Published Books

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“Actually, For Real” is a children’s book about a little girl named Solicity who likes to ask so many questions. When she tries to answer those questions herself, her creative mind comes up with the most amazing ideas! Her friends and family love her creativity, but they always respond to her questions with ACTUALLY the REAL answers, so she learns something new every day! Solicity was inspired by the author’s daughter, Hannah, who coined the phrase “Actually, For Real” and had so much creativity at a very early age. If you know of a child who also has a creative mind and likes ask a lot of questions, this book will be perfect!

I have always been fascinated by Frederick Douglass ever since I read his autobiography in high school. His life has always been on my mind. My wife told me about a Douglass production she saw in Ohio as a young girl. It was a traveling group that set up a tent and really brought her back in time. She said it was amazing. I tried to find a written copy of it at the library or online, but I had no luck. I did find other wonderful plays written about him, however. It was hard to pick a favorite, but I decided to use scenes from “Frederick Douglass: A Biographical Play” by Acie Cargill and arrange it into this piece you are about to read, and hopefully perform. 

It is exciting to write this preface before the first performance. I’ve assembled a very powerful cast and crew. They are all passionate about this project. We are even incorporating music to enhance the show. But I do not want to cite what songs, costumes, or even sets that I will use. I want to leave it up to the director and/or producer. Make it your own. I’ll make a few director comments here and there, but I’m sure there will be a video of this production somewhere that you can use as a reference.