Robert Fulghum

   Robert Fulghum has written several books, including All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten, It Was On Fire When I Lay Down On It, Uh Oh and Maybe (Maybe Not), which have all set records on the New York Times bestseller list.

   Most recently he has continued his long-time commitment to charitable organizations by finishing a collection of three books, with all proceeds being donated to Habitat for Humanity and Human Rights Watch. The first, published in February 1997 is True Love: Real Life Stories, a collection of love stories told to and by Fulghum from hundreds of ordinary people. The second, Words I Wish I Wrote, is a collection of quotations and offbeat expressions that "jump start the imagination or spirit." The third is a 700-page work of fiction.

   Fulghum grew up in Waco, Texas, where he worked as a ranch hand, singing cowboy and rodeo rider. For 22 years he was a parish minister of a Unitarian church near Seattle, Washington, where he also taught drawing, painting and philosophy.

   Along with writing, Fulghum is an accomplished painter and sculptor, with several gallery shows to his credit. He has performed in tow television adaptations of his work on PBS and has had his works adapted for the stage.

   He plays the guitar and mandocello and performed with the rock and roll band "Bottom Readers" with fellow authors, Amy Tan, Dave Barry and Stephen King. All proceeds from the concerts go to support literacy and freedom of expression organizations.