Ben Hodges, '91 - July 2013
It may have a lengthy title, but the book itself is a study of how theatre can influence and change our perceptions of the world around us. The American Theatre World Presents: The Play That Changed My Life: America’s Foremost Playwrights on the Plays That Influenced Them explores this idea of the power of theatre by allowing some of our greatest playwrights to talk about those plays and theatrical performances that shaped their lives, that changed how they saw the world and encouraged them to share their creativity with the world.
Actor, producer, author, and director, Ben Hodges ‘91 received his Juris Doctorate in Intellectual Property, with a concentration in Entertainment Law, from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2012. He has been an integral part of the production “Theatre World,” taking over as Editor-in-Chief in 2009. He’s produced the annual theatre festival “Fire Island Pines” in NY since 2008. Additionally, Ben has written numerous books about the world of theatre, including “Forbidden Acts,” a collection of gay and lesbian plays from the 20th century.
Mindy McGuiness, 01' - October 2013
Not a Drop to Drink is McGinnis’ first novel, an exploration of what it means to grow up set against a post-apocalyptic tale of survival and struggle. Told through the life and experiences of sixteen-year-old Lynn, this story captures her struggles to fight for survival, but also risk opening her heart to others.
Mindy McGinnis graduated from Otterbein in 2001 magna cum laude with a Bachelor degree in English Literature and Religion, and has let her love of words and literature fill her life. While also a Young Adult librarian, Mindy wrote for years before publishing her first novel, Not a Drop to Drink. Her books are often set in Ohio, keeping her home state close to hear heart.
Deborah Barndt, '67 - December 2013
Deborah graduated from Otterbein with a BA in comprehensive social studies, including a year abroad at the Université de Strasbourg in France. She received her MA and Ph.D. in comparative sociology at the Michigan State University. Her research includes work on the theory and practice of the Brazilian educator, Paulo Freire, in Peru in the 1970’s. Following that, Deborah spent 20 years as a community-based educator, occasionally teaching psychology at a US community college. She is a photographer, and her passion for art influences her academic studies. She has written 8 books on food, popular education and community arts. Currently she is a professor at York University in the Faculty of Environmental Studies and coordinator for the Community Arts Practice Certificate.
Brad Pitman, '61 - January 2014
In 1996, Brad Pitman’s mother began showing signs of Alzheimer’s. Brad took it upon himself to learn everything he could of the disorder, researching and documenting everything he saw and learned, until he finally found a course of action that showed signs of marked improvement in his mother’s condition. Ma Is Back is the story of their struggle and ultimate success.
Brad Pitman ‘61 graduated from Otterbein with a degree in psychology and the drive to help others. After graduating, he moved to Attleboro, Massachusetts, where he spent years as a businessman working out of his home office. In 1996, Brad Pitman’s mother began showing signs of Alzheimer’s. Brad took it upon himself to learn everything he could of the disorder, researching and documenting everything he saw and learned, until he finally found a course of action that showed signs of marked improvement in his mother's condition. Ma is Back is the story of their struggle and ultimate success.
John Deever, '90 - February 2014
John Deever ‘90 has led a busy, varied, and influential life, devoting himself to his writing and to the cause of enacting social change in Eurasia. Graduating with a BA in English in 1990, and then from OSU in 1992 with his MA in English, John then joined the Peace Corps and spent time in the Ukraine, just after it had gained its independence. Ultimately, he would share his time there in his book, Singing on the Heavy Side of the World. After moving around America and Russia, he returned to Columbus with his family. Currently, John is a freelance writer for such varied sources as (614) magazine & the OSU Alumni magazine as well as a book editor and essayist.
Carl "Cubby" Cashen, '98 - March 2014
Carl graduated in 1998 and has spent his life in pursuit of his passion for athletics, becoming an avid bicyclist who calls California his home. This book is told from the perspective of Gu, one of the two canine companions who accompany Cubby & friends on their bike rides.
Jay Snyder, '90 - April 2014
Jay received his BA from Otterbein before going on to get a Masters in English from Morehead State University and another Masters in Education from Nova Southeastern University. A former English teacher, Jay took an active interest in helping his student’s prepare for their future, which inspired him to write his first book! Jay currently writes, blogs, and enjoys spending time with his family.
Bryan Thao Worra, Attended in '97 - May 2014
Bryan is a world-renowned Laotian-American poet & writer, active in bringing awareness to the talents of many Southeast Asian Artists. Studying communications & non-western religions whilst at Otterbein, Bryan found his calling in his poetry and has published 5 books to date. He is the first Laotian-American to receive a Fellowship in Literature from the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts.
Marsh Cassady, '58 - June 2014
Marsh Cassady is the author of more than fifty published books and approximately 4000 shorter pieces in many different genres. His true crime book, The Newhall Incident, co-authored with retired CHP commander John Anderson, won a San Diego Book Award for nonfiction. Two of his books have been finalists for Indie Awards and two for Lambda Literary Awards. His haiku book The Music of Tree Limbs won a national award and publication. He has had a dozen plays produced across the U.S., including Off-Broadway. For more than four decades Marsh has conducted writing workshops and taught various creative writing classes, both privately and at several different universities. He has been a columnist for four newspapers and two writing magazines. A newspaper journalist and a teacher before attending graduate school, Marsh has both an M.A. and a Ph.D. degree. In addition to theatre Marsh taught five different courses in creative writing at UCSD, as well as a course he developed entitled "Creativity in the Arts." While at Montclair State, he developed a playwriting program that included both undergraduate and graduate courses, workshops, and individual projects. In various other lives Marsh has been a university professor, an actor/director, a digital and ceramic artist, and a musician.
Items listed in chronological order by featured author: