Me

Frederic S. Durbin grew up in the countryside of rural Illinois, where he spent his childhood exploring the fields and climbing trees, usually barefoot, immersed in the stories contained in books. His parents opened the town’s first bookstore, and his mother was the librarian for the local elementary schools. As a student, he particularly enjoyed acting in musicals and performing with the band and chorus. He attended Concordia College, River Forest, Illinois, where he majored in classical languages, devoured English literature and ancient mythology, edited the fine arts page of the college newspaper, and graduated summa cum laude. He traveled to Japan as a church volunteer, then taught English and creative writing at Niigata University for over twenty years. In summer 2011, he relocated to Pittsburgh, where he is fascinated by the bridges and the meandering city stairways; he believes the forested hills must be full of stories that need telling. The author of two published novels and many short stories for adults and children, he has conducted literary interpretive programs and creative writing workshops for students of all grade levels. Also an actor at heart, he delights in connecting dramatic performance with writing pedagogy. He has worked as a writing coach with WriteAtHome.com and is a dedicated supporter of CRICKET Magazine, visiting schools and libraries to help spread the excitement of reading and writing. He is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.

To contact me: mothkinf@hotmail.com.