Reviews

Review of the Public Workshop Version of HECATE HILL by Jason Rice of ROVER DRAMAWERKS: "Well, will wonders never cease. Write Around Here had its first staged reading today at the Cox and true to form, it was pretty amazing. Bob White nestled his set in among the Woman in Mind set and did a great job reshaping the space with very very limited time and material. The actors were terrific and there was even a reasonable stab made at lighting and sound design. And let it never be said that our boy Bill can't fill a house. "All ya gotta do is ask!" he says. And although initially impressive that the audience talkback included everybody but the Pope himself, one must note that His Eminence's absence was sorely felt, no matter how hard Don McLaughlin tried to compensate as moderator.I'm also glad to report that this reading/staging will be followed up by a full production next month as a Pocket Sandwich Late-Night, the inaugural launch of a new production company in town. "Cautionary Tales Theater" is a collaboration between long-time Dallas director/producer Jamie Baker and our own resident insomniac Bill Fountain. Pretty cool, eh?"

RAVEN BOOK Reviews!

"This is one of those rare books that eats into your psyche. Since I first flicked through it I must have picked it up again half a dozen times within a week. Instead of going into the comic boxes, it sits on the edge of my desk. Why? Every time I look through it I experience the mix of Poe’s words and Fountain’s art in a new way. Different emotional states trigger different responses. Poe’s classic poem is one of my all-time favorites and it’s great to see a graphical treatment that treats it with respect. It’s all here word for word, nothing changed or deleted. Fountain illustrates his reactions to those words with what I can only call a “dark innocence” that in many ways reminds me of Tim Burton’s cartoon sketches, yet is definitely Fountain’s own style. If you love Poe you will love this, and if you’ve never read “The Raven,” then I can’t think of a better introduction to it."
~Alan J. Porter, Revolution SF.

"Imagine Tim Burton as a cartoonist and you'll have some idea of the delight to be found in this illustrated take on Poe's famous poem. Bill Fountain brings a slightly twisted, but completely charming worldview to his drawings that's both droll and moving." ~Award Winning Fantasy Author Charles de Lint.

"I thought Mr. Fountain’s presentation was fantastic. He hooked them with his background information first, got them involved in the reading of “The Raven”, and impressed them (and me) with his memorization of the poem. The kids stayed focused on Mr. Fountain for the majority of the time which is a feat in itself in middle school! My favorite part was having the raven puppet there and the reading of the poem from memory. Also that Mr. Fountain took the time to sign copies of “The Raven” for the kids. We are going to be sure we have Mr. Fountain back again at Cain next year! FANTASTIC!" ~ Mrs. Munson, 7th TAG and Pre-AP Language Arts

"Fountain was really good and the kids enjoyed him. I had two that were not to sure they wanted to go hear him, but afterwards had to go purchase his books. One even asked if I was taking my next period class; because he wanted to buy one of the books for his English teacher. I did get the book for him and both boys came by after school the show me the illustrations they liked in the books they had bought. That’s all they could talk about." - Mrs. Smith, Art Department Head

“Bill Fountain's dramatic reading of Edgar Allan Poe's Raven held the students spellbound. Bill Fountain has a unique way of educating students about Edgar Allan Poe and at the same time emphasizing the importance of every reader's response. His background information on the poem enables all students to better understand the language and tone of the poem. His presentation is applicable for all middle and high school students and is informative as well as entertaining. He involves the audience as well. Bill's presentation was excellent and really motivated the students to read more of Edgar Allan Poe.” – Hope Krum, Librarian.

"I enjoyed the presentation and my students indicated that they did also. The background information that he provided before the actual reading was very helpful. They now want to know more about Edgar Allan Poe." Mrs. Johnson, Middle School Teacher.

"Such a wonderful introduction and presentation for my 6th grade students; some had never heard Poe and had many questions and interest in reading his works, after we returned to class." Mrs. Rattiff, Middle School Teacher.

"The presentation was very interactive for middle school students. Students were active during the reading of 'The Raven' which made them attentive to Poe's language, I also enjoyed Mr. Fountain's addressing careers in Art and Writing. This is very important in Middle School." Mr. Moss, Middle School Teacher.

"After watching Bill Fountain's mesmerizing and interactive lecture on Saturday, there is no doubt that Poe's words are still very much alive and resonate in the minds of children, students, and scholars alike. Fountain held a standing room only audience captive during his discussion and dramatic reading of Poe's "The Raven" which he has re-interpreted and illustrated in his new book Raven." Ms. Fernandez, Elementary Teacher.

"Bill Fountain helped me revisit an old friend with his recitation and explanation of the “The Raven”. This production will make me revisit Poe, an old favorite of mine. This was a great event and an overall pleasure. Bill Fountain has breathed new life into the raven with his illustrations and reworking of the raven in a comic book format, the price point is more than reasonable at $5.00 and the backside is a bonus with an original Bill Fountain work. This new talent is worth a look and perhaps even a longer lingering look." Mrs. Riesen, Elementary Teacher.

From some great students at Academy in Irving ISD!

Gilberto: Enjoyed his artwork.
Hemberto: I liked his techniques.
Ian: I liked the puppet raven.
Sumaya: I learned do your own artwork, be creative and keep at a professional level! Interesting and keyed towards audience.
Nicholas: Cool-He taught me to open your mind and pursue your ideas.
Jacquilyn: Yes, enjoyed it! You can reach your goals if you pursue them.
Ben: I did like him, art is different, loose and tight drawing styles, cool!

Students in Mrs. Johnson's Reading class were asked to compare 3 poems: "The Raven" by Poe, "Lenore" by Poe, and "Raven" illustrated and read by Bill Fountain. Here are a few of the results!

"The Raven read by Bill Fountain is my favorite because he said it cool!" - Jebub, Student.
"Raven by Bill Fountain is my favorite poem because it is more interesting!" - Amanda, Student.
"The Raven by Bill Fountain is my favorite because it has pictures!" - Daniel, Student.
"Raven by Bill Fountain is my favorite because I liked the way he tells it and it is scary and funny." Arnold, Student.
"Raven by Bill Fountain because he drew pictures that go with the story and because he read it really cool." - Felmore, Student.

and of course, my favorite kid quote of all: "He's crazy. But he's cool. He's crazy cool." - Bowie Student.