Tom Mach wrote three successful historical novels, Sissy!, All Parts Together, and Angels at Sunset (his most recent work). In 2011 Sissy! and All Parts Together were listed by the Kansas State Library as worth to be included among the 150 best Kansas books (which would include authors such as Truman Capote and Laura Ingalls Wilder). Sissy! won the J. Donald Coffin Memorial Book Award while All Parts Together was a Best Books Award Finalist. Angels at Sunset received 5-star reviews as well as glowing comments from several reviewers. Columbia University notified Mr. Mach that his book, Angels at Sunset, will be judged for the Pulitzer Prize in 2013.
On March, 2012, the state of Kansas issued a proclamation honoring Mr. Mach for his help in recognizing the 100th anniversary of the 1912 passage of Kansas Suffrage by proclaiming 2012 in honor of his book and officially calling it the “Kansas Angels at Sunset Centennial.” Tom Mach has toured the state giving numerous talks on how history had denied the rights of women and how Angels at Sunset brings that injustice to light in a most fascinating way.
His poetry collection, The Uni Verse, won the Nelson Poetry Book Award, while Sissy! won the J. Donald Coffin Memorial Book Award. Mr. Mach has written numerous other books as well–including a collection of short stories entitled Stories to Enjoy.
Tom was a former copywriter, editor of two magazines, conducted writing workshops in Ohio, California, and Kansas, and taught writing at KU’s Continuing Education Program. In addition to numerous articles he has authored in national and regional publications, he was past president with the California Writers Club and the Kansas Authors Club. He won the Jack London Award in California and a Service Award with the Kansas Authors Club. He currently resides with his wife in Lawrence, Kansas—where he is also involved in volunteer work to help children with their writing skills.
Tom Mach presented many lectures, conducted several writing workshops, and visited members of book clubs, volunteer organizations, and women’s clubs. However, he especially enjoys his work with children by teaching and encouraging them to write. Here is a photo of him evaluating writing samples from grade school kids in his “Writing as an Adventure” course for the Lawrence Parks & Recreation District. He also tutored third graders in California and volunteers in helping first graders at St. John’s school. “After all,” Tom says, “children are our future.”
