Blog
A collection of Rick’s experiences in acting, writing, painting, in life, and more. Amusing musings, thoughtful insights and observations on how to be a better human being.
Last Class (Excerpt)
I wrote a little play about thirty years ago. It’s about a family whose relationships keep shifting. I had no coherent point of view in mind when I wrote it. I just wanted to keep the audience interested. I got a call recently from a man who’s directing that play at a college in Northern…
Lauren Bacall Discovered Me, But Ingrid Bergman Had a Crush On Me
When I was a young actor, before I became an older actor—and long before I decided to quit taking my rejections in person; choosing to be a writer instead and receive them through the mail or electronically, I worked on the stage, mostly in New York City. The high point of that time was when…
Reader Views review of “The Alexandrite”
Please forgive me friends that while I am still the main (only) publicity agent for my books, I will be posting an occasional review and hopefully contest result. Meanwhile, the next novel is near completion. Thanks! From “The Reader Views” review of “The Alexandrite.” “The Alexandrite” by Rick Lenz is a fascinating novel about time…
Naked in Tulip Town
It was the summer after we graduated from high school. My friends Tom and Steve and I went away for the weekend to Holland Michigan, home of the Tulip Time Festival. We were all privileged to be headed to college (different ones) in September, but for now, we were working summer day jobs, and happy…
The Ring
I’ve worn the same wedding ring for almost thirty-four years. Actually, it’s my second wedding ring. In 1995 my wife and I were mugged near the Pasadena Playhouse. We’d gone backstage after the show to see one of the actors, an old friend of mine. When we came out, the streets were deserted. As we…
Foregiveness
I got a nice review (4 stars) not too long ago for my first book, “North of Hollywood.” Well, not entirely nice. It said some complimentary things, but the reviewer went on to say about the rating: “Because the dude is an ass for most of his life. Yes, he’s apologetic now, but he left…