Author Randel McGee Talks Paper and Scissors!

Randel McGee is the author of our Paper Craft Fun for Holidays series. A versatile writer and entertainer with 30 years of professional experience as a storyteller and ventriloquist, he has performed all around the globe. He has written articles and done illustrations for the Puppeteers of America, Inc., the National Storytelling Network, a Danish-American newsletter, and the Guild of American Papercutters.

We were lucky enough this week to convince Randel to put down his paper and scissors for a few minutes to answer some questions for us.

Enlsow: 

How did you decide on your career as a storyteller, author, and artist?

Randel:

Even as a child I loved to be on stage and making things. I left college with a degree in Children's Theater and wanted to perform professionally as a puppeteer. Puppetry combines all my interests of art, performing, storytelling, and music. I soon added ventriloquism to the list of things I could do and I started developing programs for schools with my unique workshops using my storytelling and paper crafting skills. 

I was performing at the American Library Association Convention as a paper crafting-storyteller when someone from Enslow saw my act and asked if I would like to write some books for them. That's how the Paper Craft Fun for Holidays series came to be.

Enslow:

Do you have a favorite craft of all time?

Randel:

That's a difficult question! I usually feel that my last craft project is my favorite, because I tried something new or I could see where I did a bit better than before.

Enslow:

You create so many craft projects, was there one in particular that was an epic failure?

Randel:

There have been many, many mistakes and failed paper projects, but I look at those closely to see what went wrong, before I toss them away. However, there was a special project I was working on in glass. After hours of work on engraving portraits in a sheet of glass, the piece slipped off my table and crashed to the floor! I was so upset. But I realized that on the next try I would do even better and be especially CAREFUL!

Enslow:

Who has been your greatest influence as a storyteller?

Randel:

Growing up, though I thought of him as a comedian, my favorite storyteller was Bill Cosby. Cosby's lively style has always influenced my performing as a storyteller. Hans Christian Andersen has had a major influence on what I do now, because I portray Andersen and share my version of his tales.

Randel McGee at the 2013 Chinese New Year  Parade and Festival in Fresno, California

Enslow:

What are you working on today?

Randel:

Today, I created this How-to video for a St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Chain craft to share with you from Paper Crafts for St Patrick's Day. No glue! No tape! No paint! Just paper and scissors. Click here to watch the video. Enjoy!

Paper Crafts for St. Patrick's Day and other titles in this series can be purchased with a library binding or in paperback from Enslow, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your preferred vendor. 

For more information about Randel McGee's shows, workshops, and writings, please visit his web site at www.mcgeeproductions.com or you can contact Randel at randel@mcgeeproductions.com

Happy Golden Birthday Justin Timberlake

A successful musician and actor, Justin Timberlake turns 31 on the 31st which makes it his "Golden Birthday" this year. 

Justin at a Glance:

Full name: Justin Randall Timberlake

Birthday: January 31, 1981

Nickname: JT

Height: 6 feet 2 inches

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite food: Breakfast cereal

Enjoys: Golfing, skiing, and snowboarding

Favorite sport: Basketball

Collects: Sports jerseys and sneakers

Fears: Snakes, sharks, and spiders

For more fun facts about Justin Timberlake and his successful career, check our Justin Timberlake: Breakout Music Superstar  from our Hot Celebrity Biographies series available in both library binding and in paperback from Enslow, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your preferred vendor.

Watch for more celebrity biographies coming this fall. The list is sizzling with stars like Adele, Demi Lovato, Drake, Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Logan Lerman!

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 Opens Today

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 opens in theaters today. Did you know that author, Stephenie Meyer was simply writing for her own entertainment when she expanded what started out as a dream into the full-length story of Bella and Edward? Being an author had never even crossed her mind. Fans can read more about Stephenie Meyer in our biography, Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga from our Authors Teens Love series. Read a review of the book here.

Makes a great gift for Twilight fans!

Available from Enslow Publishers, Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.