Bill Blais has been absurdly fortunate in love and life, living as he does in Maine with his wife, Mary, and their small tribe of dogs and cats. He is interested in quite a number of different things, which can be dangerous for someone with deadlines.
His studies in the US and England led to a Master’s Degree in Medieval Studies, as well as an almost compulsive fear of student loan companies. It also led to a very nice piece of paper whose sole purpose for many years appeared to be the generation of interesting conversations during job interviews for IT companies. He’d like to say he impressed them with his worldliness, but it was probably pity. His work in IT has ranged from dot-coms to international businesses, and he still spends more time than is really healthy in front of a computer screen.
That very nice piece of paper also qualified him to teach English to college students, a career which has tested his sanity off and on over the years. He compares his work teaching to his stint rowing for the crew team at college: the most deeply satisfying, and the most drainingly painful, of experiences. And yet, he keeps going back for more.
None of which, arguably, has anything to do with his writing, which has been published in print and online. In addition, his self-published novel, Witness, won the 2009 Independent Book Publishers Award for Fantasy, which was a great surprise, though he doubts he’ll ever wear the lapel pin.
If you’re interested, leave a comment below, or email me at bill@billblais.com.
I’ve been wondering what happened to you after moving up to Maine… now I know. I always knew you were destined for greatness after our days of quoting monty python while trying desperately to maintain some humor in the all too techy/geeky world of programming. Take care!
Jules! How fantastic to hear from you! I can’t comment on greatness (at least not yet), but thanks for the thoughts, and the memories of the double-occupancy offices and movie quotes…
Is this “THE” Bill Blais? :)
why yes, these are bugle boy jeans i’m wearing.
(nothing like a bad tv commercial quote to emphasize one’s age)
which is to say, yes, this is “that” bill blais. welcome, kate!
Mr. Blais, my friends and I just shared an elevator ride with your brother & he recommended your fine site to us. I don’t think I’ll be the only one of us picking up a copy of your book.
thanks very much! i’m extremely lucky to have my very own PR agent in the family. i hope you (all) enjoy the book, and i’d love to hear what you think of it.
SO glad that I’m not the only Bill Blais that is having a hard time writing! In my case, it’s a dissertation on Prometheus Bound.
Funny, small world.
it took me a moment to realize this wasn’t me sending myself a message from the other side, but i’m good now…
Prometheus Bound, eh? a little light reading, then. seriously, though, best of luck with that. if you’ve skimmed any of the rest of the site, you’ll know my only suggestion would be a good outline.
i’m sure you’re doing fine, though. thanks for stopping by!
(on a study break, of course)
Hi, ‘from the land down under’ – you are currently in my house playing pool with the beautiful Mary. It is so good to see you both and most importantly, to see two people who love each other as you both do…. Nan would be proud to see you having a great Aussie holiday with her gift. Love you both…
thanks, beth, for everything. we never have long enough with you folks, but we love every minute. we’re very grateful for our great good fortune in each other and our families (and thanks for taking me in as you have). love you, too.
you are so darn clever.