February 23 , 2017 The SEGway News Page 3
February 23 , 2017 The SEGway News Page 3
99th Birthday
Personality
Photos by Alexis Dierker
Above : The Lions Club Senior Activities Center held a special party on Tuesday for Billie Ball who just marked her 99th birthday .
Below : Billie ’ s friends help her blow some candles out to celebrate .
Taylor professor Hensley publishes 10th writing textbook
By James R . Garringer
Taylor University professor Dennis E . Hensley has published his tenth textbook on writing , Finding Success with Your Dream Writing Projects ( Bold Vision Books ). Hensley is the author of 63 published books , including 10 novels , the latest of which is Pseudonym ( Whitaker Publishing House , 2016 ).
“ During my 20 years at Taylor the world of publishing has altered drastically , so I ’ ve had to write new books to keep up with developments ,” Hensley said . “ My first textbook , Writing for Profit ( Thomas Nelson Co ., 1985 ), was published before the advent of ebooks , the web , smart phones , and online publishing . All of those elements are given major attention in my new book .”
Hensley said most of his books stay in print because many concern specialized topics . For example , his book Teach Yourself Grammar and Style in 24 Hours ( Macmillan , 2000 ) does not go out of print because it covers such basic topics as spelling , grammar , punctuation , syntax , and style . Similarly , his book How to Write What You Love and Make a Living at It ( Random House ,
2000 ) focuses on developing creativity , managing time as a writer , understanding the copyright laws , and mastering the art of interviewing , all topics that stay in vogue . The only thing that has changed is that many of these earlier books have now been made available as online downloadable ebooks .
“ I write a monthly column on aspects of professional writing for Christian Communicator magazine ,” said Hensley . “ This keeps me on the cutting edge of what is developing in publishing . Also , I write a weekly blog in which I share insights on writing and marketing ( www . dochensley . com ). I draw information from literary agents , successful authors , editors , and publishers . My new book is chocked full of such contemporary insights on this business .”
Hensley joined the Taylor faculty in 1997 as a member of the English department on Taylor ’ s former Fort Wayne campus . In 2009 he came to the Upland campus to become chair of the newly formed Department of Professional Writing . He holds four degrees in communication , including a Ph . D . in English from Ball State University .