Hello
A northern California native, Bill has spent his adult life in the arts. He’s performed as an actor, juggler, and puppeteer. He’s taught clowning, acting, and improvisation. He’s been involved in the Alexander Technique for over thirty years. And through it all, a little voice at the back of his head has been telling stories. Sometimes they find their way onto the page.
He still lives in northern California and owns entirely too many stuffed animals, one of whom has commandeered his Instagram account.
Artist's Statement
Speculative fiction, whether science fiction or fantasy, pushes the boundaries of storytelling by creating outposts in the wild landscape of imagination. Storytellers flock to these beacons of light, delighting in and sharing the new discovery. Soon, a path is worn, a pattern emerges, and the foreign becomes familiar. Then we wait for the next great leap.
It all happens very quickly.
But what if, instead of rushing along the path, the story takes a tiny detour? A step to the left or right and the landmarks are still recognizable, everything feels familiar and safe, but nothing is quite the same. Shadows fall at an unfamiliar angle and the earth feels different underfoot. It might take time to explore, but what a fascinating place this can be. Where the thrill of revelation hides behind every assumption.
These are the worlds I hope to create. Come read them.
-Bill Olson