Q&A with Dave Ungrady

Dave Ungrady is a public speaker, journalist and author of four books. Three are about athletic history at the University of Maryland, including “Born Ready: The Mixed Legacy of Len Bias” and the best-selling “Tales From the Maryland Terrapins.” Dave is a former University Maryland athlete, in soccer and track and field. He has written for The New York Times and The Washington Post, and his broadcast work has appeared on NBC, ESPN and CNN. Dave also speaks about life skills as part of the Born Ready Project, which he developed from his book on Bias. He lives in Leesburg, Va.

What are the best books you’ve read recently?
“Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand and “West by West” by Jerry West.

What was your favorite book as a child?
“Paper Lion” by George Plimpton

Why do you enjoy attending book festivals, either as a presenter or audience member?
I enjoy listening to authors talk about how they approached writing a book and I enjoy the energy and interest in the written word.

Have you been to the D.C. area before?
I have lived in the D.C. area since attending college at the University of Maryland in the late 1970s.

If so, what is your favorite thing about it?
Its diversity and culture.

What is the most difficult, or challenging, aspect of being a writer?
Ensuring that the finished product measures up to my lofty standards.