I’m thrilled to tell my friends that my book, Reprisal, is out in print!! It took over two years to write it, work with my publisher North Star Press, re-write it, edit it, proof it, work with the cover designer, design the back cover copy, and wait… But it’s finally done.

People often ask me what it’s like to get a book published. My answer is that writing the book is about half the effort. The next task of bringing the story into a printed form that can be shared with others, takes an equal amount of time. Both parts of the process are interesting and fun.

I compare it to being a parent in many ways: there are some of the highest of highs and some of the lowest of lows. There are magical moments when you think the entire world is glowing around you. Then…there are those times when nothing seems to be going in your direction. Big parts of the effort are tedious and repetitious. You watch as the child/story grows to finally walk on its own legs. You feel a tendency to shelter it, but eventually it leaves on its own and enters the world to stand for itself. And finally, you take great pride in the end result.

I also have to be honest that no author writes a book alone. I’m no different. My wife, Pam, was an immense help with whom I never could have started or finished the book. Her ideas, editing, criticism, and help kept me going. Thanks to her for so much!

My friends who are authors who also helped and supported me. My publishers always gave me calm and good advice. Booksellers have welcomed me into their stores and offered support also.

Thanks to all of you!

Reprisal is available at Amazon and at most of the independent bookstores around the Twin City area. I’d be happy to speak to your book club, church, library, etc. Here are topics that others have asked me about:

What if terrorists used American children as weapons of mass destruction?

What’s it like to be a moderate, progressive Muslim struggling to live as a loyal American?

Could bio-terrorism really happen?

How can a lawyer defend someone they think is guilty and they hate working with?

Watch my web page for upcoming book signings and talks. I’d love to hear your comments–good or bad!