Bill Holt

Bill Holt has merged his passion for insects, foray into the macabre, and love for writing into an online published book.

Faust's Butterfly, a horror novel, can be read up until the final four chapters. Interested readers must email the longtime TCC associate English professor for the finale.

Holt is an amateur entomologist who decided to incorporate "the most beautiful creatures on earth" into what he describes as a horror novel, a crime novel and a religious novel." It retells Faust's tale of a man who sells his soul to the devil, but Holt's account adds the twist of a butterfly.

"I've always been fascinated with insects. I have geckos and lizards now. I get a kick out of them."

Next year, TCC's longest serving English teacher will retire. "After 42 years, it will be time to hang it up," said Holt. He plans to keep busy in retirement. A marathoner and avid swimmer, he plans to write full time and continue playing trombone with the Fort Worth City Band.

He had formerly taught at both a university and a community college in Illinois and decided that the latter better suited him.

"There is a greater variety of students at the junior college. They are all ages and backgrounds and with a variety of experiences. At the university, most of the students are very young," he said.

"I believe I've started a few people off on rewarding careers," Holt said. "That's a nice thing. Sometimes I meet (former students) in malls and they say, 'I'm still reading Shakespeare.' That makes me smile."

-- By Debra Dennis