On April 25 and April 26, ten members of WriteOn Joliet presented “We Can Be Heroes," an original radio theater production at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.
One of the author/performers was Diana Estell, who had to drop out of the actual performances due to a family emergency, which was especially disappointing since she had participated the last two years.
But Diana's piece (a Dating Game parody featuring Greek heroes) was still part of the show. And like the superhero Diana is, she still attended two of the three performances to cheer us on.
The joy and pains of Diana's personal story, as well as her educational background, have shaped her writing style.
Diana has a Bachelor of Arts from Northern Illinois University and it was there, while writing for her classes in anthropology, that her love of writing re-awoke.
Growing up, Diana had a book in her hand constantly, books like Little House on the Prairie, Little Women, and countless others.
The love of words is a deep passion of hers. She enjoyed reading the dictionary, taking words and changing them into new words.
Words were her imaginary playground, a veritable lush garden, springing out blossoms of creativity.
When Star Wars blasted into orbit, so too did Diana’s love for all things fantasy. Dungeon and Dragons and Star Trek played a significant role in her private imaginary world.
Now the worded playground, with its abundant flora, sprung forth thorns of sharpened steel. Planets and creatures emerged with ease. This passion for fantasy has never left but has grown stronger.
Diana has traveled extensively, most recently to Paris, France. Her love for history, martial arts and weapons is woven into her writings. She has a black belt in a martial arts blend of Taekwondo and Jujitsu.
She had anticipated she would be going on archeological digs after graduating, but childhood dreams never die. No matter how many layers of her past accumulated, nothing could stop a story from emerging in her mind.
Diana's first novel, Abyss of the Fallen, was released by Brimstone Fiction in 2020.
For more information, visit dianaestell.com.
The other authors and performers on April 25 and April 26 were Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Ed Calkins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Jenny Russ, Cean Magosky, Colleen H. Robbins, and Duanne Walton.
Our director this year is Anne Magosky.
Our production assistant is Rebekah Baran.
The first fifteen attendees at each performance received a FREE 2024 WriteOn Joliet anthology, courtesy of Saporta Law Offices in Joliet.
And the first fifteen visitors at the BryonySeries booth received a BryonySeries superhero bag.
If you missed this year's show, the WriteOn Joliet Radio-Players will return next year (tentative dates are Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18) with a completely new show.
Maybe we'll see you there!
