Jason W. Park is the author of two memoirs, a number of short stories and personal essays, a scientific research note and an Op-Ed. His writings typically revolve around the hero’s journey: overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, exerting heavy, strenuous effort, and emphasizing the changed moral fiber of the protagonist.His more recent projects have shifted from the purely literary to public policy debates.For example, one theme is what roles mental illness and criminality play in predicting mass shootings. Another topic is how dual diagnosis – the combination of mental illness and substance abuse – leads to homelessness and incarceration. One discussion focuses on how the state of California’s mental health system can be improved upon – an issue touching close to home for Jason.