My first career was as an engineer. In 1986, I founded Alcorn McBride Inc, the company that makes audio, video and control products for nearly all the world’s theme parks.

I’ve also always been passionate about writing, and in 2002, I founded Writing Academy, where I’ve helped more than 100,000 aspiring authors how to structure their manuscripts.

Of course, my most important career is as a husband and father. My wife is Linda Alcorn, who during 37 years with Walt Disney Imagineering designed the control systems for Disney parks in California, Florida, and Paris. My daughter is Dani Alcorn, a screenwriter living in Vancouver, BC.

Life & Adventures

One of the things our family loves to do is travel together. We try to plan at least one major trip each year. I’ve visited 6 continents, 40 countries, and 46 states! You can read about our travels here.

Part of travel is trying regional foods, which ties in with my interest in restaurants. I post a lot on Yelp, and keep two dining blogs: forkingorlando, forkingchicago, and forkingvancouver.

The Alcorn Family in Yosemite

Chicago River View

Our Florida veranda

When we’re not traveling I live in Florida, near Disney World (of course!). Linda and I are originally from Los Angeles, but we enjoy the more relaxed atmosphere and better air quality of Orlando. We’ve lived here since 1989 in a house we designed ourselves, incorporating lighting control systems and other technology that were uncommon back then.

We also have a place in Vancouver where we now live most of the time and enjoy exploring the city’s restaurants, beautiful scenery, and being near our daughter.

Interests & Hobbies

Since I’m a writer, I’m also an avid reader. I enjoy nearly all kinds of non-fiction, and I like fiction with strong protagonists. That’s why I’m so fond of Young Adult novels, which often strike me as some of the best writing being done today. Follow my reading lists at Goodreads.

Original Sculptures

Yosemite, 1980s

I’m also interested in other arts. As a teenager, I had my own rock group and recording studio, and still occasionally compose music for fun. You can find some of my music here.

I also love to draw, paint and sculpt. I find it relaxing, and sculpture is oddly easier for me than working on a flat surface. And I’ve been taking photographs all my life — back in the 70s and 80s I studied Ansel Adams’ zone system and experimented with many different formats.

Some would say I have too many interests, and it certainly keeps me going. But I love the exploration, and often my pursuits in one area lead to inspiration in another.