The Penmen Profile: Versatile Writer Peter Grandbois

by Rebecca LeBoeuf Peter Grandbois is an author that does it all. From writing fiction, nonfiction, poetry and plays, Grandbois has two novels, one book of short stories, a memoir and a collection of three novellas published. His Etruscan Press novel, “Nahoonkara,” was a finalist in the 2011 Foreword Review Book of…

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The Penmen Profile: “So Many Africas” Author Jill Kandel

by Rebecca LeBoeuf Creative nonfiction writer and memoirist Jill Kandel traveled the world and now writes about those experiences. Kandel first submitted her book, “So Many Africas: Six Years in a Zambian Village,” to Autumn House Press‘ full manuscript competition. After winning the Creative Nonfiction Award in 2014 and being published a  year…

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The Penmen Profile: YA and Historical Fiction Author Han Nolan

by Rebecca LeBoeuf Han Nolan is the author of nine young adult fiction and historical fiction novels. Her first novel, “If I Should Die Before I Wake,” published in 2003, achieved the International Reading Association/​Children’s Book Council Book Award. In this book, Nolan unites the present with a dark part of history,…

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The Penmen Profile: Debut Novelist Hirsh Sawhney

by Rebecca LeBoeuf Author Hirsh Sawhney‘s first novel, “South Haven,” has been named as a Barnes & Noble Summer 2016 Discover Great New Writers selection, and was published in early May. Sawhney’s writing has been published in many magazines and newspapers, including the New York Times Book Review, the Guardian and the Times Literary Supplement….

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The Penmen Profile: Indian Novelist and Editor Avtar Singh

by Rebecca LeBoeuf Indian author Avtar Singh is anticipating the release of his second novel, “Necropolis” (Akashic Books), which releases in June 2016. Set in Delhi, “Necropolis” mixes crime with fantasy as it follows around the main character, a detective. His first book, “The Beauty of These Present Things,” was published in…

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The Penmen Profile: Guatemalan Novelist David Unger

by Rebecca LeBoeuf Despite writing in English, David Unger was awarded the Miguel Ángel Asturias National Prize in Literature in 2014, the most important literary award in Guatemala a writer could receive. Unger, a Guatemalan novelist, had his most recent book, “The Mastermind,” published in early April by Akashic Books. “The Mastermind” is based on a…

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The Penmen Profile: Northern New England Author Merle Drown

by Rebecca LeBoeuf Merle Drown is the author of three novels and numerous flash fiction stories. “Lighting the World” (2015), Drown’s most recent book, pulled upon events that happened in his life and garnered praise from his peers, including best-selling authors Wiley Cash and John Searles. “The Suburbs Of Heaven”…

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The Penmen Profile: Environmental Nonfiction Author Amy Irvine

by Rebecca LeBoeuf Amy Irvine is an environmental nonfiction and memoir author. Her two books, “Trespass: Living at the Edge of the Promised Land” (2008) and “Making a Difference: Stories of How the Outdoor Industry and Individuals are Working to Preserve America’s Natural Places” (2001), have been praised in reviews by…

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The Penmen Profile: Highly Praised Author Ann Garvin

by Rebecca LeBoeuf Ann Garvin has been praised for the seamless humor and compassion found in her novels, “On Maggie’s Watch” (2010) and “The Dog Year” (2014). A third novel, “I Like You Just Fine When You’re Not Around,” will be released in June. “On Maggie’s Watch” achieved positive reviews from New York Times bestselling authors Jacquelyn Mitchard…

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The Penmen Profile: Award-Winning YA Novelist Jo Knowles

by Rebecca LeBoeuf Jo Knowles is an award-winning author of young adult and middle grade fiction novels. Her first novel, “Lessons From a Dead Girl” (2007), was presented with The Pen New England Children’s Book Discovery Award and named A New York Library Book for the Teen Age. Knowles’ middle grade fiction novel,…

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