Brashler, William (1947-) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Author, William Brashler, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on 11 August 1947. Brashler attended Calvin College from 1965-1968 and was staff on the Calvin Chimes. He transferred to the University of Michigan in 1968 where he earned his bachelor's degree, later earning a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Universtiy of Iowa. Brashler became a reporter for the Lerner Newspaper in Chicago, Illinois from 1971-1973. In 1972 Brashler started working as a freelance writer in Chicago. Brashler eventually made literary fame with his book “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings.” The book was chosen as a Book of the Month Club selection in 1973 and made into a movie in 1976. Among writing several other books, Brashler was also a regular columnist for Chicago’s Esquire magazine.

Together with wife, Cindy, they have two children–Bobby and Cathy. Today they still live in the Chicago area.