In the suspense novel world, there are few names more recognized than that of Newport Beach resident Dean Koontz.
A prolific writer, he has authored more than 90 books during a career that has spanned four decades, and in an incredible stroke of luck, locals will have the opportunity to hear him speak, up close and personal, on Monday, April 2, at the Laguna Playhouse.
“An Evening With Dean Koontz” is part of the Laguna Playhouse Women Present series. Playhouse Women is a group of women who value great theater in their community, and work to develop awareness and support of the nonprofit Laguna Playhouse, in an effort to ensure its long-term success. Tickets for the event are $50, and all proceeds will benefit the Playhouse.
The event, moderated by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett, host of KUCI’s “Writers on Writing” and the Pen on Fire Writers Salon, will begin at 5:30 p.m. with registration and a reception featuring hors d’oeuvres from Laguna Culinary Arts.
The main portion of the evening will run from 7 to 8 p.m., as Koontz offers an insider’s view of the literary world, and discusses his experience, recent works, and upcoming projects.
Koontz is best known for his thrilling suspense novels, which are often set in Southern California. He has been hailed by Rolling Stone as “America’s most popular suspense novelist,” and I can attest to that, having spent many late nights in my younger years, Koontz book in hand, sleeping with the closet light on.
While it is true that he is the master – 13 of his books have risen to No. 1 on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list, a milestone only a dozen writers have ever achieved – many don’t realize that there is more to Koontz than just thrills.
He has also authored several graphic novels, and has recently released a brand-new, six-issue comic book series, titled “Nevermore.” In “Nevermore,” we meet Bobby Godric, who after the loss of his true love, Nora, invents a way to travel to parallel worlds, searching for her duplicate. Along the way, Godric becomes caught up in an ancient war with an alien race, and must fight to save humanity.
In a total departure from the suspense genre, Koontz has also written children’s books starring his golden retriever, Trixie. “Trixie and Jinx” is a sweet story about friendship, and “I, Trixie, Who Is Dog,” narrated by Trixie herself, is a look into a dog’s imagination, telling why a dog’s life is the best to have.
Trixie Koontz has even penned three books of her own (with a little help from Dad, of course): “Life Is Good,” “Christmas Is Good,” and “Bliss to You,” all giving us a dog’s perspective on how to slow down and find bliss in our lives.
No matter what you like to read, I’d say the Koontz clan has you covered!
I’d also say attending this event would be a win-win. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from a world-class author and nibble some tasty treats, all while supporting the arts in our community. And, since this will assure that we are able to continue enjoying quality productions at the Laguna Playhouse, I guess technically, that makes it a win-win-win situation, and who can argue with that?
For more information about “An Evening with Dean Koontz” and to purchase tickets, visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com. For more information about Mr. Koontz and his works, visit www.deankoontz.com.
