Rick Pender began writing at the age of 4. Within a few years, he was publishing a newsletter for his family’s neighbors. He wrote for his high school newspaper, majored in English in college, and earned his Ph.D. In 1980 Rick moved to southwest Ohio, where worked in public relations and as a freelance writer. He is the author of 100 Things To Do in Cincinnati Before You Die (2016), The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia (2021), and Oldest Cincinnati (2021). Seventy years on, Rick still writes!
What past event do you often reflect upon, and how did that event change you?
I try to swim for 40 minutes at a YMCA early every weekday morning. While I’m in a swimming lane, I often remember jumping from a diving board at the age of 3 into my dad’s arms. I loved being in the water; I still do. I grew up near a lake, where I trained to be a lifeguard and a swimming teacher. Today I swim laps for the exercise and the time to think, unfettered by electronic demands. But I’m certain that it’s also the feeling of comfort and safety I felt when Dad would catch me. It’s deeply ingrained.
How does your work add to the quality of your life?
At the age of 76, retired from an employer for more than a decade, I still “work” ever day as a writer and an editor. In retirement, most of my writing (as well as reading) is in pursuit of things I care about –– history, literature, theater –– and the quality of my life is richly enhanced on a daily basis. I relish great writing by others (even as I struggle to keep up with the weekly onslaught of The New Yorker) and seek constantly to refine my own … and to help others express themselves clearly.
Tell us a story you would like to share with the world.
When I enrolled at Oberlin College in 1967, I was surprised to be surrounded by “competitors,” brilliant young people, many with more serious academic skills than I. It was tough not to stand out as I had in high school, and I considered transferring. After some hard soul searching and a serious conversation with my mentor, a high school teacher, I stuck it out –– relaxed and did just fine. I never stood out at Oberlin, but my fantastic liberal arts education set me on the path to a very satisfying life. I remain eternally grateful that I persisted.
Author photo: Courtesy of author
Side bar image: Pixabay/Edar
