Mike Correia

Back in 1997 or 1998. when I finishing up college, my girlfriend (now wife) had to attend a speaking engagement that took place in the evening. Besides her main degree she was also going for an English degree - and this was for a class she was taking.

I was a Communications major with nothing to do that night, so I tagged along. I saw some posters around campus about the speaker coming, but really didn't read them - so I had no idea what I was going to see.

It turns about that we went to see an author by the name of Robert Salvatore, a former graduate of Fitchburg State College. He went by then pen name, R.A. Salvatore, but I still had no idea what he wrote about.

It turns about that he was (is) and very popular fantasy author. In more recent years, he's gone into business with Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling and even was pegged to write the novelization of Star Wars, Episode II: Attack of the Clones - and in another book he wrote in the Star Wars world he became infamous for being the author who killed off Chewbacca.

That night he spoke about the importance of fantasy, or creativity, and of imagination. I was very interested in him and wanted to learn more about his writings so I bought a book that night, which he autographed. Since then, I've read almost everything he's written (almost 45 books) and I can't wait to read more.

Many of his books are ongoing series, including the most recent I am reading (The Pirate King) - so it was like catching up with old friends. Usually I wait for paperback so I am a couple books behind, but in the end I know that I will read any book that he puts out.

R.A. Salvatore is my favorite author, and I never probably would have known about him if I didn't go see him talk that night almost 10 years ago.

Labels: books