For this installment of the Batch Files, I thought I’d highlight the work of author-friends I’ve known for years. Every author knows a million others, through social media, conventions, etc. The folks I’m featuring today, however, are people I’ve actually studied, worked and lived with over my life. You’ll see that, perhaps, writing a book isn’t as rare a feat as you might think. The results, though, are always wonderful.
The Eloquent Shakespeare, by Gary Logan
This is a must-have for any classically trained actor. I’ve used mine a little too much, and now there’s a large coffee stain on the cover. I understand there’s another book coming soon. I can’t wait!
Being Seen, by Elsa Sjunneson
Elsa has won so many awards (including at least one Hugo) for her work, and I couldn’t be happier. I remember when she was a kid, dreaming and scheming of writing the next 1776. It looks like she’s found something even more meaningful.
Autism, Parent-to-Parent, by Shannon Penrod
Even if no one in your world is autistic, you’ll want to read this book to better understand the lives of those who are, and those who love them. But also because it’s one of the funniest books I’ve read in a long time. Shannon knows how to bring the humor to what might otherwise seem a rather dry topic.
Dragons of Wonder, the Big Change, by Reena Stevens
Reena wrote this book during her 8th and 9th grade years. A lot of kids say they’re writing or have written one. Reena did. A sweet read for your younger readers.
Pop-Up Shakespeare, by Austin Tichenor et al.
The list of Austin’s books is as long or longer than mine. And he was a huge help in my getting This Thing of Darkness over the hump. What you need to know is that Austin is one of the funniest – and most insightful – guys alive. Read any of his stuff. You’ll love it.
Vampire Soul, by Shay Roberts
I’ve known Shay since 1981, back when I was an Acting Major and he was a Science Major. He was one of my all-time favorite dungeon masters – until he put me in a no-win scenario and killed off my character. Grrrr. Anyway, I think this cover is targeting a particular demographic, but the story is fantastic. It’s Anne Rice meets Jeff Shaara meets…I don’t even know. It’s tough to compare it to anything. All I know is, I couldn’t put it down.
Thy Father is a Gorebellied Codpiece, by Barry Kraft
I’d been watching Barry in plays for years at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, so I was delighted when I finally got the opportunity to meet and learn from him. Nobody knows Shakespeare’s text better.
Come the Harvest, by Paul Hunter
Not many people get to hone their English skills with an award-winning poet, but I did. My fondest memory of Paul, though, is when my father died unexpectedly during my senior year in high school – I was 17 – and Paul, my teacher, lent me the rough draft of his latest book of poems. I was struggling with the ineffable, and he gave me a treasure trove of thoughts and feelings.
Well, that’s it. I’m sure I’ve forgotten someone. I’ll add them later. I hope you’ve found something on this page that sparks your interest.
Addendum:
I DID forget at least one: Moonlight Becomes You, by Robert Herold.
He and my oldest sister were dating back in the day. The cover and title give no hint of the rousing, riveting story within!
The Eloquent Shakespeare, by Gary Logan
This is a must-have for any classically trained actor. I’ve used mine a little too much, and now there’s a large coffee stain on the cover. I understand there’s another book coming soon. I can’t wait!
Being Seen, by Elsa Sjunneson
Elsa has won so many awards (including at least one Hugo) for her work, and I couldn’t be happier. I remember when she was a kid, dreaming and scheming of writing the next 1776. It looks like she’s found something even more meaningful.
Autism, Parent-to-Parent, by Shannon Penrod
Even if no one in your world is autistic, you’ll want to read this book to better understand the lives of those who are, and those who love them. But also because it’s one of the funniest books I’ve read in a long time. Shannon knows how to bring the humor to what might otherwise seem a rather dry topic.
Dragons of Wonder, the Big Change, by Reena Stevens
Reena wrote this book during her 8th and 9th grade years. A lot of kids say they’re writing or have written one. Reena did. A sweet read for your younger readers.
Pop-Up Shakespeare, by Austin Tichenor et al.
The list of Austin’s books is as long or longer than mine. And he was a huge help in my getting This Thing of Darkness over the hump. What you need to know is that Austin is one of the funniest – and most insightful – guys alive. Read any of his stuff. You’ll love it.
Vampire Soul, by Shay Roberts
I’ve known Shay since 1981, back when I was an Acting Major and he was a Science Major. He was one of my all-time favorite dungeon masters – until he put me in a no-win scenario and killed off my character. Grrrr. Anyway, I think this cover is targeting a particular demographic, but the story is fantastic. It’s Anne Rice meets Jeff Shaara meets…I don’t even know. It’s tough to compare it to anything. All I know is, I couldn’t put it down.
Thy Father is a Gorebellied Codpiece, by Barry Kraft
I’d been watching Barry in plays for years at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, so I was delighted when I finally got the opportunity to meet and learn from him. Nobody knows Shakespeare’s text better.
Come the Harvest, by Paul Hunter
Not many people get to hone their English skills with an award-winning poet, but I did. My fondest memory of Paul, though, is when my father died unexpectedly during my senior year in high school – I was 17 – and Paul, my teacher, lent me the rough draft of his latest book of poems. I was struggling with the ineffable, and he gave me a treasure trove of thoughts and feelings.
Well, that’s it. I’m sure I’ve forgotten someone. I’ll add them later. I hope you’ve found something on this page that sparks your interest.
Addendum:
I DID forget at least one: Moonlight Becomes You, by Robert Herold.
He and my oldest sister were dating back in the day. The cover and title give no hint of the rousing, riveting story within!
Of course, I forgot another! People with Problems, by another former student, is a fantastic and dark collection of short stories. I loved every one!
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