Author of the Month: Richard Burns

Richard Burns, the author of Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck, has over 40 years of experience as a television and advertising executive. He holds a broad portfolio in management, sales and promotion for television, advertising and public relations.

He was responsible for putting the smile on the PSA airplanes and in helping develop a cultural icon, the Fruit of the Loom Guys. For that, he gained national recognition for his expertise of retail marketing through television advertising.

Burns also wrote several business articles and newspaper columns. When he was 38 years old, he was struck down with a stroke and declared dead. But he regained consciousness and came back to life.

His book narrates his long and slow recovery as well as his return to life. It offers hope and practical advice for victims of any serious illness. It also contains lessons he learned from his ordeal and how his life changed for the better with each step of his recovery.

Burns also received various community and professional awards and was recognized by the American Biographical Institute of Community and State Service, International Community Service, and Cerebral Palsy Humanitarian Service. He is also an active member of various organizations including the Commonwealth Club, American Humane Association, Stanford University, the Jaycees and Boy Scouts of America.

The author has been nominated to receive The Montaigne Medal from the Eric Hoffer Book Award. The award is given to authors with the most thought-provoking books.

Burns graduated from Stanford University. He now lives in central California where he enjoys golf.