents migrated to Michigan when he was eight. His eighth-grade English teacher predicted a career for him as a writer. It was flattering, but at thirteen years old, he didn’t take it too seriously.

At Michigan State University, his teachers encouraged him to pursue a writing career. He chose a Business degree. After graduation from Michigan State, G.S. moved to Los Angeles, CA, and attended film school. Film school was a supportive, creative environment and a chance to meet many people from various countries and cultures. It was all about the stories. The class projects pushed us all to come up with fresh ideas constantly.

After film school was over, he worked for years in corporate America; eventually returning to his creative roots and the things he enjoyed as a child.

His first project was a family storybook that included the histories and stories of his parents, and immediate family members. The stories he hoped would be a legacy to leave for current family members and future generations. The initial story about his dad, Gus, seemed to gain traction right away and soon took on a life of its own.

Gus is the genesis story he feels. His mom’s story, however, is an equally interesting one, which he plans to complete. She was a remarkable woman with a near photographic memory and her southern roots and charm shaped us all.