Doug Brendel is a novelist, essayist, playwright, actor, speaker, and humanitarian. His latest work is the hilarious novel “Praying for Mrs. Mombasa,” which Dogtown Books calls “a surreal, riotous trip.” His new play “Best If Used By” is in development.

He also writes “The Outsidah” at Outsidah.com, an occasional dose of lighthearted commentary on life in small-town New England from the viewpoint of a newcomer. “The Outsidah” became a springboard for Doug’s popular “Only in Ipswich” books, which also include Doug’s fanciful cartoon illustrations.

Doug works professionally as a copywriter of direct mail fundraising letters for non-profit organizations. Some of his books deal with this industry.

He’s also active as an amateur actor in community theatre in New England.

Doug served as a clergyman for 15 years, including work as the leader of a drama ministry; a number of his sermon series have been turned into books as well.

Doug and his wife, the international documentary art photographer Kristina Brendel, lead the humanitarian charity NewThing.net in Belarus. They have three children. Doug holds a degree in Social Science from Evangel University.

Doug is a popular speaker for all sorts of groups.