Exploring the Best Novel I've Written: A Writer’s Journey

Writing novels is a deeply personal journey, and it's often difficult to pinpoint just one that stands out. However, I believe my novels Falling Leaves and Mountain Ashes and Song of the Shenandoah resonate most with my readers. Falling Leaves and Mountain Ashes centers around the mountain people of the Blue Ridge, a story that encapsulates the rich culture and history of this charming region. Its sequel, Song of the Shenandoah, explores the aftermath of the displacement of these people to make way for the creation of the Shenandoah National Park.

From Real-World Notes to Fiction

My other notable work is The Interceptor Program. This novel is a departure from my usual genre, as it is based on 108 notes I took over a 40-year career in the aerospace industry. These notes documented various ironic and puzzling events I experienced in my work. Inspired by this material, I wrote the novel in the format of a movie script. The Interceptor Program tells the story of a belief held by some senior citizens that they are being targeted by space aliens. In response, a city resolution is sent to the President of the United States, requesting the design and construction of a vehicle to chase UFOs. A prominent aerospace company, despite not believing in the existence of aliens, builds a super drone to fulfill this request.

Continuing the Journey

While some individuals are naturally gifted in writing, others, like myself, may not always achieve the same level of success in every attempt. I have been fortunate enough to publish 14 books since 1998, and while each novel holds a special place in my heart, I often find that my most recent work is the one I feel I've improved significantly on. My most recent novel, Tall Tale: The Tale of the Eighth Herald, Book Two, is currently in the final stages of preparation for publication and should be available in October or November. I am excited to see how readers will react to this tale, which I believe will be well-received.

Conclusion

Whether it's the rich human drama of Falling Leaves and Mountain Ashes and Song of the Shenandoah, the intriguing mystery of The Interceptor Program, or the upcoming Tall Tale: The Tale of the Eighth Herald, Book Two, my journey as a writer has been a fulfilling one. Each novel represents a unique chapter in my life, and I hope that readers find as much enjoyment in them as I have in crafting them.

Key Takeaways

Falling Leaves and Mountain Ashes: A novel about the mountain people of the Blue Ridge and their untold story. Song of the Shenandoah: The sequel to Falling Leaves and Mountain Ashes, exploring the aftermath of the people's displacement. The Interceptor Program: A story based on real-world aerospace industry experiences, blending fact with fiction. Tall Tale: The Tale of the Eighth Herald, Book Two: A future release set to be published in October or November.