Get to Know Bill Tamlyn

When One Man Minneapolis contestant Bill Tamlyn chose the Minnesota Reading Corps for his charity of choice, I jumped at the chance to get to know him more. In addition to his information on the One Man Web site, I asked him a few questions to dig deeper to know who the real Bill Tamlyn is...

I see that you're a writer, what have you written?
Literally hundreds of speeches for my clients at Target. Plus lots of news stories, ads, brochures and a few grocery lists that are quite riveting.

What inspired you to become a writer?
It's something that always came easily for me, and I enjoy doing it. What more could you ask for in a career?

How long have you been volunteering at your son's school?
Ever since he was in kindergarten. The level of parental involovment at his school is amazing. We get lots of work done while showing kids that volunteering is rewarding, fun and the right thing to do.

Favorite part about volunteering?
Meeting other volunteers. It's cool when people from all walks of life come together to work toward a common goal.

I know that you're active, did you play sports ever?
In high school, I played basketball and did sprints and hurdles in track. Sadly, I was too short and too slow to do sports in college. Now my sporting life consisits of shooting hoops in the alley with my son and his friends. I try not to dunk on them too much.

What's one hobby that you wished you did?
Playing the piano or speed reading, both of which I have no chance of ever conquering.

Do you cook? If so, what's your favorite thing to cook?
I love to cook...when I have the time, energy and ingredients. My specialty is chocolate chip banana bread, which I would stack up against any bread, any time, anywhere.

Favorite place you've traveled to?
That's a hard one. I love New York (haven't I heard that somewhere before?). The Gulf Coast of Florida is a slice of heaven. But I'd have to say that Santa Fe, New Mexico, is my favorite. It's a beautiful, magical, otherworldly place. You've never seen the sky so blue.

Any words of encouragement for young kids struggling to read?
Make it fun. Find a book on a topic that interests you...animals, science, sports heroes, whatever. Then find a comfy place to read. Better yet, find a reading buddy to read with and share your story with him or her.

And lastly, what's your favorite book?
"Where The Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak. It brings me back to my childhood, and now it's on my son's bookshelf.

There it is! Some fun, new facts to get to know Bill some more. Remember to vote for him to help him win the competition. Just log on to onemanminneapolis.com to do so!

http://www.onemanminneapolis.com/