Brenda Euland
Brenda Euland is a distinguished novelist, editor and mentor who has written and published four compelling books. She is the recipient of numerous awards from both the Writers' Guild of America and the National Endowment for the Arts. Euland is known for creating dynamic and thrilling stories with diverse themes and characters that have found a devoted following among readers around the world.
Born in Port Orchard, Washington in 1941, Euland was raised in a small, rural community where her parents worked on the local farm. Her early years introduced her to the great outdoors and instilled in her a love of nature that continues to inform her writing. After graduating from high school, Euland attended the University of Washington, where she graduated with degrees in English and Creative Writing.
Euland's writing career began when she wrote freelance pieces for various newspapers and magazines throughout the United States. Publications such as The Seattle Times and The New York Times soon recognized her talents and featured her work. In 1969, she was hired as an editor for the Northwest magazine in Seattle, Washington and soon began to focus exclusively on fiction writing. After publication of her debut novel, “The Last Dance”, Euland received critical acclaim for her writing and was commended for her ability to create vivid characters and skillful dialogue.
Euland’s novels cover themes such as unrequited love, addiction, redemption, and family dynamics. She works with a wide variety of characters, from young adults to retired people and everyone in between. Some of Euland’s most popular works include “The Morning After”, “The Year of Change”, “The Stranger I Know” and “Around the Bend”.
“The Morning After” is a young adult novel centered on a high school senior who is torn between attending college and staying at home with her ill father. The story follows her journey to adulthood while interpreting the importance of family ties and friendships.
“The Year of Change” tells the story of two sisters who must come to terms with their own mortality when one of them is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The sister’s journey throughout the year as they come to terms with their emotions, fears, and hopes for the future brings about a bittersweet ending.
“The Stranger I Know” follows the life of a young woman who is struggling to separate from her family of origin and make sense of her own individual identity. Through the unexpected development of a relationship with a stranger, the protagonist learns to take risks and finds profound healing.
“Around the Bend” gives readers a glimpse into the life of a man in his twilight years as he reflects on his life and losses. The story highlights the beauty of everyday moments and the importance of making the most of life, no matter the age.
Euland is a passionate advocate for education, creativity, and the importance of family. She regularly provides writing seminars, book signings, and lectures at universities across the United States. In addition to her writing, she serves on the board of the Washington State Arts Commission, dedicating her time to celebrating and advocating for the arts and their role in society.
In her more than fifty years of writing, Euland has left her mark on the literary world and made a deep impact in the hearts of countless readers. With her thought-provoking stories and strong female characters, Euland continues to create stories that reflect the complexities of our lives and explore the many possibilities of the human heart.
