Hal Ackerman Books In Order – Complete List of Works
At a Glance
Hal Ackerman is the author of the Harry Stein series featuring Harry Stein, a soft-boiled private investigator, once a well-known expert on cannabis, now in his 50s an employee of a product liability re-insurance firm counting shampoo bottles. It is a light, humorous detective PI series that readers of easy mysteries will enjoy.
Harry Stein Books In Order
- Stein, Stoned, 2010
- Stein, Stung, 2011
Other Hal Ackerman Books
- Write Screenplays That Sell: The Ackerman Way, 2003
- I Wanna Be Sedated, 2005
- Testosterone: How Prostate Cancer Made a Man of Me, autobiographical play
- WordTheatre: Love & Loss, Volume 1, 2014
- The Boy Who Had A Peach Tree Growing Out Of His Head, 2016 (anthology)
- With Our Eyes Open: Book a Break Anthology, 2017 (short story Twenty-Seven Mood Swings to Moab)
Hal Ackerman Biography – About the Author
Harold L. Ackerman, also called Hal Ackerman, a literary force to be reckoned with, emerged onto the scene, captivating readers and critics alike with his distinctive storytelling prowess. His first novel, Stein, Stoned, published in 2011, secured the prestigious Lovey Award for Best First Novel. Harry is a soft-boiled detective story where The Big Lebowski meets Fletch.
Unyielding in his creative drive, Ackerman followed up with Stein, Stung in 2012, further solidifying his position as a rising star in the literary world.
Throughout his career, Ackerman’s literary works extended beyond novels and screenplays, Hal Ackerman’s short stories have found their way into reputable publications such as the North Dakota Review, New Millennium Writings, Southeast Review, Crab Creek Review, The Pinch, The Yalobusha Review, and Idaho Review. His work has been featured alongside luminaries like Ann Beattie, T.C. Boyle, Joyce Carol Oates, and Jess Walter, elevating his status as a writer of remarkable talent and distinction.
While Ackerman’s success in fiction is undeniable, his prowess extends beyond the written word. His play, Testosterone: How Prostate Cancer Made a Man of Me, received the William Saroyan Centennial Award for Drama and claimed the title of Best Play at the prestigious 2011 United Solo Festival in New York. Hal Ackerman’s ability to tackle profound themes with a compelling and nuanced voice resonated deeply with audiences and earned him critical acclaim.
For over three decades, Hal Ackerman imparted his vast knowledge and passion for storytelling as a member of the faculty at the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television. As co-area head of the UCLA screenwriting program until his retirement in 2015, he left an indelible mark on aspiring screenwriters.
His students went on to achieve remarkable success, receiving numerous accolades and having their work recognized with prestigious awards. Hal Ackerman’s expertise and guidance led to the sale and optioning of countless screenplays, with thirteen successfully transitioning onto the silver screen.
Not content with merely influencing the lives of his students, Hal Ackerman sought to share his wisdom with a broader audience. His 2003 book, Write Screenplays That Sell: The Ackerman Way, quickly gained recognition as a definitive guide in the field, despite its ostentatious title. The book’s impact rippled throughout screenwriting programs nationwide, establishing itself as the go-to resource for aspiring writers seeking to master their craft. It notes that you don’t have to attend film school to take a screenwriting course with the master teacher in the field.
Among his standout works are Roof Garden, the Warren Adler 2008 Award for Fiction winner, and Alfalfa, included in the anthology I Wanna Be Sedated…30 Writers on Parenting Teenagers. Furthermore, Ackerman’s short story Walk Through earned a spot among the Southeast Review’s World’s Best Short Shorts of 2010, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished storyteller.
The literary world acknowledged Ackerman’s immense talent by nominating his short story The Dancer Horse for a Pushcart Prize in 2011, recognizing his ability to captivate readers with his poignant and evocative narratives.
Embracing the power of reinvention, Ackerman reimagined his play as Prick, a title that underscored its provocative nature. This adaptation won Best Script at the 2011 United Solo Festival and highlighted Ackerman’s ability to explore profound themes with unyielding creativity and emotional resonance.