Lamanda Beesley Conrad

Fiction Author & Writing Instructor at The University of Oklahoma

“Everything we do in this old world is for love. One kind or another.” –Lamanda Beesley Conrad

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My debut novel is literary fiction, inspired by the life story of my father. My protagonist Sonny leads an unconventional life in Southeastern Oklahoma after spending his childhood laboring on farms between Oklahoma and California. He has multiple relationships (simultaneously and NOT secretly) and many children. With them, many losses and regrets. A story about hard life lessons, heartbreak, and addiction, this tale asks readers to consider the consequences of our decisions and the metaphorical hell we create for ourselves as a result of trauma. It explores non-traditional concepts of love and the quest to be loved.

Ultimately, this book explores the human condition and offers a glimpse inside the mind of a small-town Southern man that lives his life in a big way. It highlights the beauty & heartache that comes with a non-traditional lifestyle.

BLOG POSTINGS

Hope

What I want more than anything is for this world to be a kinder place. A more compassionate place. A more understanding place. Where hate and unkindness is not fashionable. Where love and empathy reigns. A world where every life that breathes in its surroundings is worthy of happiness and comfort. Where the word “illegal”Continue reading “Hope”

by lamandabeesleyconrad October 21, 2020

Happy Birthday, Shakespeare!

As I spent the day working on my novel, and drawing anxiously closer to completing my first draft, it occurred to me that my main character is Hamletesque in so many ways. Now, it occurs to me how quickly I am becoming comfortable with making up words like Hamletesque. But it works. Though I hateContinue reading “Happy Birthday, Shakespeare!”

by lamandabeesleyconrad April 23, 2020April 28, 2020

A Brief Reflection on Memories

I was watching a home movie from my childhood, recently, and something my dad said has stayed with me for days, now. In the video, he was filming my bicycle in the front yard. He told the watchers of course whose bike it was. Then he said, “that’s my favorite person in the whole world.Continue reading “A Brief Reflection on Memories”

by lamandabeesleyconrad March 8, 2020April 28, 2020

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The University of Oklahoma

I am currently a writing instructor at The University of Oklahoma. Areas of expertise include: academic essay writing, research, outlining, editing, & revising.

Having specialized in Renaissance and Early Modern literary criticism, I am well-versed in all things Shakespeare, John Milton, and John Donne.

If you have questions, please reach out to me!

lamandaconrad@ou.edu

“But Break My Heart, For I Must Hold My Tongue”: Silence in Shakespeare’s Hamlet https://shareok.org/handle/11244/50798

“Wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you. For Paris is a moveable feast.”

Ernest Hemingway

When I’m not writing, reading, or teaching…I love travel, museums, theatre, long motorcycle rides with my AMAZING husband, and spending time with my children. Everything I do in this world is for them. Where we would be without incredible friends and family? Mine are my greatest fans and cheerleaders, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

If there is one thing this pandemic has taught me, it’s this: People are interconnected in ways that we often fail to consider. And what happens to one of us has the potential to affect us all. Look out for one another. It’s the only way to live.❤️ #NoManIsAnIsland

— Lamanda Beesley Conrad (@lamandaconrad) March 18, 2020

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P.S. EVERY WRITER (& Book lover) SHOULD HAVE CATS & WEINER DOGS…

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