Published Works

Quest: My Journey Through La Mancha is my memoir.  But it's more than just a story about me--it's a book about hope, kindness, faith, and the beauty of the human spirit.

I take no artistic license and rely upon over 10,000 pages of personal diary entries as I recreate my journey from hopelessly despondent teenager to becoming a man at peace with myself, and with the world.  A "chance" meeting with a beautiful First Nations princess on a summer trip to Spain provided the spark for a magnificent recovery and set the stage for the greatest adventure of my life--a Quixotic quest to find and thank the woman who inspired me and a spiritual quest to find myself.  A fantastic array of unusual happenings, many bordering on miraculous, help to keep me on track as I follow the signs that will guide me towards my destiny.

"Realiteen: Reflections on Growing Up" is a celebration of what it means to be a teenager. Through the stories of our diverse cast of authors, this anthology represents how this pivotal age has come to mean so much more than the seven years by which it is defined.

Stories by David Lange:

"What I Learned About Myself While Doing Underwater Push-ups"

(Life lessons I learned during a challenging experience in Basic Training)

"Quid Pro Quo--A Cruel Betrayal"

(Middle School heartbreak and resulting disillusionment--early lessons on the importance of kindness.)

Journey through space and time as you read this collection of science fiction stories, where you will be confronted with aliens, robots, clones, and… cats? When it comes to the ever-expanding universe and the bounds of technology, anything is possible!

Story by David Lange:

"Over and Out--The Last Journal Entry of the Mars Clipper"

(A routine interplanetary mission proves that there's never anything routine about space travel.  Protagonist reflects upon life priorities.)

 Travel the globe on “A Trip For The Books”. In this anthology of travel-inspired works, you will quickly find yourself swept up by stories of great journeys, trials on the road, and destinations that made it all worthwhile. From Africa to Mexico, Disney World to the Australian Outback, our esteemed authors are prepared to share with you their most memorable tales. The spirit of adventure awaits! 

Stories by David Lange:

 "The Halloween Blizzard: Two Hills and the Icy Plains of Doom” 

(Recounting of the most harrowing drive of my life.)

"Three Summers"

(Personal reflections upon childhood cross-country trips with my family.)

"I Can't Find My Flashlight" is a collection of short stories from various authors in the horror/thriller genre.

Story by David Lange:

"Dapper Man"

(Young adults stumble into a nightmare when they fail to accord proper respect to a New York City street performer.)

 Join us as we embark on a spiritual journey that transcends the realm of the everyday. Within these pages, prepare yourself to be moved by the beautiful words that make up an anthology of poetry, prose, and prayers centered around the faith that we carry with us as we go about our lives. As we fall deeper into harmony with our inner beings, so must we read of the stories of others. “The Beauty Within” lies ahead. 

Story by David Lange:

"Divine Wind"

(Essay regarding the universality of faith and the power of divine inspiration.)

“The Moments” is an anthology of pieces that celebrates the many special moments in our lives that provide us with inspiration and hope.

Essay by David Lange:

"Welcoming Life"

(Reflection upon the uniquely beautiful births of my children and the joy those memories still bring.)

"'Tis The Seasons" is a collection of poems pertaining to the holiday season.  The works within celebrate the many feasts and festivals of the winter months and the emotions that such occasions evoke.  

Poems by David Lange:

"Needle in the Corner"

(Bittersweet reflection upon holidays past.) 

"Last Walk Home From School"

(Recalls the exuberance of the final walk home and the beginning of Christmas break.) 

This reflective and moving collection of essays, poetry, and prose aims to celebrate the strength and resilience of the human spirit as authors consider the tragedies and challenges that 2020 brought and consider the significance of new beginnings in a new year and the hope that we hold within our hearts as we move forward.

Essay by David Lange:

"Drawing to a Close" 

(Considers the significance of a passing year and the hope we carry into the new year.)

"Stand Out, Vol. 1" - includes "the best of" The Red Penguin Collection, featuring writers, poets and playwrights from around the globe.

Stories by David Lange:

"Dapper Man"

 (Young adults stumble into a nightmare when they fail to accord proper respect to a New York City street performer.) 

"The Halloween Blizzard"

 (Recounting of the most harrowing drive of my life.) 

 “It’s The End of the World As We Know It” is a collection of catastrophic stories, visits to devastating dystopian societies, and tales of survival.

Story by David Lange:

"Recovery"

(An Air Force tanker crew, launched on a nuclear mission, attempt to make their way home.)

 “A Heart Full of Love” is a collection of stories that explore different facets of love.

Story by David Lange:

"Unrequited in the Park"

(Reflections on learning to love again.)

Part cook book, part story book.  This publication shares recipes provided by Red Penguin authors along with the stories behind the recipes.

Recipe by David Lange

"Basic Stuffing Recipe"

(It's not rocket science, it's a recipe passed down from my Mom and my go-to dish for holiday meals.  Brief story about the recipe's origin and associated family traditions is included.)

  Anthology contains a variety of short stories set in decades past.

Story by David Lange:

"Flapper and the Captain"

(A physically and emotionally challenged former Army Air Service pilot encounters a mysterious woman in New York City and is swept up in a world of extravagance . . . and adventure.)

  This anthology is a celebration of the solo performance that covers a wide range of short works for the theater. 

Monologue by David Lange:

"I Believe in a World of Possibilities"

(Monologue relating a perspective on life and the human experience that allows for the remarkable and enables hope through an undying belief that the impossible may just be possible.)

  A collection of mystery stories.

Story by David Lange:

"Katie Chen and the Twisted Blade"

(A spunky teenage figure skater races against time to uncover the perpetrator of a heinous act during a national figure skating competition.)

  In this anthology of self-help essays, a collection of talented writers tackle a wide variety of perspectives on the world that we live in and offer their thoughts on how readers can learn to cope with such great issues as mental illness, personal traumas, and even fear itself. 

Essay by David Lange

"Fixing Me"

(I describe a number of methods I used during my youth, and to this day, to help keep myself moving through life with hope and a positive attitude.)

A collection of historical short stories that will take you across the world and across the centuries.  Romance and adventure await you on your journey!

Stories by David Lange:

"Brotherly Love"

(Ninth Century, Ireland.  A mysterious monk lends his skill and passion to a medieval monastery.  When the monastery is threatened, he must weigh a sacred vow against his love for his brothers.) 

"Last Card, First Kiss"

(In the Bicentennial year, a young boy, in his quest to complete his baseball card collection, finds an intriguing ally.) 

 "Stand Out:  The Best of the Red Penguin Collection, Volume 2" - includes "the best of" The Red Penguin Collection, featuring writers, poets and playwrights from around the globe.

Story by David Lange:

"Flapper and the Captain"

(A physically and emotionally challenged former Army Air Service pilot encounters a mysterious woman in New York City and is swept up in a world of extravagance . . . and adventure.)

This anthology, part of the Red Penguin Collection, contains a variety of children's stories sure to entertain young readers.

Story by David Lange:

"The Other Side of Rain"

(With the day's planned events rained out, a young boy and his sister discover that there's another way of looking at rain, and at life.) 

This anthology contains a wide range of fantastic stories centered around the supernatural, paranormal, and just plain ghastly.  Enjoy a collection of unusual stories that are sure to get your heart pumping. 

Story by David Lange:

"Paranormal Dream Team Unleashed"

("Reality TV" becomes a little bit too real for a group of celebrity ghost hunting goofs.  With a little help from "the other side," some past wrongs are made right.) 

This anthology is an autumnal poetry collection where authors share their reflections on the changing season and life's transitions. 

Poem by David Lange:

"Last Leaf of Autumn"

(Autumn-themed reflection on transitions and the circle of life.) 

This anthology is a collection of spooky Halloween horror stories. 

Story by David Lange:

"Trash"

(A disrespectful duo defile a local park, angering spirits protecting the hallowed grounds.  Halloween night retribution ensues, cleansing the town of its refuse.) 

 This book is a compilation of inspirational, engaging and funny stories from Valentina Janek and others who received the “pink slip” or experienced another major life change, but came out on the other side better and brighter for it. 

 Story by David Lange:

"Failure Isn't Always Failure"

(Sometimes, the most devastating failures pave the way to the greatest blessings in our lives.)

This anthology is a collection of animal mystery stories where pets and assorted creatures are the primary protagonists. 

  Story by David Lange:  

"Bessie's Cap"

 (When beloved artifacts disappear from an exhibit in an Air & Space museum, two raccoons must crack the case before new security procedures endanger the lives of the many creatures who have come to call the museum home.)   

This anthology explores the increasingly blurred lines between robots, artificial intelligence, and the humans who created these advanced technologies.  

Story by David Lange:

"Digital Slave"

(A cautionary tale of the relationship between human beings and the technology we've developed to "improve" our lives.  A young woman rebels against a tech-centric society and grapples with the frightening prospect that humans may have relinquished control to the devices they've created to serve them.) 

 This anthology is a compilation of environmentally conscious poetry and includes a variety of poems centered around issues such as global climate change, world health challenges, and various threats to the fragile life on our planet.

Poem by David Lange:

"Silent Sea"
(A sad farewell to the last of his kind.)

This anthology, as the title suggests, is a collection of short stories focusing on the ways in which the modern era has affected intimacy, romance, and how those seeking love and affection play "the game."

Story by David Lange:

"Lost"

(A young professional struggles to find a meaningful relationship in a very confusing world.  Initially receptive to advice from friends, he eventually realizes he's better off stepping away from the screen and allowing destiny to work its will.)

"Finding Family: Stories of Connection and Hope” unites the stories of over a dozen writers by connecting their shared experiences of oneness with their loved ones with those of one another. These beautiful and personal accounts serve to highlight not only the true nature of what a family can be, but also the diverse and unique ways in which we can find the people we love time and time again. 

Story by David Lange:

"Cuz"

(An account of the happiness I found after being reconnected and reunited, after over 40 years, with a wonderful cousin who I had only met once before.) 

As the title implies, this anthology is a collection of poems and essays of strength, hope, and resilience created in support of the suffering people of Ukraine following the invasion of their country.  All proceeds from sales of this book are being donated to charities supporting the humanitarian relief efforts for Ukraine.

Essay by David Lange:

"Indomitable"

(A short essay about the indomitable power of hope.) 

This anthology is a collection of humorous short stories that are sure to bring a smile and some good laughs.

Story by David Lange:

"Fumblestix:  The Last Laugh"

(Strange are the twists of fate that can lay waste to even the grandest of plans.  Sometimes, the most unlikely of characters appear upon the stage to restore order, leaving us to wonder--who, indeed, is truly the fool.) 

This anthology is a collection of fictional stories and true-to-life accounts of adventures upon the high seas.

Story by David Lange:

"Redemptive Waters"

(Set during the Napoleonic era, this story follows the journey of two men and a ship.  Captain Grainger, much like his aging vessel, finds himself relegated to menial tasks during the twilight of his career.  Having fallen out of favor with the Admiralty, his days of past glory seem like a distant memory.  An unexpected rendezvous with destiny unites the sea captain with a disgraced royal and sets the stage for an unexpected adventure.) 

 Whether you live in London, long to visit, or wish to relive a past excursion, "London: Smoke, Blokes and Jokes of Foggy Town" will put you right in the center of the action. Containing stories, poems, and short plays recounting everything from a trip up into the London Eye to an afternoon to a first date gone awry, you laugh, cry, and certainly mutter "buggers" as you get immersed in this beautiful, full-color volume on London and the surrounding countryside. 

Stories by David Lange:

"Happy Christmas:  The Timeless Charm of the Holiday Season in England"

(My recollections of my beautiful holiday experiences during my time living in England.) 

"Maritime Britain"

(In this essay, I share some of my favorite memories of exploring Great Britain's maritime past through while I was living in England.) 

  Bringing together the pieces of over two dozen poets from across the globe, “Dear You–Poems Through The Heart” offers readers the opportunity to peek inside the minds and souls of the broken-hearted. 

Poem by David Lange:

"Friend-Zoned . . . Yet Again"

(This poem considers the difficult transition our heart endures as we resign ourselves to the fact that the romance we hoped for will never come to pass and so we must nobly navigate the emotional tempest of transitioning a romantic love into the no less important love of a loyal friend.) 

  Step into the enchanting embrace of Paris as you embark on a captivating literary journey. A symphony of vivid stories awaits, painting a breathtaking portrayal of the timeless and romantic city. Lose yourself amidst the cobblestone streets, each one adorned with ornate buildings that bear witness to passions ignited and hearts broken.

Stories by David Lange:

"Paris Bench"

(It's never too late for second chances in a city known for bringing lovers together.  This fictional story recounts how destiny worked its will upon a man who was sure his best days were behind him.) 

"My Brother, The Coelacanth, and I...And an Epic Run Through Paris"

(A special memory I share with my brother--a college student and his younger brother race through the streets of Paris on a doomed quest that will, ultimately, bring them closer together.

This anthology is a collection of short stories, poems, and essays related to experiences in and around Rome and other Italian cities.

Story by David Lange:

"A Day in Venice"

(One day off, during a military training exercise in Italy, provides just enough time for a fast-paced introduction to a beautiful city that had long been on my "bucket list" of places to see.)