In the rush to draft this article, I found myself reflecting on a basketball game: Driving towards the hoop with seconds left, only to be blocked by a tall, imposing figure. Faced with this challenge, I had to pivot, making a quick decision to pass the storytelling baton to today’s topic – an exciting speaking engagement at the Bethany Village Community Center in Centerville.

Upcoming Speaking Engagement

I am thrilled to be speaking to a group of over 50 dedicated readers in the Bethany Village community. This will be my first speaking engagement of the year, and I am eagerly looking forward to it. My contact there mentioned they hoped I could highlight specific authors I have had the pleasure of interviewing.

Featured Authors

The community has shown keen interest in hearing about interviews with James Lee Burke, John Glenn, Anne Lamott, Studs Terkel, and Garrison Keillor. All five authors hold a special place in my literary heart, and I am excited to share insights from my discussions with them.

James Lee Burke

One of our greatest living novelists, James Lee Burke is celebrated for his Dave Robicheaux series. I have interviewed him 25 times, making him a unique and valuable resource. Burke’s direct and nuanced responses always provide a deep look into his storytelling process.

John Glenn

Growing up, John Glenn was a hero of mine. An accomplished astronaut and engineer, he was born and raised in Ohio. In our interview, he shared fascinating stories about his boyhood in a small Ohio town, his service in the Korean War, his role as a test pilot, and his historic orbit of the Earth.

Anne Lamott

Anne Lamott is deeply spiritual and has faced numerous personal challenges. Despite her struggles, she remains true to herself. Her sincerity and wisdom shine through in her writing and our interviews. She is the real deal, an inspiration to many.

Studs Terkel

Respected for his unique interviewing style, Studs Terkel was a celebrated radio host. Our interview featured his incredible storytelling talents. I was even fortunate enough to have him make me a martini at his Chicago home. Additionally, I had the honor of introducing him on the night he won the Dayton Literary Peace Prize for Lifetime Achievement.

Garrison Keillor

Once a prominent figure in public radio, Garrison Keillor is a masterful humorist with a serious side. During our interaction, he addressed me formally as Mr. Mickunas, a touch of humility amid his success. One memorable episode saw him wander off to get a haircut in Dayton and get hopelessly lost. On another occasion, he surprised me by calling from a phone booth at the airport.

The Most Influential Figure

Notably, I will also be discussing my interview with an individual who is widely regarded as the most famous person on the planet. His insights and presence have left an indelible mark on me.

A Correction Note

In my previous article, I incorrectly described “veteran pilots serving at Wright-Patterson AFB” in relation to Dave Essinger’s novel “This World and the Next.” I have since received clarification from the author that his fictional base is not Wright-Patterson but shares many similarities. Thank you, Dave, for your patience and correction.