Pen Light Effect is a deeply personal and thought-provoking blend of memoir, social reflection, and spiritual insight. Wil Marshall invites readers into pivotal moments of his life-from childhood memories shaped by the turbulence of the Vietnam era to the transformative experiences of family, faith, military service, loss, and survival. Through vivid storytelling, he reflects on identity, conservative values, empathy, and the changing cultural landscape of America. Marshall navigates topics such as racial tension, political polarization, and personal resilience with honesty, humor, and introspection.
At the heart of the book is a tribute to the people who shaped him: a brilliant mathematician father from the deep South, a devoted mother, mentors, friends, and loved ones whose legacies continue to guide him. Interwoven through these recollections are powerful spiritual meditations and scriptural references that anchor his journey.
The book also ventures into imaginative futurism, exploring the relationship between humans and technology, underscoring how rapidly-and unpredictably-life evolves. Pen Light Effect ultimately challenges readers to consider the purpose of their own legacy, urging them to live with integrity, compassion, and awareness of the light they project into the world.
Autorentext
Will Blakney, middle son of the late Dr. Simmie S. and Era M.T. was born in Champaign-Urbana, IL while his father was earning his PhD in Advanced Mathematics. The family transferred to Grambling, La for his first collegiate teaching job. Will landed in Toledo, Ohio in 1965 when his dad was selected for a teaching position in the Dept. of Mathematics at the University of Toledo (UT), he was entering 1st Grade when his father was appointed as Chairman of the Dept in 1969 at UT. Will claims as his alma mater Old Orchard Elementary (and Middle School), Maumee Valley Country Day High School, University of Wisconsin, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Appl Math. After joining with the U.S. Air Force Logistics Command (now Materiel Command HQ AF), he earned an AF scholarship to the University of Texas, Tyler, TX to earn a Master of Science Degree in Technology Mgt & Education. Some of the highlights of his career with the Air Force was attending various tech and computer app courses, in-residence Squadron Officer's School at Maxwell AFB, AL, completing Private Pilot Ground School at Wright-Patterson Aero Club, and becoming a Certified Strengths (R) Coach at Gallup University, Washington DC.As a Strengths Coach, and Management Engineer, he was part of a team that developed a Workforce Engagement/ productivity/well-being spiral for then General Carlson, meant to address productivity mgt and potential workplace violence, and suicide issues in the workforce. Will is married to Shina' Joy, and I they currently are raising their son, Tyler Shin in Beavercreek, OH.