Whether he’s putting on a red nose or writing playful stories for children, Sun City resident Bill Dollear is known for his remarkable storytelling.
For Dollear, the world is a stage, and sometimes that means wearing giant floppy shoes. He draws inspiration from the uplifting work of Dr. Patch Adams.
Dollear said, “I participate in organized clowning trips all over the world. The clowning is a tool for emotional relief. The trips have taken me to Italy, Central Mexico, Ecuador, Spain, Guatemala, and other places. I usually do magic on these trips.”
When Dollear is not clowning, his creativity continues through writing, which earned him recognition in the International Fish Writing Contest.
Bill Dollear presents his two published books: Leps and Elves and A Dog, A Cat, and a Crime. (Photo by Christine Such/My Sun Day News)
“I started to concentrate on writing after I retired,” he said.
Dollear’s book, Leps and Elves (released Nov 18, 2024), tells the story of leprechauns and Santa’s elves switching roles to take on snow monsters and villains.
“The book was inspired by a comment someone made while I was playing Marshall Field’s Jingle Elf,” he said. “I marched in the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade and handed out Frango mints to people watching the parade or waiting in the long lines for a meal in the Walnut Room with the Christmas tree. Someone said, ‘Leprechauns have gold at the end of their rainbow, what do elves have?’”
The Marshall Field’s Jingle Elf was a popular Christmas event in which costumed elves spread holiday cheer and handed out small gifts. These elves became a favorite tradition and created lasting memories for people in Chicago.
Now, Dollear has swapped elf attire for the pen.
See also
Dollear clowns around Costa Rica!
Bill Dollear lives in Del Webb but travels extensively. This is from his last trip when he was in Costa Rica. Read more
“When I was teaching, I ran a writer’s club for older kids. Now I’m part of a group called Write On,” he said. “We meet every two weeks in the basement of Heartland Bank. I also go to writing retreats and enjoy the peace and quiet at my favorite bed and breakfast spots.”
Dollear’s latest book is A Dog, A Cat, and A Crime (released Jan 14, 2025), a mystery told by a dog, with frequent interruptions from a cat.
“I got the idea while sitting at a bed and breakfast, and a Schnauzer walked in as if to say, ‘I do run this place,’” Dollear said.
He has also published poetry. “I have ventured into poetry and have several pieces selected for publication in anthologies.”
A poetry anthology called Dandelion in a Vase of Roses: A Poetry Anthology of Diverse Poets and Countries includes a poem by Dollear.
A Dog, A Cat, and A Crime and Leps and Elves are available on Amazon under the name Billy Dollar.
2 Comments
A great article about an old friend and colleague. Don’t tell him this, but I’m very proud of his accomplishments, and somewhat jealous at the same time. Keep writing, keep traveling, and keep clowning my friend.
You have captured the essence of who Bill Dollear is! He is living the life he created and it is my pleasure to have known him for many years. Carry on Billy Dollar!