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Chris Colfer: Writing, acting 'Just two forms of storytelling'

Bookhuggers, be ready! Chris Colfer is putting on his author hat and coming to Philadelphia. He'll be here this week to celebrate the publication of An Author's Odyssey, the fifth book in his popular children's fiction series, The Land of Stories (TLOS).

Some of you may know this talented gentleman more for his onscreen work, particularly for his portrayal of Kurt Hummel on Glee.  But Colfer says he's always been a writer: "I have an actor hat and an author hat. "I consider acting and writing just forms of storytelling, and that really is what I'm addicted to. I love doing both."

"I think people might be surprised to know I've been writing for longer than I've been performing," he says. "As a little kid, I got bit by the writing and acting bugs at the same time." He describes teachers who supported his love of writing by letting him read his stories out loud to the class. "It's in my blood," he says.

His book series began in 2012. Colfer says he loves hearing from fans – fans who call themselves "bookhuggers" after the name of a reading club in the books. "The whole point of writing is to be a storyteller and to entertain and give kids out there a chance to escapes the world and have an adventure," he says. A book doesn't feel complete, he adds, "until a kid out there writes me and tells me they enjoyed it. Writing is very much like a musical: The number isn't over until you hear the applause!"

Colfer's authorial life is full. In October, he has The Land of Stories: A Treasury of Classic Fairy Tales coming out, and a young adult novel is also coming later this year. A sixth TLOS book is due next year, which will be the last in the series. Whatever medium he chooses, he'll be keeping busy.

Colfer has a Philadelphia connection: His father was born here. He himself has been here once, when promoting a Glee album, and for this visit, he says, "Hopefully, I'll have time to get a cheesesteak." Is that really what he wants, given our city's array of fine restaurants? Comes the reply: "When in Rome, you gotta do it!"

Colfer will appear at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, at 7 p.m., at Shallcross Hall, Friends' Central School, 1101 City Avenue, Wynnewood. This is a ticketed event sponsored by Children' Book World. Information: 610-642-6274 or www.childrensbookworld.net.