Arts & Literature
Alliance Theatre Season Updates
Published
4 years agoon

Alliance Theatre’s drive-in production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE LIVE RADIO PLAY will take place in Summerhill next to Georgia State University’s Stadium, December 4 – 23, 2020 A VERY TERRY CHRISTMAS starring Terry Burrell will transition from in-person performances to the digital streaming platform Alliance Theatre Anywhere
Alliance’s animated family production SIT-IN, originally scheduled for an October release on Alliance Theatre Anywhere, will trade places in the season calendar with the pre-recorded production of NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE
ATLANTA, October 7, 2020 — The Alliance Theatre today announced the location details of its upcoming drive-in production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE LIVE RADIO PLAY, as well as updates to its fall season schedule.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE LIVE RADIO PLAY
Due to the effects of COVID-19, the Alliance decided to produce a new adaptation of the beloved Christmas Carol story that could be enjoyed safely from a car. From December 4 – 23, 2020, the Summerhill Lots at Georgia State University’s Center Parc Credit Union Stadium will transform into a drive-in theater, with a stage for live actors and big screens providing a live concert-style experience. Capacity will be limited to allow for distance between cars. Audience members may enjoy the outdoor space beside their car if they wish. Masks will be required for anyone who is outside of their vehicle. Learn more about our safety procedures here.
Tickets for A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE LIVE RADIO PLAY will be available for Alliance Theatre Members beginning today, October 7. Tickets for the general public will go on sale on October 21 at 10:00 a.m. General admission tickets start at $50 per car. The production will also be available to stream on Alliance Theatre Anywhere beginning in early December. The stream will cost $20.
A VERY TERRY CHRISTMAS
The Alliance’s production of A VERY TERRY CHRISTMAS, originally planned for an in-person run on the Coca-Cola Stage, will now be filmed for streaming on Alliance Theatre Anywhere. In the filmed production, writer and star Terry Burrell will visit iconic Atlanta holiday destinations while sharing delightful stories and jazz-inspired versions of favorite holiday songs. A VERY TERRY CHRISTMAS will be available for streaming starting Black Friday, November 27, 2020.
FAMILY PROGRAMMING
The Alliance’s first-ever animated production for youth and family audiences, SIT-IN, originally scheduled to stream on Alliance Theatre Anywhere beginning in October 2020, will now be streamed in early 2021. Switching places with SIT-IN in the season calendar is the hilarious family production NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE. The Alliance Theatre’s production of NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED was filmed in March 2020 before COVID-19 forced the production to close early. Families can experience all the fun for a limited time when NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED streams on Alliance Theatre Anywhere from October 21 – November 3, 2020. The stream will cost $10.
Two productions from the Alliance Theatre’s Kathy & Ken Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young are also available this fall for streaming – IN MY GRANNY’S GARDENis available now on Alliance Theatre Anywhere. (KNOCK, KNOCK) THE SOUNDS OF WINTER will be available in November. Families who purchase a Kathy & Ken Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young membership will also have access to three TVY production streams plus at-home learning materials and fun, supplementary video content. The membership is $50 per family and the individual streams cost $10 each.
TICKETS
Annual Memberships for the Alliance Theatre are on sale now and are the only way to secure tickets now for A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE LIVE RADIO PLAY. Members enjoy 12 months of world-class theatre, as well as a variety of benefits including members-only events, a welcome gift, discounts, flexibility, and free access to all streaming content. For more information, visit alliancetheatre.org/membership.
Single tickets for A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE LIVE RADIO PLAY, A VERY TERRY CHRISTMAS, and NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE will go on sale on Wednesday, October 21, at 10:00 a.m.
2020/21 SEASON SCHEDULE
NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE (musical)
October 21 – November 3, 2020
Streaming on Alliance Theatre Anywhere
Book and Lyrics by Mo Willems
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Based on the book Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems
Directed by Leora Morris
Children’s book author and artist Mo Willems (Knuffle Bunny, Elephant and Piggie’s We Are In a Play) brings another loveable character to life in this exciting family musical. Grab your friends and watch as Wilbur, a clothes-loving mole rat with exceptional style, navigates the pressure to be just like everyone else. With tail-shaking tunes, empowering messages of individuality, and classic Mo Willems humor, this musical is sure to rock audiences of all ages. For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/nakedmolerat.
November 27 – December 31, 2020
Streaming on Alliance Theatre Anywhere
By Terry Burrell
Directed by Susan V. Booth
From author and Broadway icon Terry Burrell (Ethel; Ever After; Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous) comes a holiday celebration of all the things that give us joy – even in the most chaotic of times. Terry will take us on a tour of her favorite Atlanta destinations while sharing her personal holiday stories and songs in this pre-recorded streaming production. Give yourself the gift of laughter, light, and love by spending a very Terry evening. For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/terrychristmas.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE LIVE RADIO PLAY
December 4 – 23, 2020
Summerhill Lots at GSU’s Center Parc Credit Union Stadium
18 Georgia Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
By Charles Dickens
Directed by Leora Morris
JINGLE! JANGLE! DASH! The sounds of the season come to life in the Alliance Theatre’s brand new, interactive experience A Christmas Carol: The Live Radio Play. JINGLE! Hear the bells jingle on the streets of Victorian England as you’re transported back in time with Ebenezer Scrooge, Marley, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. JANGLE! Watch and listen to how a sound effect artist creates the jangling of Marley’s chains in real-time with the story. DASH! Load up your sleigh (or car) in front of our drive-in theatre stage and big screen for an evening of stories, singalongs, and honking horns. For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/christmas.
SIT-IN (world premiere, animated)
January 8 – February 28, 2020
Streaming on Alliance Theatre Anywhere
By Pearl Cleage
Inspired by the book Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkney; Illustrated by Brian Pinkney
A Palette Group Production
Directed by Mark Valdez
Written by Atlanta’s bestselling author, playwright, and Civil Rights Activist, Pearl Cleage (Blues for An Alabama Sky, In My Granny’s Garden, Tell Me My Dream) this original animated short celebrates the power of youth to change history. We meet three friends as they learn about the sit-ins of the Civil Rights era, and powerfully apply those lessons to issues they – and we all – face today. The play invites students, parents, teachers, and families to experience the Civil Rights Movement as a living, breathing energy with practical lessons, ethical challenges, and moral choices that remain relevant today. Presented in collaboration with the High Museum of Art’s Picture the Dream exhibition, the story creates dynamic history, moving audiences through the real-life context of where we were then, the major forces that shaped the movement, and where we could be headed today. Featuring a mixture of Civil Rights anthems and new freedom songs composed specifically for the play, Sit-In will move audiences, encourage inter-generational conversations, and inspire the next generation of conscientious social activists. For tickets and information, call 404.733.5000 visit www.alliancetheatre.org/sitin.
THE NEW BLACK FEST’S HANDS UP: 7 PLAYWRIGHTS, 7 TESTAMENTS
February 2021
Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
By Nathan James, Nathan Yungerberg, Idris Goodwin, Nambi E. Kelley, Nsangou Njikam, Eric Holmes, and Dennis Allen II
Co-Directed by Keith Arthur Bolden and Alexis Woodard
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc., concordtheatricals.com
Originally commissioned by the New Black Fest in response to the 2015 events in Ferguson, MO, where a police officer fatally shot Michael Brown, an unarmed Black teenager, Hands Up is comprised of separate monologues written by seven Black playwrights. The play depicts the realities of Black America from the perspective of varying genders, sexual orientations, skin tones, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Hands Up is produced in association with Spelman College. For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/handsup.
DATA (world premiere; winner of the 2021 Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition)
March – April 2021
Hertz Stage at the Alliance Theatre
By Matthew Libby
Directed by Susan V. Booth
Maneesh is a brilliant entry-level programmer at Athena Technologies, a software development firm deep in Silicon Valley. Content to work in the low-stress environment of User Experience, Maneesh has a crisis of conscience when he is offered a transfer to the more-central Data Analytics team, where he learns the true nature of Athena’s confidential and highly controversial work. Torn between idealism and company loyalty, Maneesh is forced to come to terms with his own American identity, as well as the personal and societal cost of his work — all while learning the extent to which Athena is willing to go to hide its secrets. Winner of the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition, Data is a fast-paced drama for our technology-driven era that looks behind the closed doors of Silicon Valley. For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/data.
ACCIDENTAL HEROES – THE REAL LIFE ADVENTURES OF ROY ROGERS AND DALE EVANS (world premiere; musical)
April – May 2021
Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
Book by Marshall Brickman (Jersey Boys, Annie Hall)
Music and Lyrics by T Bone Burnett (Crazy Heart, Walk The Line)
Directed by Des McAnuff (Ain’t Too Proud, Jersey Boys, The Who’s Tommy)
Heroes aren’t born; they’re made – with a little bit of luck. Accidental Heroes – The Real Life Adventures of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans is the world premiere musical about the extraordinary rise of Hollywood’s iconic Western stars. Over 80 million people every year watched the adventures of Roy, Dale, and their sidekicks – Trigger “The Smartest Horse in the Movies” and Bullet “The Wonder Dog.” They are remembered as authentic American heroes, yet their paths to stardom were anything but straightforward. Created by a renowned team of Tony, Academy Award, Grammy, and Olivier Award winners, Accidental Heroes – The Real Life Adventures of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans makes its world premiere on the newly redesigned Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre in April 2021. For tickets and information, call 404.733.5000 visit www.alliancetheatre.org/heroes.
TONI STONE
June – July 2021
Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
By Lydia R. Diamond
Directed by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc., concordtheatricals.com
Considered a pioneer, Toni Stone is the first woman to play baseball in the Negro Leagues, also making her the first woman to play professionally in a mens’ league. Against all odds, Toni blazes a path in the male-dominated sports world, breaking through the limitations others placed on her, and creating her own set of rules. Follow Toni’s journey as she fights for love, equality and a chance to do what she wants the most — play some world class baseball. Declared the Best New Play of 2019 by The Wall Street Journal, Toni Stone is a funny and fascinating story of race, gender, and raw ambition… and an unheralded superstar you’ll never forget. For tickets and information, call 404.733.5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/tonistone.
KATHY & KEN BERNHARDT THEATRE FOR THE VERY YOUNG
IN MY GRANNY’S GARDEN
October 2020
Streaming on Alliance Theatre Anywhere
By Pearl Cleage & Zaron Burnett Jr
Inspired by Pearl Cleage and Zaron Burnett Jr.’s children’s book of the same name, In My Granny’s Garden invites our youngest audiences to explore the glory of growing your own food. Watch a tiny seed become a field of corn, green beans, collard greens, and bright red tomatoes. Step into a visual feast inspired by world renowned artist Radcliffe Bailey’s original paintings, and discover the one superpower that fuels Granny’s garden. This fully immersive play promises to leave you nourished in body and soul. For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/garden.
(KNOCK, KNOCK) THE SOUNDS OF WINTER
November – December 2020
Streaming Audio Play on Alliance Theatre Anywhere
By Samantha Provenzano and Olivia Aston Bosworth
Come in from out of the cold and celebrate community, family, and warmth this holiday season! Welcome to The Apartment Building. Below us, above us, and beside us, the residents are preparing for the holidays and trying to stay warm. Join us on a floor to floor adventure, meeting and ultimately celebrating with a variety of friends who all call The Apartment Building home. Surprises hide behind each door, all you need to do is (Knock, Knock) and listen closely to the sounds of winter and celebration. For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/wintersounds.
THE SOUNDS OF THE WEST END
March – April 2021
Streaming Audio Play on Alliance Theatre Anywhere
By Will Power & R. Gregory Christie
Conceived and directed by Ameenah Kaplan
Inspired by the children’s book In the West End by Will Power & R. Gregory Christie, this aural adventure will immerse you in the sounds of the historic Atlanta neighborhood. From the talk on the sidewalks to the whoosh of the Marta trains, join us for a rhythmic and tasty trip through the epicenter of vegan cooking in Atlanta. For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit alliancetheatre.org/westendsounds.
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Arts & Literature
Perimeter Ballet Celebrates 30 Years of Dance and Inspiration
Published
3 weeks agoon
March 14, 2025Perimeter Ballet celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Founded in September 1995, the faith-based ballet school in Johns Creek has long been an integral part of the local arts scene and the community.
What began as a bare-bones program held in the sanctuary of Perimeter Church — on carpeted concrete floors, using the backs of chairs for barres — has grown into a respected school of more than 200 students. Ranging in age from five to 18, the young dancers at Perimeter Ballet are not only committed to the study of dance but also to using their gifts to share their faith.
According to the program’s website, their purpose is to “emphasize character along with technique … to counter the natural tendency towards self-absorption in the ballet studio.”
They are “very committed to teaching children to dance — to develop discipline, technique and musicality. [But] the Christian instructors [also] train the students in a context that understands that there’s a reason to dance.”
30 years of dance and faith
Current director, Becky Brown, has led the school for several years, growing the program while faithfully following Perimeter Ballet’s original mission. She oversees weekly classes, summer dance camps and annual productions, including an acclaimed Spring Recital and a presentation of The Nutcracker each December.
For the 30th anniversary, Brown is excited to continue the creative work of the ballet school and share their artistry and message with a larger audience.
“This year will certainly be a special time for us as we celebrate and look back on 30 wonderful years of Perimeter Ballet and 20 years for our performing company, For His Glory,” she said. “We will be performing the Nutcracker December 11–13 and will have some beautiful new costumes to commemorate the occasion. We look forward to seeing many of our alumni and their families at the performance.”
Classes and instructors
Open to the community at large, weekly classes at Perimeter Ballet range from Creative Movement, PreBallet and grade-level classes for preschoolers through third grade to more advanced classes (two or more times per week) for older students.
Summer camp sessions as well as intermediate level and advanced level intensives are also offered. For the upper-level intensives, students work on their ballet technique but also branch out into jazz and other forms of dance.
The school’s nine teachers are skilled not just as instructors but as performers themselves, having years of experience dancing with companies such as Ballet Southeast, Atlanta Ballet, North Atlanta Dance Academy and the Metropolitan Opera Ballet. They bring that experience and their Christian faith to all of their classes and interactions with the young students.
For His Glory
In addition to the work they do as a ballet school, Perimeter Ballet also has an audition-selected performance company — For His Glory.
With three levels, made up of dedicated students striving to advance their skills and reach their “God-given potential while giving glory to [their] Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” the program presents several high-quality productions throughout the year.
As Perimeter Ballet shares on their website: “Dancers are trained in the ballet classics as well as contemporary forms of dance, which are used in performances, worship settings and outreach. Classical ballets … in the group’s repertoire include Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Coppélia, excerpts from Four Seasons and La Fille Mal Gardee. In addition to Christmas and other outreach programs, For His Glory has danced internationally in London, India and Belarus.”
The group most recently performed Beauty & the Beast for two successful shows on stage at the Perimeter Church Sanctuary in early February of this year.
Impact and inspiration
All of this — the focus on faith and commitment to dance, the classes, intensives and stunning productions — have been a decades-long inspiration to the community and especially the student dancers who take part.
Many of the students stay with Perimeter Ballet for much of their childhood, learning and growing in dance as well as in their faith from elementary age through high school. That kind of involvement can clearly impact every aspect of their lives, from discipline learned to how they choose to interact with and be in the world.
One student, Anne Bradley Maxwell has been taking ballet with the Perimeter program since she was three years old. Now a high school junior in Peachtree Corners, she’s reflected on her time at the school and in the performance company as well as Perimeter Ballet’s milestone anniversary.
“For fifteen years … I matured within this unique, local community arts program,” she shared. “This year marks the 30th anniversary of its founding … and I’m honored to say I’ve been a student for half of that era. The talented instructors in [the] program not only helped advance me into an accomplished ballerina but also into a more faithful servant of Jesus Christ using dance as a form of worship.”
A lifelong journey
“This lifelong journey included annual seasonal training, auditions, numerous external summer intensives and wonderful performances on stages across the nation and abroad, for audiences ranging from a few dozen to several thousand,” Maxwell continued.
“… Taking ballet has instilled in me a deep understanding of perseverance and resilience. Pursuing excellence in ballet required me to overcome physical and emotional challenges … I learned to seek out solutions — whether physical therapy for healing my body or prayer and reflection to rejuvenate my spirit. These experiences have strengthened my ability to face setbacks, adapt and emerge stronger.
Ballet has cultivated in me a unique combination of athleticism, discipline and creative imagination. The most elegant performances emerge from the interplay of technical mastery and creative expression. The collaborative nature of ballet, where individuals work in harmony to create something greater than themselves, informs my approach to teamwork and innovation, both in the classroom and community.”
“… Ballet has [also] given me the gift of joy — both in experiencing it personally as a testament to Christ’s goodness and in sharing it with audiences. This joy, while intangible, is a powerful force that I hope to bring into my next chapters following high school. Whether through teaching movement, choreographing performances or exploring ways to expand ballet offerings, I aspire to enrich the community with the beauty and joy of dance.
… My time at Perimeter Ballet has equipped me with perseverance, discipline, creativity and a passion for sharing joy — qualities that I am excited to further cultivate as a young adult. These will not only enhance my personal journey but also contribute meaningfully to the rich tapestry of life. As I enter my senior year later this fall, I am full of gratitude for the solid foundation of technique and creative expression honoring God as the giver of my talent.”
Upcoming events
Perimeter Ballet’s Annual Spring Recital will be held in the Perimeter Church Sanctuary on Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2 from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Summer camp sessions are scheduled for June and July. Registration will open on April 15.
2025-2026 classes will start in August with registration opening on April 15.
With help from Anne Bradley, the school is also planning a fundraiser event later in the year to mark the 30th anniversary.
For more information, visit perimeterballet.com.
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Arts & Literature
Q&A with Terry Gabbard, Norcross High’s New Theatre Director
Published
4 weeks agoon
March 4, 2025The Norcross High School drama department has a reputation for presenting quality productions each year, and 2024-2025 is no exception. They staged a one-act show of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in October followed by “Miss Nelson is Missing” in January. Next up for NHS Theatre is Matilda the Musical, set to open in April.
Leading the department this year is NHS’ new theatre director, Terry Gabbard, who came to Norcross with degrees in educational theatre and educational leadership, as well as over 20 years of public school theatre teaching and directing experience.
An award-winning director and playwright, he received the prestigious John W. Parker Award for excellence in directing in 2015, has had numerous productions named “distinguished play” from the North Carolina Theatre Conference and has three Best Musical wins from the Blumey Awards (Charlotte, NC’s version of the Tony awards).
Gabbard has also published two plays, one of which, “Our Place,” was named one of the top ten most produced short plays in American high schools.
Additionally, in 2020, his production of “Puffs” (a clever and comedic play set in the world of Harry Potter) was selected as one of only a handful of productions in America to perform at the International Thespian Society festival.
Though busy with preparations for Matilda, Gabbard recently took the time to answer a few questions about his career, his love of theatre and what’s next for the NHS drama department.
Which productions have you worked on since joining NHS?
We started off performing The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in October, and we did a performance of Miss Nelson is Missing in January.
Where did you teach and direct before coming to Norcross?
I always explain that my wife supports my teaching habit, so we tend to move as her opportunities change.
I’ve taught mostly in high schools in Florida, North Carolina and now Georgia. I have taught in Gwinnett Public Schools before at Paul Duke STEM and in Cobb County at Campbell High School.
How did the move to NHS come about?
After leaving GCPS for a short few years, I was anxious to get back to this system and this community, and when this opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance.
Have you always had a love for theatre?
I started participating in theatre when I was in 9th grade and have never stopped. For me, the thing that drew me to the art form was the sense of community that theatre creates.
What led you to pursue a career teaching and directing? Was there a specific moment that you realized it was what you wanted to do?
When I was a senior in high school, my theatre director let me direct a play in his theatre [for] one class. This is when I realized how much I loved directing and coaching other actors.
What was it like to win the John W. Parker award in 2015? And to be recognized with so many other honors?
I have been blessed to have been recognized several times by my peers and the organizations I’ve partnered with. It’s always nice to have these recognitions, but I have come to believe that any high school theatre production is a miracle in and of itself.
Producing theatre in high schools is always a challenge and getting to opening night is always a huge accomplishment.
Will you continue playwriting in addition to your work as NHS theatre director?
I haven’t written any plays in some time, but I’m definitely starting to get the itch. All of my plays have premiered at the schools where I was teaching. I imagine a world premier will happen at Norcross pretty soon.
What can you share about the school’s upcoming Matilda the Musical production? Is it one that you’ve directed in the past?
I have never directed Matilda, and I am extremely excited for the challenge. The music is incredible, and the characters are big and over the top.
What plans do you have for the NHS theatre program for the remainder of this year and next year?
After Matilda, things wrap up for us. I haven’t yet decided what shows to tackle next year. I know that I want to find plays that have a different tone than the pieces we did this year. The shows have been comedic this year. Something more dramatic is definitely in our future.
The NHS production of Matilda the Musical opens in April.
Dates and show times are:
- Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m.
- Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 26 at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m.
For more information, visit nhs-drama.com.
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Arts & Literature
The Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary People: Q&A with Author Dan Leonard
Published
1 month agoon
February 22, 2025Dan Leonard has called Peachtree Corners home for the past 42 years, working in the IT field, building a strong community of personal and professional connections and leading the local Bikes and Friends Cycling Club.
Most recently, he wrote and released his first book — a memoir titled “The Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary People” — adding ‘published author’ to his list of accomplishments.
Drawing on the physical challenges Dan faced (and overcame) while growing up, as well as inspiration from others, the book dives into themes of resilience and personal growth while painting a vivid picture of his family life in New England during the 60s and 70s.
Through personal narrative, he takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through his childhood and adolescence, sharing “formative experiences that were shaped by his Italian-American and Irish-German heritage.”
Dan spoke with us recently about his memoir, sharing his thoughts on the writing process, lessons learned and his future plans.
What inspired you to write a memoir? What challenges, if any, did you face?
On the surface, like many people my age closing in on 70, I wanted to leave a legacy, telling my story of resilience and transformation to hopefully inspire others.
I once read that people should consider their mental health before writing a memoir. At the time I didn’t quite appreciate that statement. Like many outgoing people, I usually enjoyed talking about myself, especially while trying to relate to others.
Writing my memoir turned out to be a very positive experience since I tried to explore my story with honesty and compassion while highlighting the people and experiences that had the most influence on me. However, in the final throes of completing a rough draft, I spent nearly two weeks without sleep and experienced daytime dream-like episodes.
For example, I have a former classmate who is a successful screenwriter, and I was intent on getting him my manuscript because I thought it might make a compelling movie!
The book took me over a year [to write] and was a worthwhile and enjoyable experience and, I would say, cathartic as well.
Can you share a little about your background? Had you written or published anything prior to this?
I spent 42 years in the Information Technology field mostly working closely with major corporations helping them streamline and digitize their operations. I began in sales and marketing and moved to management later in my career.
I have always enjoyed writing for pleasure, but much of my writing was business oriented and expected to be short and concise. I have been interviewed many times in my career leading to industry centric publications but nothing with sole direct personal benefit such as my recent memoir or upcoming novel.
The book is about resilience and recognizing that ordinary moments can have an extraordinary impact on one’s life. Have you always seen the world this way? Or was it something that came to you over time?
I have always been deeply introspective but with a strong desire to relate well with others and make friends.
Given my humble beginnings experiencing many physical challenges from night time seizures, pronated ankles, severe allergies, a slight lisp and ADD among other things, I never felt like I was working from a position of strength. I typically felt like the underdog, especially anxious to prove to both myself and others that I could be just as good.
Each triumph seemed to require an extraordinary effort sometimes just to meet the norm.
What was the most difficult or unexpected thing you encountered writing and publishing the book?
To be completely honest, the most difficult thing was to convince myself that my story was worth telling and that other people besides my family and closest friends would be truly interested.
Who was I, really? I was never a CEO, famous athlete, politician or war hero. I was just a regular guy who lived a mostly ordinary life but, in many cases, encountered extraordinary challenges.
Maybe partly because I have a tendency to be bold and take on challenges that I am not always prepared for, I would sometimes get in my head and say, “well everybody has a story, some lots more interesting than yours, so why would anyone be interested in yours?”
Early and mid-stream through my writing, there were days and even weeks when I let these thoughts stall my writing, but fortunately they were only temporary.
What lessons did you learn from the process?
You’ll have to read my book!
When I began writing the book, I was at a point where I had retired from my 42-year career and was no longer actively consulting. My life involved spending as much time as possible cycling with my club, Bikes and Friends, completing home projects and spending time with family.
I would typically rise at 7 or 8 a.m., unless I had an early bike ride, and move through the day at a very comfortable pace. Finally completing the book and committing to a marketing campaign and future publications over the next several months has given me a renewed purpose. I now start my day at 6 a.m., go to the gym and work harder, write as much as possible and seek out more purposeful endeavors.
I met [recently] with the City of Peachtree Corners to begin planning a charity ride later this year. And I am evaluating a board position at a local non-profit.
What’s the main thing you’d like readers to take away from Extraordinary Lives?
That their life is every bit as valuable as others, and if they have any interest in sharing their story or anything that they desire then to do it to their fullest!
You’re traveling for events to promote the book. Will you be doing any promotional events closer to home?
Yes, I will be speaking at the local Fowler YMCA on March 14, and as my book marketing reaches a proposed 300 platforms over the next few weeks, I expect to have at least a few nearby book signings and presence in local bookstores.
Do you have plans to write another book?
Absolutely! I am currently working on a futuristic sci-fi novel based on a group of cyclists called “Defending His Life,” which will hopefully be available by June.
The Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary People is available on Amazon. Are there other places readers can purchase the book?
It will also be available on BN.com and in select Barnes and Noble stores. My publisher hub partner plans to push 200+ copies out to select bookstores, so hopefully many other places [as well].
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Many people my age relate to the way things used to be, where only famous people wrote books and they were limited to highly selective publishing houses that controlled their intellectual property.
It’s a new world, anyone that has something to say can say it, and there are so many different mediums available today. Be bold and get out there and say it. Your reward will go way beyond practical measures and may certainly open up new opportunities.
If nothing else, writing my memoir has given me an opportunity to reengage with people that I haven’t talked with or thought about in years and even decades.
About The Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary People
From enduring challenges and overcoming adversity to honoring the strength of family bonds, Dan’s debut book offers a look at how ordinary moments can have an extraordinary impact.
The memoir is currently available on Amazon as an e-book, hardback and paperback. It should soon be available on bn.com, at our local Barnes and Noble and in other bookstores as well.
For more information about Dan Leonard, visit booksbydanleonard.com.
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