Biography
Gary Blackwood emerged into the world on October 23, 1945, in the quaint town of Meadville, Pennsylvania, a cherished son to Roy and Susie (Stallsmith) Blackwood. His formative years were spent in the picturesque village of Cochranton, where dreams of the written word filled his eager mind. With aspirations set high, he pursued his passion for storytelling and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Grove City College. During his collegiate days, Blackwood saw his first short story, "Cliffs of Gold," grace the pages of Twelve/Fifteen magazine. Yet, the harsh reality soon dawned that writing alone might not suffice to pay the bills, prompting him to explore various professions. His diverse career encompassed roles as a copywriter, teacher, advertising artist, bookstore manager, cannery worker, meat truck loader, and even a carpenter.
In 1982, Blackwood boldly stepped into the literary world with his debut novel, The Lion and the Unicorn, a historical narrative crafted for an adult audience. However, it wasn't until the release of Wild Timothy five years later that his literary journey truly took flight. From that point onward, Blackwood's pen danced through the realms of theater and young adult fiction, producing six staged plays and numerous novels aimed at youthful readers. His fascination with Elizabethan England led him to pen a tale initially centered on an adult main character embroiled in a daring plot to purloin Shakespeare's Hamlet using a secretive shorthand. Yet, with time, Blackwood envisioned a more captivating narrative featuring a young apprentice named "Widge," who would stealthily attempt the heist, transforming the former protagonist into a supporting role.
The Shakespeare Stealer has transcended language barriers, translated into three tongues, and even captured in audio format. The novel has garnered an array of accolades, gracing several 1998 honor lists, including Children's Books to Read and Own by the Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Library. It has been celebrated as one of the School Library Journal's Best Books, an ALA Notable Book, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and a Smithsonian Notable Children's Book. Additionally, it was selected as a Junior Library Guild Selection and featured as a Selector's Choice on the National Council for Social Studies and Children's Book Council list.
Today, Blackwood resides amidst the tranquil beauty of the Missouri Ozarks, sharing life with his wife, Jean, and their two children. His creative spirit is currently engrossed in crafting a sequel to The Shakespeare Stealer, tentatively titled The Gypsy Players.
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